Free English Language Programs at the Library to Expand with Significant Carnegie Grant

The Seattle Public Library is excited to announce that it’s received a prestigious $450,000 grant from Carnegie Corporation of New York that will fund a significant expansion of the Library’s free English language learning programs over the next two years.

The grant to the Seattle Public Library Foundation is part of Carnegie’s “Libraries as Pillars of Education and Democracy” initiative, which is awarding a total of $5 million to 11 libraries in nine states to strengthen English language learning and college access programs.

The grant is expected to help the Library provide more language learning and digital literacy programs, including:

• English Conversation Circles, which offer a welcoming place for learners to practice English skills;
• English classes, including an advanced ESL class to help participants prepare for college;
• Adult tutoring sessions, with one-on-one and small group instruction in English, citizenship and basic skills; and
• Computer classes in multiple languages that allow students to earn a laptop.

“Libraries are places where people build knowledge, skills, and agency,” – said Ambika Kapur, an Education program director at Carnegie. “This initiative reflects our belief in investing in civic participation — wherever people come together to learn.” 

English language learning programs are currently offered at the Beacon Hill, Broadview, Delridge, Lake City, NewHolly, Northgate and Rainier Beach branches. Programs will be added to the Central Library, and to the International District/Chinatown, High Point, South Park and Southwest branches.

Some programs will be available online, and some in-person programs will offer free onsite childcare to make it easier for parents to attend. More information about these programs will be available beginning this fall.

To offer these programs, SPL partners with trusted local organizations, such as Evergreen Goodwill, Hopelink, Literacy Source, Seattle Colleges, and Villa Comunitaria, as well as regional and city agencies such as Seattle’s Office of Immigrant and Refugee Affairs; Seattle IT; and Workforce Development Council of Seattle-King County. 

“Carnegie Corporation’s investment in public libraries is very timely,” said Tom Fay, Chief Librarian. “Thanks to this generous grant, we will be able to provide more programs that help Seattle’s immigrants and refugees pursue their goals and participate in our city’s economic and social life.”

Find more information about English language learning programs on the Library’s Adult Learning page. Some programs will be reflected on the calendar at www.spl.org/Calendar.

Voices from the community: What city leaders and partners say

“Seattle is a welcoming city that values the people and cultures that make up the fabric of our diverse communities. As we continue to embrace new neighbors from across the globe, we strive to provide individuals and families equitable access to City services and the ability to fully participate in our local economy and civic life, and to have a sense of belonging. I am grateful that Seattle is among 11 cities whose library systems will receive critical investments to empower our immigrant and refugee community members who call Seattle home.” –  Seattle Mayor Bruce Harrell

“We are grateful for Carnegie’s commitment to Seattle and to public libraries. Libraries are among our most trusted institutions, and seeing an organization like Carnegie Corporation returning to fund this transformational work is significant.” – Brian Lawrence, CEO of The Seattle Public Library Foundation, the nonprofit partner of SPL

“Literacy Source is excited to work with The Seattle Public Library and Carnegie to support English language learners in Seattle. Adult learning programs are in high demand, and this grant will help build capacity in the community. When we support English language adult learning, the whole community wins.” – Cat Howell, Co-Executive Director and Educational Director of Literacy Source

“As Seattle’s immigrant and refugee population continues to grow and enrich our community, our need for language learning programs that build skills and a sense of belonging has also grown. This funding will help our city work with trusted community partners to support our neighbors, and is especially welcome news during Immigrant Heritage Month.” – Hamdi Mohamed, director of Seattle’s Office of Immigrant and Refugee Affairs

“Expanding English language and digital skills programs, especially for immigrant and refugee communities, is a meaningful step toward breaking down barriers to opportunity. These programs don’t just teach skills – they open doors. They help people gain the tools they need to navigate daily life, pursue careers, and build stronger futures for themselves and their families. In a time when many communities are facing growing challenges, increasing access to these resources is more important than ever. We’re proud to partner with The Seattle Public Library to support this vital work.” – Marie Kurose, CEO, Workforce Development Council of Seattle – King County

Voices from the community: What students say about the impact of English language and digital literacy programs

“I was encouraged to read books in English, which helped improve my reading skills. These classes also helped me communicate better with my supervisor at work.” – Cristina, English class student

“I am part of this community. Because everyone is welcoming from the front to the inside and I get the help that I need. I am so happy that this program is here because it’s the only one I know in this area.” – Adult education tutoring student

“I can now use spreadsheets to organize my finances. As an independent adult, it (the course) gave me ideas for using technology to look for work, communicate with other people through email, and I also learned to navigate the Internet safely.” – Angelica, computer skills student

“This is my first time participating in these classes. I always wanted to improve my digital skills, but taking care of my young daughter was a challenge. Thank you so much for providing quality and culturally relevant childcare while I attended the classes.” – Irma D., computer skills student

About Carnegie Corporation of New York

Carnegie Corporation of New York was established by Andrew Carnegie in 1911 to promote the advancement and diffusion of knowledge and understanding. Today, the foundation works to reduce political polarization through philanthropic support for the issues that Carnegie considered most important: education, democracy, and peace.

Carnegie has been one of the largest philanthropic funders of libraries, from the early construction of almost 1,700 libraries in the U.S., including six historic libraries of The Seattle Public Library. Learn more about Carnegie’s longtime support of libraries at carnegie.org/libraries.