There is not such a cradle of democracy upon the earth as the Free Public Library, this republic of letters, where neither rank, office, nor wealth receives the slightest consideration.” – Andrew Carnegie
Libraries are essential to an educated, democratic society. Andrew Carnegie recognized that fact in the early 20th century. He funded the establishment of thousands of public libraries around the country, including six in Seattle, to expand free access to knowledge.
Now, the Carnegie Corporation of New York has recognized the role of libraries in addressing a critical demand in 2025. This summer, Carnegie announced a major new grant to expand welcoming education programs for immigrants and refugees.
The Seattle Public Library Foundation is proud to be one of 11 recipients, part of Carnegie’s “Libraries as Pillars of Education and Democracy” initiative. The $450,000 in funding will nearly double the number of English language learning programs at The Seattle Public (SPL) over the next two years.
“Carnegie’s renewed investment in public libraries is very timely,” said SPL Chief Librarian Tom Fay. “We can help respond to an urgent need for more programs that empower Seattle’s immigrants and refugees to pursue their goals and fully participate in our city’s economic and social life.”
The grant will expand existing donor-supported programs. Classes will be more frequent and take place at more library locations. Programs include:
- English Conversation Circles – drop-in programs for practicing conversational skills.
- Leveled English Classes – structured courses for learners at different skill levels.
- Adult Education Tutoring – personalized 1-on-1 instruction in ESOL and basic skills.
- Digital Skills Classes – advancing technological literacy in several languages.
The additional funding will make classes more accessible in other ways. Features will include laptops for digital skills learners, hybrid class formats, and free onsite childcare.
Improving access at this moment is vital, said Janet Arbogast, community programs manager at Literacy Source. The organization is a longtime library partner on English Conversation Circles and more.
“For adult learners, the biggest issue is ease of access, regardless of your level of English or your immigration status or anything else,” Arbogast said.
Unfortunately, barriers to access for language learners are on the rise. Demand for classes has increased as Seattle area’s foreign-born population continues to grow. But funding, whether for providers like Literacy Source, community colleges, and others, has not kept up. The result is long waiting lists for prospective learners. Other common barriers include cost, transportation, and discomfort or distrust.
The program expansion takes aim at each of these barriers. It will add more free classes, at more times and locations, at more levels of learning, and at trusted places where people feel safe.
Pursuing dreams with English for Work
Immigrants and refugees come to America with a wide variety of skills, talents, and backgrounds. These experiences are invaluable to the workforce. But navigating language barriers and the cultural expectations of American workplaces can be challenging.
Tuyen is originally from Vietnam and was already multilingual from her time living in France. When she arrived in Seattle, she knew she needed resources to advance her English language and job skills. “I wanted to pursue my career here, so I needed to learn about U.S. work culture and improve my communication,” Tuyen said.
Go to The Seattle Public Library Foundation’s website to read the full story.
Caption for top photo: Students at a Seattle Public Library English for Work program