The Maplewood Memorial Library has been awarded a grant for $72,053 from the New Jersey Department of Labor and Workforce Development (LWD) for its Adult Literacy & Community Library Partnership Pilot Program.
This is the largest grant ever awarded to the Maplewood Library and will help the library achieve its goal of reaching underserved populations by providing English as a Second Language (ESL) classes to the community.
Amanda Eigen, Adult Services Librarian at Hilton, wrote the grant with help from colleagues Barbara Laub and Kathy Goldfine. The demand for ESL classes in our community is very high, and Eigen has been working tirelessly to find funding for ESL services at the Hilton Branch.
The Library will partner with Literacy Volunteers of America (LVA), Essex and Passaic counties, to provide ESL instruction, including classroom instruction and conversation groups at its Hilton Branch on Tuesday and Thursday mornings from June 1, 2016 – May 31, 2017.
The purpose of the ALCLP pilot grant program is to create direct partnerships between local libraries and New Jersey’s Federal WIOA Title II adult literacy instructional service providers. New Jersey libraries are an essential partner in providing adult literacy services within their communities. The grant is designed to improve access and instructional opportunities for New Jersey residents to increase their English Language proficiency and allow them to master the skills needed to fully participate and advance in the job market.
Classes will include classroom instruction and conversation groups. Classes will begin this summer, and will be held on Tuesday and Thursday mornings. Registration is required. Interested students must register in person on one the following dates:
Thursday, June 2, 9, 16, 23, 30
9:00 am to 12:00 noon at Hilton Branch
For more information, call 973-566-6200 ext. 217
See the library’s website for more details or call LVA at 973-566-6200 ext. 217. Questions about the grant may be directed to Amanda Eigen at the Hilton Branch: 973-762-1688.
