English Language Learning
About
Boston Public Library offers free classes for adult English learners (18 years and older) living in Massachusetts. To learn more, speak to a teacher during an Information Session:
- Monday | 1:00 pm-2:00 pm | Online
- Monday | 2:00 pm-3:00 pm | Codman Square Branch
- Tuesday | 3:00 pm-4:00 pm | Central Library | MassEdCO
- Tuesday | 5:30 pm-6:30 pm | Online
- Wednesday| 11:00 am-12:00 pm | West End Branch
- Wednesday | 12:00 pm-1:00 pm | Shaw-Roxbury Branch
- Wednesday | 12:30 pm-1:30 pm | Grove Hall Branch
- Friday | 10:00 am-11:00 am | Roslindale Branch
- Friday | 11:30 am-12:30 pm | East Boston Branch
- Friday | 12:30 pm-1:30 pm | Chinatown Branch
You can also contact staff at literacyservices@bpl.org or 617.859.2446.
ESOL Classes
Our structured grammar classes are divided into four levels and focus on learning the foundations of English. Registration and assessment with an instructor are required to attend grammar classes.
To register for a grammar class during our fall/winter session (September 14 – December 18), you must speak with one of our instructors during an Information Session. For the current Information Session schedule, visit our calendar. Registration for the fall/winter classes will close as of October 2, 2026.
This is a class for students with little to no English skills. Students will learn the basics of English, including how to give personal information, talk about likes and dislikes, describe everyday activities, use present and past tense, and more!
ESOL Conversation Groups
Conversation groups offer an informal and friendly group setting where new English learners can practice their speaking skills. Groups are led by a volunteer, native English speaker and are suitable for students with basic to advanced English-speaking skills. Conversation Groups are held both virtually and in-person. Many of the in-person groups do not require registration. For the current conversation group schedule, please visit our calendar.
Reading Classes
Reading practice classes are offered to beginner and intermediate level students. For the current class schedule and registration instructions, please email literacyservices@bpl.org or call 617.859.2446.
Volunteer to Help People Learn English
As of November 2027, we are temporarily pausing on accepting new volunteers for the Literacy Services Department. Please check back and this page will be updated when new volunteers are being considered.
