The mission of the Adult Learner Program is to provide quality services, resources, and lifelong learning opportunities through books and a variety of other formats to meet the educational needs and interests of its diverse Adult Education population.

Description and/or History:
THE ADULT LEARNER PROGRAM
The Queens Library is among the nation’s oldest and largest library systems and serves one of the most ethnically diverse populations in the country. The adult literacy program, which was founded in 1977, has its root in earlier library-based programs that provide education to its community.

The mission of the Adult Learner Program is to provide quality services, resources, and lifelong learning opportunities through books and a variety of other formats to meet the educational needs and interests of its diverse Adult Education population.

The Adult Learner Program has the following three components:

ESOL Program
Approximately 100 English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) classes are offered each year at 28 Queens Library locations. English classes are conducted by trained and experienced teachers. The ESOL Program provides staff development and support for teacher, curricula, and materials, including an ESOL collection at select libraries.

Family Literacy Program
There are two family literacy models. The pre-school model offers ESOL classes for parents, learning activities for children, and parent support at the library only. The elementary school model is in collaboration with public schools and includes homework help for parents and children, computer and parenting skills classes for parents at the library and at the collaborating school. Both models include educational family field trips.

Adult Learning Centers
There are seven Adult Learning Centers, with full-time professional staff and volunteers who tutor literacy groups and facilitate ESOL conversation groups. Centers also offer Basic Adult Education classes, video groups, writing groups, technology-assisted instruction, as well as ongoing tutor training provided by professional staff.

The Queens Library is among the nation’s oldest and largest library systems and serves one of the most ethnically diverse populations in the country. The adult literacy program, which was founded in 1977, has its root in earlier library-based programs that provide education to its community.

Contact person: Judy Trupin, Assistant Manager, Queens Library Adult Learner Program, (718) 480-4300, (email)

Address:

91-14 Merrick Blvd., 6th Floor Jamaica, NY 11432 (See a map)

Directions:

From Manhattan and Points West Take the Midtown Tunnel to the Long Island Expressway to the Grand Central Parkway East. Exit Grand Central at Parsons Boulevard. Ride along service road to traffic light (Parsons Boulevard). Turn right; continue south to Hillside Avenue. Make a left turn onto Hillside and continue to Merrick Boulevard. Turn right onto Merrick. Drive two blocks down, the Central Library entrance is between 89th and 90th Avenues. For directions from other locations please contact the Central Library Information Desk at 718-990-0778   Nearest Metro/Subway Stop: F train to the 169th Street station ,   Walk distance (in minutes): 5   Nearest Bus Stop: Numerous buses go to the 165th Street Bus Terminal, 1 minute walk