For residents seeking to improve their English language skills, local libraries are often their first point of access to resources and classes.
More than 16% of Lake County residents and over 6% of Sumter County residents speak a language other than English at home, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. To help non-native speakers learn English to better navigate their day-to-day lives, public libraries in Lake and Sumter counties including Bushnell, E.C. Rowell, Leesburg and Lady Lake host conversation clubs and English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) classes.
Robert Rose, reference librarian with the Sumter County Public Library System, said its English Conversations Club is a new program that started in July. It is offered at both the Bushnell Public and E.C. Rowell Public libraries.
“The program was created in-house to provide an additional learning opportunity based on the needs and interests of our community,” said Rose, who is also the club’s instructor. “Because the class is still relatively new, we hope to continue to build awareness and encourage participation as more residents learn about this opportunity.”
The club meets from 10 to 11 a.m. on the second Wednesday of the month at E.C. Rowell Public Library, 2810 C-478 A, Webster, and from 10 to 11 a.m. on the fourth Wednesday of the month at the Bushnell Public Library, 402 N Florida Ave., Bushnell.
“These classes provide a welcoming environment where residents can practice conversational English, build confidence in their communication skills and connect with others in the community,” Rose said.
The Leesburg Public Library in Lake County has been offering its English conversation class for the past 11 years. Established and run by library volunteer Judy Hendrickson, with support from co-teacher Carl Collar, the classes take place from 10 a.m. to noon every Monday in the technology lab of the library, 100 E Main St., Leesburg.
Over the last year, volunteers have put in 469.5 hours to help 39 people practice their English through the program. Robert Voyles, Leesburg Public Library program coordinator, said the class helps fulfill the library’s mission.
“Classes like this fulfill our mission by turning the library into an active center for connection, practical skill-building and personal growth,” he said. “Lifelong learning extends far beyond books on shelves. It is about creating welcoming, accessible spaces where residents from all backgrounds can build confidence, learn from one another and gain the practical skills needed to thrive in everyday life.
“Programs like this break down barriers and foster a stronger sense of belonging,” he said. “By bringing neighbors together to share their experiences and practice language in a supportive environment, the library continues to serve as an essential community hub that adapts to the real, evolving needs of every resident we serve.”
The Lady Lake Public Library offers a weekly ESOL class from 10 to 11:30 a.m. Mondays in the computer lab of the library, 225 W. Guava St., Lady Lake.
For more information about the Leesburg library’s adult literacy program or to become a tutor, visit leesburgflorida.gov or call 352-728-9790, option 3. For more information about the Lady Lake library’s ESOL program, call 352-753-2957.
Staff writer Brea Jones can be reached at 352-753-1119, ext. 5414, or brea.jones@thevillagesmedia.com.
