Adult Literacy Program

Adult Literacy at Abington Free Library 2014

Since 1984, our program has been training volunteer tutors to help both native English-speaking students and foreign-born students improve their English literacy skills. We also have tutors who assist adults students with math and other subject areas to help prepare them to take the GED or other tests.

We also provide classes for English language learners throughout the year. Please call or email for a schedule. Click here for the schedule so far.

Over 100 volunteer tutors are currently working with 195 students through the Literacy Program. Because of the high demand for in our area, we always need new tutors. We provide training and materials. If you’d like to volunteer through our program, please either contact us, or fill out the Volunteer Application form, online in a PDF and drop it off at the Library.

Please contact Abington Adult Literacy at 215-885-5183 or email ablit1@yahoo.com

Office hours: Monday-Thursday 10:00am - 1:00pm, and by appointment.

– Elizabeth Sperling

Spring New Tutor Training will be Tuesday, March 17, Wednesday, March 18, and Thursday, March 19, 2020. 6:30-8:45 pm. All session are required. Registration is required.

Join our corps of wonderful teachers for our ESL classes. Call for details.

Classes Offered through Abington Free Library - Ongoing Events for Students

Classes for English Language Learners

All students must be interviewed and tested prior to attending classes.

Improve your English while learning about U.S. culture and government.

Conversation Classes for Beginning and Intermediate Students:

Mondays 7:00 – 8:30 p.m.
A team of teachers including Beverly Willet, John Fontain, and Ann Gaugler lead an interactive class for non-native English speakers.

Tuesdays 10:30 – noon
Gerrie Greene, Bruce Brownell, Andrea Shafron and Erika Witt teach this supportive group class utilizing activities to encourage students to practice and improve their English skills.

Writing Class: All levels

Tuesdays 12:30 – 2 p.m.
Teachers, Linda George and Bonnie Dalzell, encourage students to express themselves as they improve their English skills.

Advanced English Conversation: for Intermediate and Advanced Students

Wednesdays 10 – noon
Christine Zucker leads a spirited class that focuses on conversation and vocabulary development for our more advanced students.

Upcoming Events – For Literacy Volunteers

Tutor Support Meetings

Phonics! – How Phonics instruction can help students improve their English, their spelling, and their reading skills.
Wednesday, February 12, 2-4 p.m. and 7 – 9 p.m.

Writing Workshop – how to coach your student to improve his or her writing skills.
With Marsha Pecker, tutor, retired teacher, and school administrator
Wednesday, April 15, 2-4 p.m. and 7-9 p.m.

Grammar – when and how to include grammar in your lessons.
Tuesday, May 19, 2-4 p.m. and 7-9 p.m.

Become a Literacy Volunteer

New Tutor Training Sessions
Tutor Training will be held over three evenings: Tuesday, March 17, Wednesday, March 18, and Thursday, March 19. Registration is required.

Adult Literacy English Conversation Class

Opportunities to Get Involved:

Become a Literacy Volunteer – Look for future Tutor Trainings.
Become a Fundraising Volunteer - Help with our on-going fundraising efforts - Join a small group of dedicated volunteers to review funding opportunities and write grant applications. Grant writing experience preferred, but not required.

For more information, please stop by the Literacy Office or contact us at 215-885-5183 or ablit1@yahoo.com.

Literacy Office hours: Monday through Thursday, 10 a.m. – 1 p.m. and by appointment.