Adult Literacy Program
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
We mourn the passing of long-time literacy volunteer, Mary Maisenhelder.
Donations to the Literacy Program are gratefuly accepted.
Please make checks out to the
Friends of the Abington Township Public Library
1030 Old York Road, Abington, PA 19001
and write "Adult Literacy" on the memo line.
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 7:15 – 8:45 p.m.
A team of teachers including Beverly Willet, Donna Hower, and John Fontain 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.
Students are encouraged to express their ideas and practice writing with Bruce Brownell, retired English teacher.
Advanced English Conversation: for Intermediate and Advanced Students
Wednesdays 10 – noon
Ellen Grosskurth, who has extensive experience teaching English to foreign-born students.
Upcoming Events – For Literacy Volunteers
Tutor Support Meetings
Setting Goals that work -
Discussion about Strategies and Materials to keep tutoring sessions on track
Wednesday, September 6, 2-4 p.m. and 7-9 p.m.
Another Deep Dive into Electronic Resources
Monday, November 13, 7-9 p.m. and
Tuesday, November 14, 2-4 p.m.
Encouraging Writing for all students
Tuesday, December 5, 2-4 p.m.
Become a Literacy Volunteer
New Tutor Training Sessions
Monday, October 16 and Wednesday, October 18
6:30-8:45 p.m. Both evenings required. Call to register.
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.
