Our meetings are always located downstairs in the Teen Room of the Demarest Library, located at 90 Hardenburgh Avenue.
Weekly Conversation Group
The Demarest Library offers a conversation group for English language learners. We are a small handful of local students and most of us have a basic to intermediate level of speaking. Starting January 8, 2025, we have weekly meetings on Wednesdays from 11 am – 12:30 pm. Masks are optional and everyone is welcome to attend. That being said, if you think you are looking for more one-on-one help, we have resources for that below.
Registration is not required. These groups are relaxed, conversation-focused, and full of friendly students. For more information, please reach out to Geo at geo.von.griffin@demarest.bccls.org, give the library a call at 201-768-8714, or stop by the upstairs desk for a chat.
Other Resources
For more intensive English classes, consider the following free resources:
- Project Literacy offers free one-on-one tutoring services.
- Greater Bergen Community Action offers free ESL and New Americans classes. Classes are held in Palisades Park, Cliffside Park, and Garfield and run for 10 week sessions, four times a year. Registration takes place two months before each session on Fridays at 10 am. Students must bring ID, proof of address, and a social security card if they have one. Students take a placement test to determine which level class they will enter. Call the Garfield office to register to take the test at 973-685-0005, extension 7150. The office is in the back of the building, and the address is:
541 Midland Avenue
Garfield, NJ 07026 - Bergen County Technical Schools offer free English Literacy & Civics and free ESL classes. For more information, call Silvia at 201-343-6000, extension 4639 between 8am and 4pm or visit the ESL/GED office:
Adult Education Building
190 Hackensack Avenue
Hackensack, NJ 07601