Literacy Center and OPL offer programs together

Omaha Public Library (OPL) and the Literacy Center joined forces in August 2012 to begin offering English as a Second Language (ESL) classes at South Omaha Library.

“Many South Omaha Library patrons are from another country, such as Mexico or Sudan, and have a small working knowledge of the language,” said OPL program coordinator Sarah VanRaden. “There is a need in our community to offer these ESL classes in partnership with the Literacy Center. Beyond workbooks and audiobooks, we want to provide the resource of teachers with experience in teaching English as a second language.”

The program found great success at South Omaha Library, and expanded to OPL's Millard Branch, which also offers a Conversational English class in partnership with the Literacy Center. 

Additionally, staff at W. Dale Clark Main Library began working with the Literacy Center in 2013 to start offering Pre-GED classes, and eventually Adult Basic Education classes.

These classes help fulfill the mission of both organizations. Find a full schedule of classes offered at OPL here.

About the Literacy Center
Update: After nearly 50 years of service to the community, the Literacy Center of the Midlands closed in April 2018.