The Port Washington Public Library has received $20,000 in state funds for its English for Speakers of Other Languages program.
State Sen. Jack Martins (R-Old Westbury) helped obtain the funds.
The library’s ESOL program provides people with language learning classes, orientation sessions for new immigrants, citizenship participation, High School Equivalency Degree preparation, homework help and computer instruction.
“Port Washington Library’s ESOL program is an important resource to help new immigrants become citizens, develop their English language skills and assimilate into the community,” Martins said.
This summer, the program, which was established in 1982, is offering a variety of classes from pronunciation and writing instruction to math and citizen preparation classes.
“Our ESOL program is so successful that we have run out of space and will use this grant to build an ESOL classroom,” said Nancy Curtin, the library director. “We cannot thank Senator Martins enough for helping us to meet this critical need and for his continual support of the library.”
According to a news release, the program currently has over 300 students from 35 countries.
“Providing these valuable services will help these men, women and children achieve the American dream,” Martins said.
