Yolo County Library

ESL

Yolo County Library ESL Classes are for English language learners with a focus on meeting the needs of our county’s rural Spanish-speaking community.

  • Esparto Regional Library, 17065 Yolo Avenue, Esparto (530) 666-8079
  • Knights Landing branch library, 42351 Third Street, Knights Landing (530) 666-8079
  • Winters Community Library, 708 Railroad Avenue, Winters  (530) 666-8079

All three branches provide beginning ESL classes twice a year with support from the California State Library.  Classes are free.

  • South Davis Montgomery library branch, Montgomery Elementary School library, Davis  (530) 666-8079

Beginning ESL classes are offered once a year with support from the City of Davis.  Classes are free.

Interested?  Contact us!

Other resources in Yolo County for learning English

ESL at Yolo County Library:

ESL Services Mission Statement:  Yolo County Library partners with residents and organizations to create a more inclusive, responsible community where people understand and can be understood through access to English learning opportunities.

ESL services are Library based:  Yolo County Library provides ESL learning opportunities at our rural library branches.  Participants get a library card and use library resources as part of the curriculum.

ESL services are a core library service:   ESL services contribute to the top three Library Strategic Priorities by: 1) providing the means to ensure that Yolo County residents read and thrive, 2) helping lifelong learners succeed, and 3) offering programs and services that strengthen community connections.  Library staff work directly with participants and develop programs and services based on the needs and aspirations of the community.

ESL services are learner-based: Each participant is invited to an intake process which involve meeting with a person of similar cultural background, listening, asking questions, and listening again.  This process is culturally sensitive and supportive. Participants will set learning objectives that help them meet their life goals.  The ESL learning opportunities will provide pathways for learners to participate as mentors, teacher’s aides, and to pursue their educational goals.

ESL services are community-focused:  Yolo County Library branches have a long history serving rural communities.  Ongoing discussions with diverse residents and social service agencies inform the library programs.   ESL services will meet with underserved individuals to make sure they are heard.  ESL services will connect learners to needed services and build on the strengths within the community.

ESL services are volunteer supported:  In Winters and Esparto, graduates of our previous ESL classes have continued to attend class as a teacher’s assistant.  They are volunteering to help so that they can continue to learn.  ESL services will provide more opportunities for learners to volunteer.  Each class will have students who participate as class assistants or leading small group discussions.   These learners build their skills and build community connections.  The volunteers from ESL learning groups will create a community of learners and bring more opportunities and resources to their families and the community at large. As the program develops volunteers, a volunteer recognition program will be established.

ESL services staff are professionally engaged:  Staff will be connected to the State Library network and participate in trainings from the State Library.  Staff with ESL teaching experience will provide trainings for volunteers and other staff.  Coordinators and managers that support ESL services will seek out evidence-based strategies in providing ESL services.