What's New for June 2013

This month we’re focusing on ESL Conversation Circles.  Many libraries are running these groups with volunteers to help English language learners through conversation and practice.  Here are some materials that might be of use to you in getting this project started at your library:

Fresno County Library recruits volunteers to facilitate small groups of adults learning English as a second language in improving their conversational English skills.  Here’s their volunteer position description.

San Jose Public Library recruits volunteer leaders to enhance the library’s services to English language learners by overseeing and implementing volunteer-led English Conversation Clubs.  Here’s their volunteer position description.

ESL Conversation Circles volunteer facilitator training -- This great Prezi presentation should help you prepare to train your volunteer facilitators.  

Conversation Club Kit -- Developed by the San Jose Public Library, this “kit” is available for volunteer facilitators to use each time they come to facilitate a group.  A great list of materials you might want to prepare too! 

P.S.  If you’re not a member of the “Get Involved: Powered by Your Library” listserv, you can keep up to date on all things library volunteers by sending an e-mail to carla.lehn@library.ca.gov and requesting to be added.