ESOL Coordinator: Tanya Auger
Email: ESOL@wellesleyfreelibrary.org

The Wellesley Free Library sponsors Wellesley ESOL, a program for people who live and/or work in Wellesley and for whom English is a new language. Dedicated volunteers provide beginning through advanced tutoring and classroom instruction to help develop language skills necessary for successful participation in the community.  Students acquire language skills and an understanding of life in the United States through reading, writing, speaking and listening in a welcoming environment.

Watch a short video about Wellesley ESOL.

Generously sponsored by The Wellesley Free Library Foundation.


Fall ESOL 2026 Classes

Registration for Fall 2026 classes opens Tuesday, September 8, through Friday, September 18. Classes begin Tuesday, September 22.

Step 1 English: Beginners

Thursdays

10–11AM

Starts Sept 24


WFL, in person

For students just starting to learn English, this class focuses on basic vocabulary, simple grammar, speaking, listening, and everyday conversations. Students will begin to gain confidence using English in daily life.

Step 2 English: Advanced Beginners

DAY – TBD

TIME – TBD

Start date – TBD


WFL, in person

This class includes reading, writing, speaking, and listening through short stories, conversations, and activities. Students will learn to use English in more situations.

Step 3 English: Low Intermediate

Tuesdays

Noon–1PM

Starts Oct 6


WFL, in person

Appropriate for those who can use English in everyday life, this class helps improve vocabulary and conversation skills. We read stories, discuss ideas, and practice English for work, school, and community life.

English in Action: Intermediate Conversations Skills

Thursdays

10–11AM

Starts Sept 24


WFL, in person

This intermediate-level class will focus on building vocabulary, strengthening grammar, and engaging in conversations about contemporary life and culture. Topics will include, but are not limited to, family, community, food, art and music. We will use visuals, listen to music, speak in small groups and with partners, and role play.

Debate Club: Speaking and Listening for Intermediate ESOL Learners

Tuesdays

9:30–10:30AM

Starts Sept 22


WFL, in person

In this interactive class, intermediate ESOL students will build speaking and listening skills through short, structured debates on current and relevant topics. Students will practice expressing opinions, giving reasons and examples, asking follow-up questions, and responding to different points of view. The class will emphasize practical conversation skills, clear communication, active listening, and confidence speaking in a group.

Short Film Club — Watch and Discuss: A Class for Intermediate / Advanced Students

Wednesdays

10–11:30AM

Starts Oct 28


WFL, in person

Sharpen your English skills while exploring the world of film! In this class for intermediate and advanced students, we watch short films and then discuss the stories, characters, and themes together. It’s a fun way to build vocabulary, practice speaking and listening, and enjoy engaging movies in a relaxed setting.

News & Views — Exploring American Culture with The New York Times: A Class for Intermediate/Advanced Students

Thursdays

9:30–10:45AM

Starts Sept 24


Meets at Wellesley Friendly Aid

Together, we will read and discuss articles from The New York Times to learn about American culture, history, and current events. Students will practice advanced reading, expand vocabulary, and share their own ideas in conversation. This class is designed for intermediate and advanced English students who want to improve their language skills while learning about life in the United States.

English and Life in the USA: A Class for Intermediate / Advanced Students

Mondays, 9–10AM or

Tuesdays 7–8PM

Starts Sept 28/29


Virtual (On Zoom)

In this class, we practice English at the intermediate/advanced level while learning about life in America. Each week, we talk about different topics such as American history, culture, art, and current events. Students will build vocabulary, improve conversation skills, and learn more about living in the U.S. in a friendly and supportive group.

Beyond Small Talk: Advanced English Conversation

Tuesdays

10–11 AM

Starts Sept 22


Virtual (On Zoom)

Join a dynamic group of advanced English learners as we dive into timely topics and lively discussions. Each week we explore current news stories, local happenings, cultural traditions, favorite books, and whatever else sparks student interest. Along the way, you’ll expand your vocabulary, sharpen your conversation skills, and share perspectives in a welcoming, multicultural community. From swapping holiday traditions to discussing global events—and even taking the occasional field trip, like visiting the Wellesley College Observatory—this class is all about learning through connection.

ESOL Friday Fun and Conversation: A Drop-in Class for ALL!

Fridays

9–11AM

Drop in!


WFL, Room 102 in the Commons

Kick off your Friday mornings with friendly conversation and plenty of laughs! Join us (whether you live in Wellesley or not!) for a fun, drop-in ESOL class where all levels are welcome—from total beginners to seasoned speakers. People from all over the world come together to share cultures and traditions while meeting new friends from Wellesley and nearby towns. Each week features a special activity along with snacks and tea, making it the perfect chance to learn and practice English while socializing. Sometimes we’ll meet a special guest or go on a field trip! Every Friday is a new adventure and a new learning experience for everyone—all in a warm, welcoming atmosphere.

English for Work and Community (for Russian Speakers)

Fridays

1–2PM

Starts Sept 25


WFL, in person

This small-group ESOL class is for Russian speakers at the advanced beginner to intermediate level who can use basic English but want to speak with more confidence and accuracy. The course focuses on practical speaking and listening skills, core grammar, and everyday vocabulary for work and daily life. Students practice real-world conversations, asking questions, and expressing ideas in a supportive setting, with individualized feedback and frequent opportunities to speak.

Everyday English (for Spanish Speakers)

Wednesdays

10–11AM

Starts Sept 9


WFL, in person

This small-group ESOL class is for Spanish speakers at the advanced beginner to low-intermediate level who have basic English skills and want to improve fluency and understanding. The course emphasizes pronunciation, sentence structure, and practical vocabulary for everyday situations such as work and community interactions, with a strong focus on speaking and listening practice in a supportive, interactive setting.

Application for ESOL Students

  • If you would like to receive text or voice messages about ESOL class updates (such as cancellations or schedule changes), you may optionally provide a cell phone number.


Helpful Resources

Mango Languages
Mango is designed to equip you with conversational abilities from the very start. Whether you’re learning how to order a pizza or ask when the game starts, Mango immerses you in real, everyday conversations in 60 different language courses and ESOL instruction for speakers of 18 languages.  The newest feature is language learning through film with popular films in their native language.

MassLINKS
MassLINKS provides access to free educational services for residents of Massachusetts supporting their educational attainment and employability through standards basic skills and/or English language instruction, workplace readiness instruction, and college preparation activities. All instruction and services are delivered remotely.

News For You Online
This interactive site uses real news articles to help with learning to read, write, speak, and understand English. Seven new stories are posted each Wednesday along with audio, exercises, vocabulary, a crossword puzzle, and a poll. Listen to each article in full, or sentence-by-sentence. Click on any story to get started or to hear and see a sample. You will need a password to enjoy all the features of this site.  Please email us for the password.

PressReader  offers 7000 daily newspapers and magazines from 120+ countries in 60 languages using a computer or mobile app. Using either a computer or mobile app, you’ll find global news from the world’s most reputable journalists and sources, including The Washington Post, The Guardian, and The Globe and Mail. Explore magazines on a wide range of topics including art, science, business and history. Click here for a tutorial on how to use PressReader.