A commitment to expand access and empower immigrants and refugees

“There is not such a cradle of democracy upon the earth as the Free Public Library, this republic of letters, where neither rank, office, nor wealth receives the slightest consideration.” – Andrew Carnegie

Libraries are essential to an educated, democratic society. Andrew Carnegie recognized that fact in the early 20th century. He funded the establishment of thousands of public libraries around the country, including six in Seattle, to expand free access to knowledge.

Now, the Carnegie Corporation of New York has recognized the role of libraries in addressing a critical demand in 2025. This summer, Carnegie announced a major new grant to expand welcoming education programs for immigrants and refugees.

The Foundation is proud to be one of 11 recipients, part of Carnegie’s “Libraries as Pillars of Education and Democracy” initiative. The $450,000 in funding will nearly double the number of English language learning programs at our library over the next two years.

“Carnegie’s renewed investment in public libraries is very timely,” said SPL Chief Librarian Tom Fay. “We can help respond to an urgent need for more programs that empower Seattle’s immigrants and refugees to pursue their goals and fully participate in our city’s economic and social life.”

The grant will expand existing donor-supported programs. Classes will be more frequent and take place at more library locations. Programs include:

• – English Conversation Circles – drop-in programs for practicing conversational skills.

• – Leveled English Classes – structured courses for learners at different skill levels.

• – Adult Education Tutoring – personalized 1-on-1 instruction in ESOL and basic skills.

• – Digital Skills Classes – advancing technological literacy in several languages.

The additional funding will make classes more accessible in other ways. Features will include laptops for digital skills learners, hybrid class formats, and free onsite childcare.

Improving access at this moment is vital, said Janet Arbogast, community programs manager at Literacy Source. The organization is a longtime library partner on English Conversation Circles and more.

“For adult learners, the biggest issue is ease of access, regardless of your level of English or your immigration status or anything else,” Arbogast said.

Unfortunately, barriers to access for language learners are on the rise. Demand for classes has increased as Seattle area’s foreign-born population continues to grow. But funding, whether for providers like Literacy Source, community colleges, and others, has not kept up. The result is long waiting lists for prospective learners. Other common barriers include cost, transportation, and discomfort or distrust.

The program expansion takes aim at each of these barriers. It will add more free classes, at more times and locations, at more levels of learning, and at trusted places where people feel safe.

English Conversation Circles are a perfect example, said Sarah Garcia, an instructor with the program. Instead of figuring out how to sign up for a limited spot in a costly course, people can stop by a library branch to practice their language skills. Conversation Circles are open to anyone, including people who may not qualify for other courses.

“It’s great for students to be able to drop in and have easy access to conversations that build comfort and confidence,” Garcia said. “Week by week you see the confidence, the vocabulary, and the friendships building.”

While at the classes, students get to know people from other countries of origin and learn about other library programs. “It’s a great way to link people to the community,” Garcia said.

The variety of library offerings is crucial, said Arbogast. Not every language learner is ready to hold a conversation in English with a stranger. Offering more formal classes at different levels, as well as individual tutoring options, will help meet more people’s needs.

In order to fulfill their mission as “cradles of democracy,” libraries must be able to provide free knowledge for everyone. The demand—and the barriers—for knowledge serving immigrants and refugees are high. But the commitment is stronger than ever.

Pursuing dreams with English for Work

Immigrants and refugees come to America with a wide variety of skills, talents, and backgrounds. These experiences are invaluable to the workforce. But navigating language barriers and the cultural expectations of American workplaces can be challenging.

Tuyen is originally from Vietnam and was already multilingual from her time living in France. When she arrived in Seattle, she knew she needed resources to advance her English language and job skills. “I wanted to pursue my career here, so I needed to learn about U.S. work culture and improve my communication,” Tuyen said.

Like so many newcomers, Tuyen visited the library to find resources. At the Rainier Beach Branch, she saw a flyer for the English for Work program with Hopelink, supported by Foundation donors. The partnership began last year and brought Hopelink’s classes into Seattle city limits for the first time. This summer, Hopelink provided a free six-week course on language and cultural skills for the workplace. The hybrid course took place twice a week at the Rainier Beach Branch and once a week online.

“This is a space where we’re tangibly helping people with real-world skills,” said instructor Kaëla Yuen, herself an immigrant from Canada.

The course includes group conversations, textbook exercises, and homework. For one assignment, students note their personal values and compare them to the listed values of local companies. They analyze their personal strengths and “soft skills.” They practice writing resumes using strong verbs.

The assignments conclude with a “dream job project.” Students identify their desired position and research its requirements, salary, and local availability. They write an essay describing how their dream job matches their personal experiences and interests, and what skills they still need to develop to be hired.

Hosting the course at the library makes it much more accessible for many students, Kaëla said. SPL, and the Rainier Beach Branch in particular, is a trusted space. Students also learn about many other resources available through the library, such as digital skills classes or business certifications. “I can’t even believe the amount of resources that SPL offers to patrons,” Kaëla said.

Many summer students continued onto a free 10-week course this fall. It features one-on-one career advising, mock job interviews, and more advanced English instruction. The library hopes to continue offering tiered courses and expand the program to more locations.

Tuyen, who completed an English for Work course earlier this year, has continued to participate as a volunteer. She assists Kaëla with lessons and student instruction. She wanted to stay part of the community the course builds.

“I want to keep learning from everyone who wants to improve themselves,” Tuyen said. “And to be part of the new U.S.”

Your gift to the Foundation empowers immigrants and refugees with resources and educational opportunities as they overcome barriers and pursue their dreams. Give today!