Jones Library ESL Center

The Conversation Circle had a wonderful Chanukah party on Sunday, thanks to leaders Judith and Devorah.

Fifty new citizens were sworn in at Munson Library this morning. It was a great day!

Tsultrim Dolma, a local refugee from Tibet, came to the ESL Center asking for a volunteer to help her write down her (harrowing and astonishing) life story. Her long-term goal was to inspire courage in young women facing difficult situations. After years of pushing forward on the project, she has just let us know that her story is in print! Congratulations Tsultrim! (The book will be added to our collection very soon.)

Defying China by Tsultrim Dolma, Rebecca Wei Hsieh: 9780593615959 | PenguinRandomHouse.com: Books The incredible true story of a teen who became an activist for the Tibetan independence movement, for readers of Red Scarf Girl and Farewell to Manzanar. Tsultrim Dolma, born in a tiny village in the...

Emily Wang spoke at the Jones Library's Groundbreaking Ceremony on Wednesday about how three generations of her family have found a sense of community and purpose here in Amherst. It left some of us in tears. See more at: https://www.gazettenet.com/Jones-Library-in-Amherst-breaks-ground-61860459

The Older Beginner class had moved to a church across the parking lot while the library is renovated.

Congratulations to Khoa Nguyen on attaining his high school diploma!!! And a big thanks to his tutor, Barbra Holian who was there every step of the way. It’s on to college for Khoa now—well done!

Guess who was named the "Outstanding Adult Educator of the Year" at the MCAE conference yesterday?

LOVED meeting up with today’s Jones Library ESL Center program for seniors. Meeting with these intrepid brave neighbors before monthly community office hours is a real bright spot and I appreciate the open invitation from their teacher, Lynne Weintraub.

50 people showed up for the ESL Center potluck last night. The atmosphere was warm and casual, and the food was diverse and abundant! It was a good night for seeing old friends and making new connections.

The Older Beginner class helped their teacher mail in her ballot as part of yesterday’s lesson on elections in the US.

Rep. Mindy Domb came to visit the Older Beginner ESL class today.