Would you like to improve your English language skills, or do you need help getting started on learning a new language? For both ESOL and world language learners, be sure to check out our wide variety of world language movies, books, magazines, and more.
Adult Education Organizations connected to Aspire
You can fill out an interest form for all of the programs below on the ASPIRE Ohio portal. Some of the programs use this as their primary mode of registration, while others provide another means of registering. The ASPIRE portal does not show actual class schedules or descriptions for each program.
- Columbus Literacy Council – Offers a range of ESOL classes in different formats at various locations including some Columbus Metropolitan Library (CML) branches. You must fill out the form below and attend an orientation before joining a class.
- Interest form: https://form.jotform.com/202573834071150
- Cost: free and fee-based
- Locations: across Central Ohio including CML Whetstone, CML Dublin, CML Hilliard, and CML Northside
- Columbus State Community College Language Institute. Offers low-cost, non-credit Basic ESL classes on a semester schedule.
- Cost: $110-$210 per session
- Godman Guild. Fill out an intake form through Aspire.
- Cost: free
- in person and online
- Columbus City Schools Adult & Community Education. Fill out an intake form through Aspire.
- Delaware Area Career Center. Fill out an intake form through Aspire
- Locations: Delaware, Hiliard, Marysville, Plain City, Lewis Center
- Eastland-Fairfield Career and Technical Schools. Fill out an intake form through Aspire
- Locations: Reynoldsburg and Whitehall
Upper Arlington and surrounding area organizations
- Asian American Community Services
- Upper Arlington Public Library The UA Library branches offer English discussion groups and conversation practice. On our Events Calendar, select ESL as the Event Type to find out more, or call us at (614) 486-9621 ext. 252.
- Festa: 3-Generation Family ESL
- Coffee and Conversation at Northwest United Methodist Church
- Columbus Metropolitan Library (multiple branches) Under Event Type, select ESOL Class to find times and locations.
- English Conversation Tables (in-house staff)
- Columbus Literacy Council/CLC Works
- 614-362-1625
- Delaware Career Center – 740-203-2267
- Eastland-Fairfield Career & Technical Schools – 614-836-4541, ext. 1659
Other Organizations
- Dominican Learning Center Low-cost, one-on-one tutoring.
- flexible location
- Cost: $45 per year
- ETTS
- Location: northeast Columbus
- Cost: free
- International Neighborhood Coffee Hour (INCH) at University Baptist Church
- Somali Community Association of Ohio (SCAO)
- Location: 3422 Cleveland Ave
- Cost: free
- LSS 211 Central Ohio – Formerly HandsOn Central Ohio, LSS 211 helps connect people in the community to services and resources they need. Search “English as a Second Language” to find organizations that provide education to adults and younger people, or call 211 (614-221-6766 outside of Central Ohio) for more information.
Databases
The following are part of Upper Arlington Public Library’s database subscriptions. Unless you are in one of our library branches, you will need your library card number and PIN to access them. Please note: Links to our databases open in a new window or tab in your browser.
- Mango Languages – An online language-learning system that includes lessons on learning English from 19 different native language perspectives, including Chinese, Spanish, Arabic, and more. English speakers can also learn new languages.
- Oxford English Dictionary – Provides a guide to the meaning and history of words from across the English speaking world, including quotations showing changes in meaning over time.
- World Book Encyclopedia – Articles in this award-winning encyclopedia can be translated into your choice of dozens of languages. You can also access the Spanish- and French-language editions of World Book Encyclopedia from this link.
Journals / Magazines
Below is UAPL’s selection of world language magazine titles. These can be found in the Research Department of the Main Library.
- Chinese
- French
- Japanese
- Spanish
Reference Resources
Visit the Research Department in the Tremont Branch Library for resources on English and world languages, available for use during our regular hours of operation. You will find English-language and world-language dictionaries, as well as dictionaries on:
Online resources
- NEH Spanish Learning Resources
- Duolingo: a free language learning app
- Pimsleur audiobooks, available in the Libby app
For questions or assistance please visit the Research Department in the Tremont Branch Library, or contact us by phone at 614-486-3342 or email at [email protected].