Celebrate the Past and Present of English Language Learning in Cincinnati     

Written by Clarity Amrein, Community Content Coordinator; and Mackenzie Manley, Content Specialist, Downtown Main Library 

The United States’ first recorded English as a Second Language (ESL) classes were held in Cincinnati in 1856 at the German Branch of the YMCA located on West Court Street. In the following century-plus, English language instruction grew and evolved through public schools, community centers like the Cincinnati & Hamilton County Public Library (CHPL), and the YMCA.  

Take in the storied history of early ESL classes and learn about modern-day offerings via the Huenefeld Cincinnati Story Center’s digital exhibit English Language Learning in Cincinnati: Past & Present. The physical and digital exhibit will be unveiled as part of the Downtown Main Library’s multicultural celebration on Sept. 19, from 3 to 6 p.m. titled Language & Culture at CHPL: Stories of English Language Learners, where customers can explore the exhibit while enjoying food from the Arepa Place, live music from Sarah Gorak, and stories from around the world! (The event will take place in the Story Center located on the second floor of the South Building.) 

Want to share your own story? The event will include a short open mic session. Feel free to bring a song, dance, game, poem, or cultural artifact from your culture or country to share.   

Take in the Stories of English Language Learners 

The English Language Learning in Cincinnati exhibit includes recorded video oral histories of eight current ESOL (English Speakers of Other Languages) students at the Library, which was made possible through the Story Center partnering with CHPL’s Adult Programs department along with ESOL instructor and Adult Programs Coordinator Brooke Meyer.  

The video oral histories can be viewed on the Library’s YouTube and the playlist features the rich stories of eight students from seven countries around the world, including Turkey, Ecuador, Peru, Mali, Mexico, Russia, and Sri Lanka. Students share their stories of moving to the United States and their journeys learning English at the Library.  

ESOL Classes at the Library 

The Library hosts free English for Speakers of Other Languages classes at multiple locations across Cincinnati and Hamilton County for students of all international backgrounds, as well as virtual classes. You can also access resources like online language databases and join events like in-person chats.  

View the Library’s full monthly calendar at chpl.org/new-americans/esol. Beginner, intermediate, advanced, and conversation classes are all offered. The Library also maintains a list of ESOL classes held by outside organizations.