Library Adult Learners Detail Accomplishments

Several program participants hold a "Banking" sign, indicating the program helped them better manage their finances.

On Saturday, November 18, nearly 100 people gathered at Antun's catering hall in Queens Village. They were Queens Library adult learners, waiting to share their stories and their accomplishments as part of the Adult Learner Program's annual luncheon and celebration of tutors and Learning Center students.

Before an audience of more than 500 adult learners and family members, volunteer tutors, library staff and guests, the adult learners waited their turn to read cards they had written during the lunch. Printed on the cards was the phrase, "Because I came to Queens Library I can...". The learners completed the phrase by detailing how the library helped them reach their particular goals.

At times with the assistance of one of the library's Learning Center staff, many learners told of their new ability to speak English or read and write. Some were short, "I, Hubert P, can now read and write," one person declared. Others elaborated further. Said one participant, "Because I came to the Queens Library, I can live my life in the U.S.A. completely. I took my baby steps at the Steinway Adult Learning Center, the best place to learn how to read and write English."

A collage of photos shows participants in the Queens Borough Public Library Adult Learning Center program holding up signs indicating the goals the program helped them accomplish.

Others spoke of more specific accomplishments that the Library Adult Learning Centers helped them achieve-reading a bank statement for the first time, reading a map, getting a job as a teaching assistant or gaining citizenship. Said one student, "I gain my confidence and now I can go anywhere. I can go hospital. I can take subway and I'm very happy."

In addition to the comments written by learners at the luncheon, each of the Centers made formal presentations. Students read original poetry, participated in a readers' theater presentation of an excerpt from House on Mango Street, and performed dances and songs from their countries of origin.

The luncheon program began with introductory remarks by Queens Library Director Tom Galante and Susan Dalmas, manager of the Adult Learner Program. Anthony Tassi, director of the New York City Office of Adult Education, congratulated the learners on their accomplishments. He also emphasized how strongly Mayor Michael Bloomberg supported the learners' achievements. City Councilmember Leroy Comrie (D-St. Albans) also congratulated the learners.

At the luncheon awards were also presented to outstanding tutors at each of the six centers. A plaque was presented by Maureen O'Connor and Michael Semple, manager of the Rochdale ALC, to the Friends of Rochdale ALC, who raised nearly $400,000 for the Center.

Learners were asked to stand and remain standing if they had an achievement in any of 10 areas, including getting a library card, reading to a child, obtaining citizenship or traveling independently. Nearly every adult learner present rose. As one student put it, "Queens Library is my 'another university'."