Wendy Preilis
The Adult Learning Center (ALC) is an adult literacy department that has been a part of the Johnson County Public Library (JCPL) since 1985. The ALC’s mission is to provide literacy services to adults in Johnson County. Over the years, the department has changed with population trends. Today, the ALC primarily provides services to adults learning English as a second language and learning about American culture. We also have services available to adults who want to brush up on basic skills in reading, writing, math and computers, or prepare for tests for a driver’s license, CDL, HSE or citizenship.
ALC is located at the Clark Pleasant Branch Library and we provide services at all JCPL locations. Adults over the age of 18 are eligible to attend classes. Lesson plans are tailored to each student’s needs. The ALC offers a variety of programs, on Zoom and in-person, such as reading programs, conversation classes and one-on-one tutoring. The ALC’s manager and part-time assistant teach classes, and 15 volunteers currently teach more than 30 adults each week in one-on-one tutoring sessions.
Over the years, we have helped many adults pass tests, become citizens, secure employment, successfully read and understand medical treatment reports, understand American report cards, volunteer with local groups and attend school programs. In addition to helping our students academically, the ALC provides a space for social development where students can make life-long friends with tutors, neighbors and teachers, and become contributing adults in our community.
The relationships formed between students and teachers have been impactful and inspiring. For example, we had tutors stand in as special friends at Grandparents’ Day celebrations at local schools for an adult learner’s child. Members of the conversation group banded together to provide healthy meals for a family in need. We had adults meet for the first time in Indiana and then continue their friendship when the student returned to Japan. We have supported new families and watched the new businesses of our adult learners flourish in Johnson County. Our community has shown a lot of Hoosier Hospitality over the years to our small, global library program. We strive to continue this tradition.
Throughout the pandemic, the ALC maintained its quality of services via Zoom. In the last two years, the ALC offered 501 programs with a combined attendance of 2,774 and held over 1,500 hours of one-on-one tutoring. Since relocating to the Clark Pleasant Branch Library in March, we have added 15 new adult learners to our classes.
The ALC is always looking for willing volunteers to provide English instruction to students, and you do not need to speak the native language of the adult learner. Volunteering with the ALC is a meaningful way to give back to the community. The adult learners are very motivated to learn English and American culture and make new friends.
The ALC invites you to family-friendly programs in June and July to get to know us. Come learn about our services and tell a friend, neighbor or co-worker about this great, free resource at the library. If you want to become an ALC student or volunteer, visit PageAfterPage.org/alc.
Wendy Preilis is the Adult Learning Center Manager for Johnson County Public Library. JCPL staff members share in writing this bi-monthly column for the Daily Journal. Send comments to [email protected].
