Free English Classes at HPL
In partnership with LiteracyNJ, Hoboken Public Library hosts free, in-person English Classes.
Beginner ESL: Thursdays @ Main Library
January – March
English Conversation Class: Thursdays @ Grand Street Branch
January – March
Winter ESL classes are currently FULL. There is a waitlist for future classes. Potential students wishing to be added to the waitlist may reach out to Tamar Samuel-Siegel, LiteracyNJ Program Coordinator, by email (tsamuelsiegel[at]literacynj.org)
Free Computer Assistance
Book a one-on-one appointment for computer help at the Main Library! Bring your own device or use one of ours. ¡Instrucción en español disponible los lunes! Visit bit.ly/hplcomputerhelp or call (201) 420-2346 x5101 to schedule your appointment.
Appointments are available Mondays 2:00-4:00 PM, Tuesdays 10:00 AM-12:00 PM, Wednesdays 5:00-7:00 PM, and Thursdays 5:00-7:00 PM.
-OR-
Drop in for one-on-one computer help at the Grand Street Branch! Bring your own device or use one of ours. No appointment required.
Help is available Mondays and Thursdays 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM in the Senior Center (1st floor), and Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Fridays 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM in the Library Branch (2nd floor). *Note: on Tuesdays, help begins at 10:30 AM.*
If you have any questions about this service, please call (201) 710-6841.
PLUS! Your Hoboken Public Library card grants you access to free, online, self-paced learning opportunities through Niche Academy. Here you can view simple step-by-step videos for:
- Internet and Email help
- How to use Zoom
- How to use Microsoft Office
- How to use Social Media
- How to receive virtual tutoring and language learning support from the library’s online services
American Sign Language (ASL) Classes for All Ages!
ASL for Beginners is an interactive and immersive class for anyone age 13+ who wants to learn American Sign Language! Learn the fundamental principles of grammar & syntax, a basic vocabulary, & the conventions of conversational discourse in the Deaf community. Class meets on Mondays from 6:00-7:00 PM in the Large Programming Room at 500 Park Ave.
At the end of this course, students will have:
- acquired a basic vocabulary in ASL;
- developed a knowledge of fundamental grammatical principles of ASL;
- developed visual perceptual skills critical to producing and understanding a visual language;
- developed comfort with the physical aspects of ASL (e.g., facial expressions, body movement);
- developed introductory skills in using ASL in common conversational situations; and
- learned basic features of American Deaf community and Deaf culture
Registration is required for any or all classes. Note: You must register for each class individually.
ASL Level II is an interactive and immersive class for anyone age 13+ who wants to build upon their study of American Sign Language! Class meets on Mondays from 6:00-7:00 PM in the Small Programming Room at 500 Park Ave.
By course end, students will be able to:
- Express needs and preferences
- Express feelings and emotions with varying degrees of intensity and inflection
- Request help and clarification
- Give descriptions with advanced classifiers
- Give and follow directions & instructions
- Ask questions & provide responses on topics such as self, others, environment, and events
- Initiate, participate in, and close an exchange
Registration is required for any or all classes. Note: You must register for each class individually.
For helpful information on community resources, services, books, and videos to aid the Deaf and hard of hearing, please click here for a helpful guide from the Hoboken Public Library.
For language preference, please click “Select Languages” in the top right hand corner.
Para preferencia de idioma, haga clic en “Select Languages” en la esquina superior derecha.
Free Learning Tools/Apps
We have a wealth of online resources that can help with research and studying as well as
downloadable books, audiobooks, streaming videos and music, and so much more.
Need a Library Card? Just click here to fill out the online application, and we will take it from there.
Try these free eLearning and Job Search resources:
You Can Make a Difference!
LiteracyNJ is always looking for volunteer tutors. You can help adults learn English, earn their High School Diploma/GED, or become a U.S. citizen! Tutor trainings are held online. For more information, please contact tsamuelsiegel[at]literacynj.org or fill out a volunteer application.
How can we help you?
Please complete our brief survey to let us know what types of classes and learning opportunities you are interested in!
If you share your contact information with us, we will be in touch to let you know about the ongoing or upcoming programs, classes, services, and resources for your chosen topic(s). We look forward to hearing from you!
Updated 2/7/23 — AB