More Than Words
A Let’s Talk conversation group meets at the West Bloomfield Library.
Language, Friendship, and Belonging at the West Bloomfield Library
By Cathleen Russ
Learning English isn’t easy, and for many new speakers, conversation is the most challenging skill to master. The West Bloomfield Library offers two welcoming programs for adults learning English who want to practice speaking in a supportive, community-based setting. Both programs are free, open to all, and designed to make language learning enjoyable and accessible.
The popular Let’s Talk program has been helping English learners since 2009, with a brief pause from 2020 to 2023 due to the pandemic. It meets every Wednesday evening from 7 to 8:30 p.m. at the Main Library, and on Thursdays from 10 a.m. to noon for those who prefer a daytime option. Participants can drop in anytime—no registration or long-term commitment is required.
Volunteer tutors guide the Let’s Talk discussions, which are informal and include a variety of everyday topics, to allow participants to practice their conversational English. Each session exposes participants to grammar, idioms (local expressions) and slang. They practice pronunciation of words and play word games. This friendly group also just talks! Topics range from weather, travel, families, food, clothes, entertainment, and sports—anything but politics or religion. Through conversation, participants improve their vocabulary and pronunciation and gain confidence speaking English.
It is also a great opportunity to meet other people in the community who are facing the same challenges. Many friendships have formed through the years.
A participant from Japan said, “It is very helpful for people like me who have difficulty listening and understanding because they provide handouts as well as audio, write words on the whiteboard, and help me in various ways. One of the attractions is that you can experience various ways of each teacher. Also, I am very happy that the teachers are interested in the culture of people from other countries like us.”
Let’s Read
The Let’s Read book club is another opportunity for learners to improve their English skills. Meeting on the first Tuesday of each month from 2 to 3 p.m., participants read a book selected at an appropriate level and discuss it in a friendly, conversational setting. Like Let’s Talk, there’s no need to register, and the library provides the books.
Both programs are led by a team of dedicated volunteers, including former teachers and experienced tutors. About 12 facilitators rotate across the sessions, with two present at each meeting. They’re passionate about helping newcomers feel comfortable speaking English and enjoy learning about other cultures in return.
Feedback has been overwhelmingly positive. Participants say the programs have helped them build friendships, gain confidence, and even find employment. Some former members, now back in their home countries, visit Let’s Talk when returning to Michigan. Students have come from around the world, including Iraq, Japan, China, Iran, Syria, Kazakhstan, Ukraine, Russia, Italy, Germany, France, Mexico, Colombia, Brazil, Pakistan, Turkey, Peru and Israel.
Another participant said, “I enjoyed attending Let’s Talk in the West Bloomfield Library. There, I was able to meet people from various countries, and in addition to learning about American culture in class, I was able to learn about the cultures and thoughts of other countries. Unlike other ESL classes, there was no need to register, so I was able to participate whenever I wanted, which was great. Being able to study English in the beautiful Community Commons is one of my good memories of my stay in Michigan.”
To support these efforts, the library also offers several other language learning and comprehension resources for new English speakers, such as International Language collections of books and movies; databases like Mango Languages and Pronunciator; Youth Language Learning Kits and more. Visit the library or the library’s website at www.wblib.org for more information.
Community members can get involved by spreading the word and encouraging friends and neighbors to participate. New volunteer facilitators are also welcome! Anyone interested in becoming a facilitator is encouraged to attend at least one of the sessions to see what it is all about and speak to the facilitator after class.
These free, drop-in programs at the West Bloomfield Library offer more than just language practice—they provide a sense of belonging, connection, and cultural exchange. Whether you’re learning English or looking to help others on their journey, Let’s Talk and Let’s Read are meaningful ways to build community, one conversation at a time.
Cathleen Russ is the Executive Library Director at West Bloomfield Public Library. Her favorite genre is mystery.
August Schedule
Let’s Read: Tuesday, August 5, from 2-3 pm in the Community Commons at the Main Library
Let’s Talk: Wednesday, August 6, 13, and 27 from 7-8:30 pm in the Community Commons at the Main Library
Let’s Talk: Thursday, August 7, 14, and 28 from 10 am – 12 noon in the Community Commons at the Main Library
Additional Resources: The Oakland Literacy Council offers free tutoring lessons: https://www.oaklandliteracy.com/become-a-learner/.