Volunteer Erik Petersen is the ESL Conversation Club Facilitator at Biblioteca Latinoamericana.  Every Wednesday at 6:00 PM, he leads the ESL Conversation Club.   In this blog posting, Erik answers questions about himself and his interests.
 

Tell us about yourself.

I am a San Jose native who's lived in the South Bay my entire life. What I've always appreciated about growing up in the Bay Area is its sheer diversity. From a young age, I'd been exposed to various Latin American and Asian cultures that exist in San Jose, including their languages like Spanish and Tagalog. This is partly what spurred my initial interest in language. I decided to take Latin classes in high school, and knew by the end of my senior year I wanted to study language science in college. As of last spring, I finished up a linguistics and German language double major at SJSU. Having studied these two complementary degrees, I feel that I can contribute what I learned about language itself to the club. Topics we discuss range from current local or national events to language and cultural comparison.  An analytical approach to language and a natural curiosity have allowed me to learn just as much from attendees as I hope they learn from the club itself.

Why are you interested in volunteering?

I wanted to get involved with volunteering since I'd never done any before. I have a goal of eventually teaching English abroad. I figured this position is great way to test the waters. I have a friend with similar goals who leads an ESL conversation club at the Berryessa branch, and he recommended it to me. Helping others improve their skill in English has been rewarding, especially having been on the other side of the aisle, so to speak. I spent a year studying in Germany, and I really appreciated those who would patiently spend the time to converse with me. That sort of exchange improved my German in ways that were impossible in the classroom. Likewise, conversation club is distinct from the ESL classes at the library in that it's more informal and less about grammar or pronunciation. Seeing as I'm a facilitator, I don't consider myself a teacher in the sense of being the 'head' of the club. Rather my role is to help create an environment where attendees feel comfortable to add to discussion or introduce topics of their own. Of course I answer questions and moderate discussions, but if a positive conversation is happening I keep my interruptions to a minimum. The club is for attendees to speak up, not me!

What do you like about Biblioteca Latinoamericana?

One thing I have noticed is the amount of activities available at this location. It seems every week I come in there is something to see: children's story time, ESL classes, and even creative cultural displays. I also appreciate the very existence of a multicultural library providing bilingual services. In my experience, the employees who provide those services have all been very helpful, and I've seen a clear mutual appreciation among all the volunteers. Overall, I view Biblioteca Latinoamericana as a unique offering among public libraries in the South Bay.

The ESL Conversation Club at Biblioteca Latinoamericana meets on Wednesdays at 6:00 pm.   Practice your English in a friendly informal group that meets once a week for an hour.

La Club de Conversación en inglés se reúne cada miercoles a 6:00 pm en la  Biblioteca Latinoamericana.  Practiquen el inglés en un grupo amistoso e informal que se reúne una hora cada semana.

San José Public Library has a total of 7 library branches that have Family Learning Centers (FLC).  These branches are Bascom (opens on February 23, 2013), Biblioteca Latinoamericana, Dr. Roberto Cruz Alum Rock, East Branch, Hillview, Seven Trees, and Tully Community Branch. Each Family Learning Center has  books, DVDs, audio CDs, and kits on topics such as English as Second Language, Citizenship, job search, and exams, with an intention to help new Americans succeed in United States.           

 In addition, all Family Learning Centers computers are also equiped with ESL software that are specially installed for English learners. If you would like to learn how to use a computer to learn English, a few Family Learning Centers do offer Computer Orientation weekly .

The schedule of FLC Orientation is below:

• Dr. Roberto Cruz Alum Rock: Tuesdays 1-2 PM (in English and/or Spanish)
• Seven Trees Branch: Thursdays 11-12 Noon (in English and/or Spanish)
• Tully Branch: Wednesdays 6-7 PM  (in English and/or Vietnamese)

At each orientation, adult and children learners will be introduced to ESL software, websites to learn    English, how to type, and Live Homework Help on Family Learning Center computers. 

Quý vị sẽ được hướng dẫn về cách sử dụng máy điện toán của Trung Tâm Giáo Dục Gia Đình để học Anh Văn, học đánh máy, hoặc để được giúp đở làm baì vở của các em.

Estudiantes adultos y niños serán introducidos al software de ESL y otros recursos para aprender. Nuestros programas le enseñan a escribir a máquina y ayuda en vivo atraves del intrenet también es disponible en las computadoras del FLC.

If you have any questions about the Family Learning Center, please don't hesitate to give a Family Learning Center Coordinator a call. Hope to see you at one of the Family Learning Centers.

Do you have a friend or relative that is learning English as a Second Language?

Are they looking for an opportunity to practice their English skills?

The Alviso Branch Library offers an ESL (English as a Second Language) Conversation Club on Saturdays from 11am - 12pm - New Time. Participants of this ESL Conversation Club not only get to practice their English skills with engaging  learning activities with our wonderful facilitator. They get the opportunity to meet new people from other countries and other cultures. Those who participate can share their stories and experiences while learning new ways to communicate in English.

The Alviso  Branch Library is located on 5050 North First St., San José, CA 95002. For more information, please call (408) 263-3626.

Every Tuesday at 4:00pm and Saturday at 2:00pm there are ESL Conversation Club sessions at Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Library. The sessions are held in a small group discussion format where customers make new friends and enjoy discussing popular topics. The club meets in room 390 which is located on 3^rd floor.   In these ESL Conversation sessions, customers enjoy learning and practicing English language in a comfortable and relaxed atmosphere. Attendees can learn and interact with other participants. In the library, also there are the ESL books combined with media for checkout at all SJPL branches. Also, library customers can use the library ESL electronic resources with a valid library card. All levels are welcome.

Do you have a friend or relative that is learning English as a Second Language?

Are they looking for an opportunity to practice their English skills?

The Alviso Branch Library offers a ESL (English as a Second Language) Conversation Club on Saturdays from 12pm (noon) to 1pm.  Participants of this ESL Conversation Club not only get to practice their English skills with engaging learning activities with our wonderful facilitator. They get the opportunity to meet new people from other countries and other cultures. Those who participate can share their stories and experience while learning new ways to communicate in English.

The Alviso Branch Library is located on 5050 North First St., San José, CA 95002. For more information, please call (408) 263-3626.