Here are some free conversation groups and mini-classes being offered online, especially because of the pandemic.  For some of these, the rules may have changed on who can attend.  But people participating from multiple communities and backgrounds can also add to the conversation.  Most of these groups are offered through a public library, elsewhere in Massachusetts, or someplace else in the US.

• Boston Public Library
  • For students currently residing in Massachusetts, the library is offering the following classes. Please register by calling 617-859-2446 or emailing literacyservices@bpl.org. See all ESL and Conversation group listings on our calendar.
    • Beginner English (for Spanish speakers)
    • Intermediate level
    • Advanced level
    • Reading class
    • Conversation group

    For more language resources, view our literacy resources guide and language learning online resources.

• Worcester
  • Worcester Public Library / Worcester Welcoming Network 
    • A listing by the library of online classes and conversation groups
  • Literacy Volunteers
    • Offers a 9-week class on Zoom.  The next one begins in January 2021.  If you have any questions, please email info@lvgw.org. You can also call (or message via WhatsApp) 508-754-8056
• Amherst, MA, Jones Library,
  • 4 conversation circles via Zoom.  Registration required.
• Brookline, MA, Public Library 
  • 2 weekly conversation groups on Zoom run by the library
    Contact: brkenglish@minlib.net with questions
    • Tuesdays at 7pm
    • Fridays at Noon
  • A 3rd group, run by Friends of the Brookline Public Library.  Please email BrooklineConversationGroup@gmail.com to sign up.
    • Thursdays at 10:30am
  • Calendar of Events
• Shrewsbury Public Library
  • 2 separate weekly one-hour conversation circles
    • Tuesdays 4-5pm
    • Saturdays 10:30-11:30am
    • Contact splreference@cwmars.org (508-841-8533) to register
• Somerville Public Library 
  • Online ESL Conversations.  Join a conversation group on Tuesdays from 6-7pm or Wednesdays 5:30-6:30pm. For a meeting invite, email Brigid at bpigott@minlib.net
• Brooklyn, NY, Public Library
• Philadelphia, PA, Free Library 
  • Contact adultlearning@freelibrary.org or palmers@freelibrary.org  to register (Zoom)
• San Jose, CA,  Public Library
  • Many online sessions, with online registration
  • Note 3-hour time difference