The Swampscott Public Library was awarded a $1,000 grant to launch a new English Language Learners (ELL) conversation circle.

The official launch date for the conversation circle will be announced soon. The grant will fund learning materials, refreshments and other supplies to support the program. 

“This grant will allow us to create a welcoming, supportive space where community members who are learning English can come together to practice language skills, build confidence, and connect with neighbors,” Library Director Jonathan Nichols said.

During the library board meeting at the beginning of June, Nichols said he hopes to hire a professional to lead the group initially so he can “absorb as much as I can and then take it over once the money runs out.”

The program will welcome participants at all levels of fluency, from beginners to those looking to improve their skills. The conversation circle is designed to offer  a relaxed, informal setting for participants to listen, speak and learn together.

“I get one or two asks a week to have (the conversation circle),” Nichols said during the board meeting. “Primarily, they’re coming from our Russian population. They really just want more of a safe space to just practice English.”

The Swampscott Public Library already hosts Ukrainian and Russian story time events. The next sessions will be on July 16 for Ukrainian stories and crafts from 5 p.m. to 6 p.m. Russian story time is next on July 23 at 5 p.m.

Swampscott is home to a “growing number” of multilingual residents, according to Nichols. The US Census Bureau’s data shows that 24.9% of residents speak a language other than English at home. Nearly 20% of the town is foreign-born. 

“This program is one more way we’re working to meet the evolving needs of our community and help bridge connections between people of all backgrounds,” Nichols said.