Learn English
Learn English at Virginia Beach Public Library. Join a class, practice speaking English or learn online.
Need a Library Card?
Some online resources require a Virginia Beach Public Library card.
Free Library Programs
Virginia Beach Public Library
Practice speaking English with other English language learners. Find upcoming English classes and conversation groups at Virginia Beach Public Library.
Norfolk Public Library
Find English classes and conversation groups at Norfolk Public Library.
Other English Classes
Fees may apply to the following programs. Check with each organization for current costs and registration information.
Access Video: Just for Kids
Find videos, games and activities for young children learning English.
How to Use
- Open Access Video: Just for Kids.
- Search for Muzzy Teaches English, I Wonder and Gregory's Grammar Group, or explore other available videos.
Hoopla
Borrow movies, music, audiobooks and television shows with your library card. Hoopla also offers literacy resources for children and adults.
JobNow
Practice English and learn job skills. Get help with resumes, interviews and other job topics.
How to Use
- Open JobNow.
- Log in with your library card.
- In the Interviews & Skills column, select SkillSurfer.
- Select ESL.
- Choose from:
- Beginning ESL
- Intermediate ESL
- Academic ESL
- College Readiness References
- TOEFL
- ESL Practice Exams
LinkedIn Learning
Learn business, technology, creative and workplace skills through online courses.
If you use the mobile app and are asked for your library ID, enter VBPL. Then log in with your library card number and PIN.
How to Use
- Open LinkedIn Learning
- Select Get Started.
- Enter your Virginia Beach Public Library card number and PIN.
- Type English in the search box.
- Explore courses such as:
- Writing Emails for Non-Native English Speakers
- Virtual Job Interviews for Non-Native English Speakers
- Virtual Meetings for Non-Native English Speakers
- Mastering Presentations for Non-Native English Speakers
- To change the language used in LinkedIn Learning:
- Select the globe icon in the upper-right corner of the desktop site.
- Select your preferred language
Read It! English Language Learner
Read articles and other materials written for people who are learning English. This resource is designed for middle and high school students and adults who already have basic English reading and grammar skills.
How to Use
- Open Read It! English Language Learner.
- Enter your Virginia Beach Public Library card number.
- Under Discover Popular Topics, select How to Use Read It!, or browse the page to explore available content.
Transparent Language
Learn English at your own pace. Transparent Language also includes materials for English language learners, American Sign Language and citizenship preparation.
How to Use
- Open Transparent Language.
- Enter your Virginia Beach Public Library card number and follow the instructions to access the resource.
- Under Choose a Language to Learn, select English.
- Select the language you are starting from.
Universal Class
How to Use
Take free online courses to improve your English and build work and life skills.
- Open Universal Class.
- Register with your library card or sign in.
- Search for ESL or English.
- Course availability is subject to change.
Prepare for the U.S. citizenship test with free library resources.
JobNow
Use JobNow to study for the U.S. citizenship test.
How to Use
- Open JobNow.
- Log in with your library card.
- From the menu at the top, select Adult Learners.
- Select Prepare for the U.S. Citizenship Test.
Transparent Language
Use the American Citizenship Course to help prepare for the citizenship process and test.
How to Use
- Open Transparent Language.
- Enter your Virginia Beach Public Library card number and follow the instructions to access the resource.
- Under Choose a Language to Learn, select English, then select the language you are starting from.
- Select Courses & Lessons at the top of the page.
- Scroll to American Citizenship Course.
New to Virginia Beach?
Find information about City services, schools, utilities and other resources for new Virginia Beach residents.
