A film class for English-language learners creates space for community and creativity.
In 2025, attendance for the Boston Public Library’s free English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) programs totaled more than 15,000 registrations. For many, these classes are a first step toward building connections and feeling at home in a new city.
That is exactly what happened when Valmir, a new resident of Boston, enrolled in the BPL’s TOEFL preparation class at the Central Library. During a conversation with Literacy Specialist Jenna Young, he described his background as a filmmaker and educator in Albania and wanted to share his expertise with other immigrants. Recognizing the opportunity, Jenna brought the idea to Community Learning Supervisor Jess Elias, and a new program quickly evolved: Storytelling Through Film for English- Language Learners.
As part of the Library’s ESOL initiatives, the three-month workshop series invited students to strengthen their conversation skills while creating a documentary together. More than that, though, it fostered a supportive environment where participants felt comfortable practicing their English and contributing creatively.
“It was inspiring to see Valmir leading a class that empowers patrons who come from around the world,” says Jenna. “Students gained hands-on experience with camera work, lighting, scriptwriting, editing, directing, and sound recording — improving their English skills along the way as they collaborated from concept to final cut.”
Jess sees programs like this as a powerful example of how the Library responds to the people it serves. “Our staff do an exceptional job of creating opportunities that reflect the interests and talents of our community,” she says. “With support from the Boston Public Library Fund, it’s exciting to test new ideas and offer ESOL programming beyond a standard curriculum.”
For Valmir, the experience became something more than teaching technical skills. “The film course was highly interactive and required continuous communication among students,” he says. “What surprised me most was how the class evolved into a multicultural community that extended beyond formal learning.”
That sense of community was evident in the final project: a documentary about the Library itself, titled Free to All. The film premiered in the Central Library’s Rabb Hall, where friends and family gathered to watch the personal journeys of students striving to learn English at the BPL.
One student, Paula, found the experience to be deeply personal. “I have made lifelong friends and despite me being in Boston for a long time, this course and the Library healed something in me and made me feel welcomed and grateful to be in this city. It made Boston feel like home. Thank you for creating that space. It is so needed.”