Hennepin County Library: Franklin Learning Center

Franklin Library The Franklin Learning Center provides free, flexible instruction to adults in reading, writing and math. We also help people prepare for the GED and U.S. citizenship tests. We partner with local colleges and other community organizations. Our learners and volunteers represent many cultures and backgrounds.

Our mission is to equip adult learners with the materials and resources to educate themselves. Instructors and trained volunteers collaborate with learners to assist them in achieving their personal and professional goals. The Franklin Learning Center is a place where people are empowered with the knowledge they need to fulfill their roles in their families and communities.

New Hours Begin January 2008

Franklin Learning Center Hours

Monday: noon – 8 p.m.

Tuesday: 9 a.m. – 3 p.m.

Wednesday: 9 a.m. – 3 p.m.

Thursday: 9 a.m. – 3 p.m.

Friday: 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.

Saturday Learning Circles: 1:30 – 3 p.m. and 3 – 4:30 p.m.

Upcoming Events and Presentations:

PRG

Buying a Home: Budgeting, Financial Literacy

Wednesday, November 28, 4:00 p.m.

Wednesday, December 12, 4:00 p.m.

Saturday, December 15, 3:00 p.m.

Legal Aid Society of Minneapolis

Your Rights, Immigration Issues

Thursday, November 29, 4:00 p.m.

People and Stories

Tuesdays in December at 6:00 p.m.

City-County Federal Credit Union

Financial Literacy

Tuesday, December 4, 3:00 p.m.

Monday, January 28, 3:00 p.m.

Monday, February 11, 3:00 p.m.

Educational Services

Tutoring

The Franklin Learning Center offers free one-to-one and small group tutoring for adults (16 and older) who are not attending high school and whose skills are between a 2^nd and 12^th grade level.

English Language Learning (ELL), Intermediate and Advanced only
Adult Basic Education
Reading and Writing
Conversation
Math
GED Preparation
U.S. Citizenship Preparation
Computer Skills

Assessment and Referrals

Initial assessment by qualified adult educators
Referrals to other educational, employment and social service programs

The First Step

You must register to study with us. Call us at 612-630-6830 for the next registration date. Registration is generally offered once per month. Space is limited.

Location and Contact Information

We are located in the lower level of the Franklin Community Library. Take bus routes 2, 14, or 24 here. Street parking is available.

Franklin Learning Center
Franklin Community Library
1314 East Franklin Avenue
Minneapolis, MN 55404

Phone: 612-630-6830
E-mail: nbthornbury@mplib.org

Hours

Monday: 12 – 8

Tuesday: 9 – 3

Wednesday: 9 – 3

Thursday: 9 – 3

Friday: 10 – 6

Saturday Learning Circles:

1:30 – 3 and 3 – 4:30

Our Learners Say …

“I am so grateful for the Franklin Learning Center. When I first came here I had a third grade reading level. They helped me to improve my reading, and I am now reading at a college level. There are a lot of people out there who are just like me who need help. I would not be the person I am today if it was not for the Learning Center.” – Larry Wilson

“When I first started coming to Franklin Learning Center, I could hardly read at all and I didn’t have any experience with the computer. I have learned how to do some things on the computer. I’m reading much better, and I’m still working on both reading and the computer. I’ve met some beautiful people here that have helped me to accomplish things that I didn’t think I would be able to do. I am eighty-two years old.” – Claude Thadys

Volunteer and Internship Opportunities

Learning through Partnerships

Do you have an interest in meeting new people? Would you like to share your knowledge while learning from others? Exchange stories about your cultures and life experiences?

At the Franklin Learning Center, volunteer tutors work one-to-one and in small groups with adults who are improving their skills.

Partnering with volunteers and staff, our learners:

Study English and math
Prepare for the GED
Prepare for the U.S. citizenship test
Develop computer skills
Develop skills and knowledge in key areas such as employment, health and personal finance

Learners are motivated to enhance their education for many reasons. Using the skills they gain here, learners are better able to support their families, act as leaders in their communities and improve their quality of life.

Our Program

Founded by the Minneapolis Public Library in 1988, the Franklin Learning Center provides free one-to-one and small group instruction to adults. The center serves people 16 years and older who are not attending high school and whose English or math skills are between a 2nd and 12th grade level.

How to Volunteer

You’re eligible to volunteer if you’re at least 17 and have a high school diploma or GED. Tutors complete an interview and an orientation session. We provide all teaching materials, plus ongoing training and support. Tutors make a commitment of at least two hours per week for three months.
We have a special need for volunteers to lead Saturday learning circles in English, math, or topics such as health, money, music and history.
Internships are also available. Interns learn all aspects of running a small nonprofit organization, and they develop projects based on their interests and career goals. Interns are unpaid, but may be able to receive college credit.