Learning & Tech❯Language

This fall and winter, L’École Buissonnière invites you to a monthly Café Littéraire, a French conversation class rooted in literature, seasonal culture, and thoughtful exchange.
Inspired by French cafés as places of ideas, debate, and imagination, these gatherings offer a slow, intimate approach to the French language.
Each 90-minute session opens a thematic doorway through short literary texts, guided conversation, and gentle creative practices.
The focus is not performance or fluency at all costs, but presence, curiosity, and pleasure in thinking together.
Each month highlights a seasonal cultural moment in France, including traditions that shape language and collective imagination.

Toussaint: Memory & Invisible Connections
La Toussaint : honorer les absents
Explore French traditions of remembrance, the symbolism of flowers and cemeteries, and the ways literature, photography, and seasonal rituals keep memory alive across generations.

Sharon Gan, founder of Heart Strings Mandarin, will lead children and their parents as they sing, move, play instruments, and tell stories in Mandarin, English and American Sign Language. All levels of Mandarin fluency from absolute beginners to native Mandarin speakers are welcome.

Program presented in partnership with Friends of the Tigard Library.

Trẻ em từ 0-6 tuổi (đi kèm với người lớn) sẽ cùng nhau đọc sách, ca hát, và vui chơi với những hoạt động giúp các em phát triển kỹ năng ngôn ngữ và đọc viết.

Chỗ ngồi tham dự có giới hạn và sẵn sàng phục vụ trên cơ sở ưu tiên cho người đến trước.

Được thực hiện nhờ tài trợ gửi đến The Library Foundation.

Spanish Language & Culture in Northern Spain

What can Asturias teach us about Spain’s history, culture, and identity?

Join us for an immersive summer program in Oviedo, Spain, exploring the rich history, art, literature, and contemporary culture of Asturias. Through cultural experiences, course discussions, and exploration of northern Spain, you’ll examine how Spanish identity has evolved from pre-Roman times to today.

Along the way, you’ll strengthen your Spanish language skills, building fluency, vocabulary, writing, and confidence while engaging with authentic Spanish-language materials and everyday life in Spain.

Designed for students ready to go beyond the typical study abroad experience, this program is ideal for students interested in Spanish language, literature, history, art, culture, and international studies.

Program Dates: June 27–July 30, 2027
Course: SPAN 301, 302, 303 (12 credits)
Prerequisite: SPAN 203 or equivalent proficiency

View Program Details

Join a lively game of chess and put your skills to the test. Whether you’re brand new or a seasoned player, there’s a spot for you. Instructor Victor will be on hand to guide beginners, while experienced players can jump right in and enjoy the challenge. Amplified holiday jazz from KMHD will play in the background to enhance the experience.

Special Dickens Carolers performances on Dec. 6th and 13th at 2 p.m.

Tired of your abuela giving you the side-eye when you forget a word? Or maybe just looking for a low-stakes way to dust off your English skills? Whether you're a "No Sabo" kid or a fluent pro, we've got a spot for you!

LULAC Southwest Washington is teaming up with Dandelion Teahouse & Apothecary for a night of zero-judgement conversation. We're swapping the textbooks for board games and tea.

Here's the vibe:

-Practice your Spanish (even if it's just the basics!)

-Practice your English (o si hablas Español y quieres practicar tu Ingés)

-Play games & make friends in a cozy atmosphere.

Come for the practice, stay for the community. Si sabes, sabes!

Free ESL classes. The level of the series is determined at the first class. No registration required. For more information, call 503.577.9984.

Browse more English learning classes. Hosted by Goodwill Industries of the Columbia Willamette.

Cupo para 15 niños, edades 3-5, padres y cuidadores. Niños con diferentes estilosy habilidades de aprendizajese reúnen en un ambienteseguro y con mucho apoyo. Niños que necesitan apoyosvisuales/de comunicación,una rutina más predecible omateriales adaptados debidoa una discapacidad motorason bienvenidos.Preinscríbase en [email protected]; podemosenviar materiales a casaantes de cada reunion

Limited to 15 children, ages 3-5, and their parents and caregivers. Kids with varying learning styles and abilities come together in a safe and supportive environment. Children who may need visual/communication supports, a more predictable routine, or adapted materials due to a motor impairment are welcome. Pre-register at [email protected]; we can send materials home ahead of time.

#worldlanguagestorytimes

ASL Game Night at Sign Language Cafe is always an evening of connection, fun, and inclusivity. Gather for an immersive experience that celebrates the Deaf and signing communities. This family-friendly event offers an array of card and board games, including options created by Deaf artists, providing a unique opportunity to explore creative contributions from within the community. Participants are encouraged to bring their favorite games to share, fostering a diverse and exciting environment.

The cafe setting provides an accessible and welcoming atmosphere, perfect for families and individuals alike to engage in spirited competition, learn new games, and make lasting connections. In addition, the Sign Language Cafe offers a space for Deaf and hearing individuals to communicate and collaborate seamlessly, supporting community bonds through shared interests.

Attending and participating in ASL Game Night, you’ll contribute to a culture of inclusivity and support both CymaSpace’s mission and the wider Deaf community. Join and connect over your favorite games, and help build a more inclusive Portland.

McLoughlin Hall Classroom (M255) Tuesday, November 10, 2026, 12 – 1pm Spanish Club meets every Tuesday in McLoughlin M255 from 12:00 to 1:00 pm. Open to anyone interested in Spanish conversation about language and culture.

Practique inglés o español y ayude a los demás que están aprendiendo en un ambiente amable. Los participantes hablan la mitad del tiempo en inglés y la otra en español. Están bienvenidos los principiantes.

Practice English or Spanish and help other learners in a friendly atmosphere. Participants speak half the time in English and half in Spanish. Beginners welcome.

Learn about the process of becoming a citizen. Prepare for your citizenship interview. Study United States history and government for the examination. Classes are taught in English.

Registration information call 503.379.1598, ext 105, or email [email protected]

On guard! Make your moves in a casual setting with other beginning players. Basic knowledge of the games is assumed. Grades 6-12.

Do you play chess? Would you like to learn? Join coach Scott as we all learn to play one of the world's oldest games.

All ages and all skill levels are welcome!

Ever wondered about the origin of the modern Norwegian language? Like most Scandinavian languages, it derives from Old Norse, and modern Icelandic is almost the same as Old Norse. The Old Norse Conversation Group practices speaking Icelandic and talks about culture, grammar and vocabulary, some history and current events. We are not a language class. We are more of a social gathering where Icelandic and Norwegian language origins are explored in an informal and entertaining setting. We meet every 4th Thursday of the month from 6:30pm to 8:30pm at Norse Hall in the downstairs dining area. Anyone interested is welcome to join us. For more information and to join our email list, please contact Nord Njordur F. Winnan at [email protected].

30 phút bao gồm những câu chuyện thích hợp với độ tuổi, những trò chơi ngón tay, và các hoạt động khác bằng cả tiếng Việt và tiếng Anh.

30 to 40 minutes of age-appropriate stories, fingerplays, and movement activities in both Vietnamese and English.

#worldlanguagestorytimes

Portland Cantonese Play + Learnonce a month on saturdays | 10:00 am - 12:00 PM | free | SCHThe mission of Portland Cantonese Play + Learn is to connect Cantonese-speaking families by providing a nurturing environment where young children can develop strong language skills and deepen their connection to Cantonese culture. Through interactive language lessons, cultural activities, and community engagement, we empower families to celebrate and preserve their heritage while fostering bilingualism in the next generation.Join us for a once-a month gathering, complete with a language activity, storytime, crafts + open play!Dates:October 18November 22

McLoughlin Hall Conference Room (M226) Thursday, November 12, 2026, 1 – 2:30pm French Club meets every Thursday from 1:00 pm to 2:30 pm in McLoughlin M-226. Open to anyone interested in speaking French and discussing language and culture.

The Camas Public Library hosts a monthly English Conversation Group on the first and third Tuesdays of the month from 12:30-2 p.m. Attendees will practice speaking, listening and expressing one’s self confidently. Attendees will enhance their language skills in a supportive and engaging environment. For more details, visit CamasPL.org/TSITP.

Andrea’s Spanish School will offer Online Spanish Conversation Classes, Levels I and II, from 6 to 7 p.m. Wednesdays Oct. 21, 28, Nov. 4 and Nov. 11 via Zoom. Practice speaking Spanish with a native speaker in a small group of four to seven students. Sessions are built around real talk, not grammar drills. There is no homework and no tests. The cost is $25 per session. Sign up at learnspanishvancouver.com.

One-year-olds (with a favorite adult) enjoy songs, movement activities, rhymes, books and playtime. This action-packed program engages new walkers in language-based activities. Attendance is limited and available on a first come, first served basis.

Multnomah County Library storytimes are supported by gifts made to The Library Foundation.

Free ESL classes. The level of the series is determined at the first class. No registration required. For more information, call 503.577.9984.

Browse more English learning classes. Hosted by Goodwill Industries of the Columbia Willamette.

Join us for open game play of chess.

For ages 9–19

Drop in to play a friendly game of chess with our sets or yours.

Join us for open game play of chess.

For all ages.

Contact Erik Brakstad, (503) 449-0818 or [email protected]

Join Adventures in Spanish in the Community Room on Wednesdays at 10:15 for stories, songs, and movement in both Spanish and English. Due to limited capacity, registration is encouraged for the 4-week session, and drop-ins will be admitted as space allows.18 seats available for children age 0-5. No storytime on Nov 25.

For proficient learners interested in advanced grammar and vocabulary in practical exercises.

Contact Erik Brakstad (503) 449-0818 or [email protected]

Designed for adults with little to no prior knowledge of English. This class focuses on the English alphabet, basic phonics, numbers and survival vocabulary. Preparing students for Beginner ESL Class.
No class on September 16 or November 11.

(Recommended for 0-18 month old children and their caregivers)
10:30AM (lower level) the first Friday of each month

Trying to communicate with your infant presents all kinds of challenges. Beyond reading, singing and talking to them, Baby Sign Language can provide a unique bond. Christina Schabow of the Portland Early Learning Project will lead this program introducing new themes for each program.

This program is sponsored by the Friends of the Lake Oswego Public Library and admission is free, and there is no registration required. The Lake Oswego Public Library is located at 706 Fourth Street, Lake Oswego. For more information, contact the Youth Services Librarians at 503-697-6580 or [email protected].

Trẻ em từ 0-6 tuổi (đi kèm với người lớn) sẽ cùng nhau đọc sách, ca hát, và vui chơi với những hoạt động giúp các em phát triển kỹ năng ngôn ngữ và đọc viết.

Chỗ ngồi tham dự có giới hạn và sẵn sàng phục vụ trên cơ sở ưu tiên cho người đến trước.

Được thực hiện nhờ tài trợ gửi đến The Library Foundation.

Preparing to take the U.S. Citizenship (Naturalization) Test? Attend this ongoing U.S. Citizenship class to help you prepare for the test and interview. The class and study materials are provided free of charge. Presented in partnership with Goodwill Industries. Classes held weekly on Thursdays from 3–5 pm.

Walk-ins welcome.

¿Se está preparando para obtener la ciudadanía (naturalización) de los Estados Unidos? Asista a este curso en continua, que lo ayudará a prepararse para al examen y la entrevista. Las clases y los materiales se proporcionarán de forma gratuita. Este evento es presentado con la colaboración de Goodwill Industries.

Todos los Jueves de 3 a 5 pm.

Join us for casual chess where any level of player can enjoy games! Learn new strategies and improve your skills in a welcoming environment. From beginners to experienced players, play in an open and friendly setting! Get opportunities to play and learn through hands-on practice.

Join us for tween & teen chess club, where any level of player can enjoy games! Learn new strategies and improve your skills in a welcoming environment. From beginners to experienced players, play in an open and friendly setting! Get opportunities to play and learn through hands-on practice.

This event repeats every week on Monday.

Join Sharon Gan, founder of Heart Strings Mandarin, for a program specially designed for young learners. We will sing, move, play instruments, and tell stories. We welcome all levels of Mandarin fluency from absolute beginners to native Mandarin speakers. Recommended for ages 2-5 years. Space is limited and available on a first-come basis.

欢迎参加心弦中文的中文音乐律动课。
Sharon老师会和小朋友一起唱歌，跳舞，玩乐器，说故事，度过充实的三十分钟。
本课程适合二到五岁的小朋友，各种语言程度都可以参加。
名额有限，请速报名！

This program is sponsored by the Friends of the Lake Oswego Public Library and admission is free. The Lake Oswego Public Library is located at 706 Fourth Street, Lake Oswego. For more information, contact the Children’s desk at 503-697-6580 or visit the Library’s website at www.lopl.org/kids.

One-year-olds (with a favorite adult) enjoy songs, movement activities, rhymes, books and playtime. This action-packed program engages new walkers in language-based activities. Attendance is limited and available on a first come, first served basis.

Multnomah County Library storytimes are supported by gifts made to The Library Foundation.

Thursdays, October 1 - December 17

These free Citizenship classes are designed to prepare learners for the U.S. naturalization interview and exam, which includes an assessment of English reading and writing abilities, U.S. history, and government. Study ONLINE or IN-PERSON.

Participants will:

• Study U.S. history and civics lessons (100 questions on citizenship exam)
• Improve your English speaking, listening, writing, and reading
• Practice for the naturalization interview

Sign up at: https://soarlegal.org/our-services/citizenship-classes/
For more information, call (503) 379-1598 or email [email protected]

Ready to fall in love with the rhythm, depth, and poetic cadence of Spanish? Join us at L'école buissonnière for an immersive course, conducted entirely in Spanish for advanced speakers, that explores how art shapes our world.

Each 120-minute session (with a cozy 10-minute break) is a laboratory of expression. We break down the walls between subjects, approaching several distinct topics in every class to give you a fuller sense of Latin American identity.

Through the lens of culture, we dive into literature, music, painting, film, and more. You'll explore the minds of masters like Julio Cortázar and Violeta Parra, among others, and discover the psychological and historical weight behind their masterpieces.

Through interactive exercises, you'll practice reading, writing, and speaking. The heart of our class lies in conversation circles, giving you the floor to engage in deep, meaningful debates.
Come stretch your fluency, satisfy your curiosity, and experience the pulse of Latin American culture!

Limited to 10 participants.

Oct 7 — On Tears & Gratitude
Julio Cortázar, «Instrucciones para llorar» · Violeta Parra, «Gracias a la vida»

Oct 21

Nov 11

Nov 25

Dec 9

Jan 6

Jan 20

Feb 10

Feb 24

When: Twice monthly on Wednesdays, October 7 – February 24

Time: 5:30–7:30 pm

Where: L'École buissonnière, above Mother Foucault's Bookshop

Level: Advanced

Instructor: Consuelo Miranda Albónico, a Chilean native, a writer, a language admirer, a pet lover, and a music devotee.

Group size: Up to 10

Price per class: $50

A fun and welcoming space to practice speaking English in a relaxed, low-pressure environment. Participants can build confidence, meet new people, and enjoy casual conversations and activities while strengthening everyday English skills.

Learn about the process of becoming a citizen. Prepare for your citizenship interview. Study United States history and government for the examination. Classes are taught in English.

Registration information call 503.379.1598, ext 105, or email [email protected]

One-year-olds (with a favorite adult) enjoy songs, movement activities, rhymes, books and playtime. This action-packed program engages new walkers in language-based activities. Attendance is limited and available on a first come, first served basis.

Multnomah County Library storytimes are supported by gifts made to The Library Foundation.

Focus on building skills in listening, speaking, reading, and practice using simple English sentence patterns

Practice your moves in a casual setting with other players of these ancient board games. Students of all ages & adults are welcome! All levels are welcome!

Practica tus movimientos de ajedrez en un ambiente informal con otros jugadores. ¡Estudiantes de todas las edades y adultos son bienvenidos! ¡Todos los niveles son bienvenidos!

Join the Oregon City Chess Club for our monthly chess drop-in at the library! Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned chess player, join other chess enthusiasts and sharpen your skills! Chess Drop-In is open to all ages, abilities, and skill levels and will meet the last Sunday of each month.

Practice speaking Spanish in a group setting, led by a Spanish-speaking volunteer.

For adults 18+

To participate in Conversation Circles, you should have enough command of the language to be able to:

• Introduce yourself
• Discuss topics related to your life
• Express ideas and ask simple questions
• Follow discussions on a variety of topics
• Confidently participate in the discussion

You do not need to converse completely error-free in Spanish and you may have some gaps in your vocabulary. Conversation Circles are not formal language classes.

Need help getting started or building your skills? Check out these Language Learning Resources, free with your library card!

One-year-olds (with a favorite adult) enjoy songs, movement activities, rhymes, books and playtime. This action-packed program engages new walkers in language-based activities. Attendance is limited and free tickets are available 15 minutes before storytime.

Multnomah County Library storytimes are supported by gifts made to The Library Foundation.

Free citizenship classes provided by SOAR Immigration Legal Services. Classes are designed to prepare you for the US naturalization interview and exam. Study US history and civics lessons (128 questions on citizenship exam); improve your English speaking, listening, writing, and reading; practice for the naturalization interview; and review the N-400 application. Classes are taught in English, with resources in Spanish and other languages.