Lifelong Learning

When a public library patron reached out to NC LIVE, they had one goal in mind: to help a newcomer in their community learn English. Starting a life in a new country is hard enough, but doing it without a common language makes everything from grocery shopping to job applications to meeting neighbors feel overwhelming.

The local literacy council volunteer was already familiar with the language learning resources available through NC LIVE, but they were disappointed to find Tigrinya, the speaker’s native language, missing from the list. Determined to help their new neighbor, the volunteer worked with NC LIVE staff and the resource vendor to request materials tailored to the learner’s needs. The result? A brand-new “English for Newcomers” course for Tigrinya speakers added to NC LIVE’s collection.

For that one learner, access to the right resource meant the chance to connect with their community and take real steps toward a brighter future. But statewide access to premium English language courses—for Spanish, Mandarin, Hindi, French, Arabic speakers and more—means that any resident has the opportunity to learn and to build a new life.

Language learning is only one small slice of the resources available to lifelong learners thanks to our state’s libraries and NC LIVE. Whether patrons are interested in investment and small business tools, genealogy research, or high-school equivalency skills, there is something for every learner.

When you support NC LIVE, you make access to lifelong learning possible. You give long-time residents and newcomers alike the tools to belong, to succeed, and to thrive in North Carolina.