Free English Classes for Adults From the Literacy Council of Reading-Berks
The Literacy Council of Reading-Berks runs free English as a Second Language classes where adults learn and practice English vocabulary, literacy, and conversation skills.
The classes are a well rounded program for adults 16 years and over that also includes career planning, work-related knowledge, and essential life skills. The goals are to prepare students for post-secondary education or training and successful careers, to help parents become full partners in their children's education and development, and to help students gain the knowledge and skills necessary for employment and to be self sufficient.
To take a class you must be 16 years or older, a resident of Berks County, not enrolled or required to be enrolled in secondary school under state law, and planning to remain in the United States permanently. People on F1 visas or tourist visas do not qualify.
Classes are held 2 times a week each term and are conducted in-person at multiple locations throughout Reading and Berks County. The fall term runs September through November, the winter term December through February, and the spring term March through June. The specific class locations are not listed; specific class details are provided at registration.
Online registration on the Literacy Council's website is mandatory, and the registration link goes to pennsylvania.getconnectable.org/lcrb/start, where you create an account. If you already have a ConnectAble account, you can log in instead. After registering, orientation is conducted in person and typically lasts three hours. During orientation you take two English reading assessments to determine the best class placement.
The classes are free. For further information about ESL classes, the Literacy Council asks people to reach out to Executive Assistant Lily Ponce, who can be emailed at lily@lcrb.org.
The Literacy Council of Reading-Berks Inc. is at 450 South 6th Street, Reading, PA 19602. Its general-questions number is 610.670.9960 and its general email is info@lcrb.org. The office is open Monday through Friday 8:00am to 4:00pm and closed Saturday and Sunday; those are office hours, not class times.
The Literacy Council mentions that many people are on its waiting list. The page does not say which languages staff speak, and it does not say you can register in person or by phone.
Source: lcrb.org/student-programs/esl-english-as-a-second-languag…, read October 25, 2026.
The details
In Literacy Council of Reading-Berks’s words
Our free ESL classes provide a well rounded program for adults 16 years and over that includes career planning, work-related knowledge, and essential life skills. Prepare Prepare students for post-secondary education or training and successful careers Develop Help parents become full partners in their children's education and development Gain Knowledge Help students gain the knowledge and skills necessary for employment and be self sufficient
Organization
Literacy Council of Reading-Berks
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This listing summarizes publicly available information from lcrb.org/student-programs/esl-english-as-a-second-languag…. Last recorded review: October 25, 2026. Contact the provider to confirm eligibility, hours and availability before you go. If something here is wrong, tell us.