Library Celebrates 10 Years of Adult Education Services
Published on October 09, 2024
Learn at SAPL adult education centers will celebrate with Open Houses on October 10.
SAN ANTONIO (October 9, 2024) – This week, San Antonio Public Library (SAPL) is celebrating a decade of providing individualized adult education through the Learn at SAPL program. Located at seven library locations across the San Antonio area, Learn Centers offers free, individualized job support and computer training to adults. The library will celebrate with Open House celebrations at each Learn Center except for Johnston, which is currently undergoing renovations. The Open Houses will be held Thursday, October 10 from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m., and offer light refreshments and the opportunity to meet Learn staff and explore the program's unique offerings.
Learn at SAPL adult education centers function on an individualized, walk-in service model to prioritize each community member's needs. The locations are staffed by Training Officers who have knowledge, experience, and specialized training in adult education to work with members of the community one-on-one to help them meet their educational goals. The program's success is clear—Learn offered over 9,000 individual one-on-one sessions to San Antonians in 2023 and over 8,000 sessions so far in 2024.
While the primary educational focus of Learn at SAPL is computer and job training skills, the individualized nature of the teaching model at Learn Centers allows Training Officers the flexibility to meet specific patron needs. In addition to computer and job training skills, patrons also visit Learn Centers for help with learning how to use a cell phone or tablet, applying for social service benefits, acquiring citizenship resources, and even honing their language skills. Learn Training Officers also provide small group sessions and classes on various rotating topics based on community needs.
Learn at SAPL began offering services in 2014 with adult education centers at the Bazan, Carver, Westfall, and Cortez Branch Libraries. The Cortez location later moved to the Johnston Branch Library. Between 2022 and 2023, SAPL opened new Learn Centers at McCreless and Memorial Branch Libraries and a flagship Learn Center on the 5th Floor of the Central Library. A new Learn Center is also planned for the Las Palmas Branch Library when it reopens to the public following a $6.7 million renovation next year.
To maximize service to the public, Learn at SAPL adult education centers operate five days per week between Monday andSaturday, with walk-in hours from 1 -6 p.m. Learn at Central Library is open Mondays and Tuesdays from 12-5pm and Wednesdays-Saturdays from 10 a.m. - 3 p.m. More information about the Learn at SAPL adult education program is available on the SAPL website. For information about Learn at SAPL or general library inquiries, library staff can answer questions at 210-207-2500 or online at Ask.MySAPL.org.