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Springfield Adult Basic Education Directory

Educational resources for adults and out-of-school youth, for Basic Literacy, English as a Second Language, HiSET preparation and testing, Transition to College, Workplace Education and Family Literacy.

The Springfield Adult Basic Education (ABE) Partnership is made up of Springfield providers of educational services for adult learners and out-of-school youth and others invested in improving and coordinating these services.  The Directory was created for service providers to make referrals, for potential learners looking for the right program, and for volunteer tutors looking for opportunities to help.

All partners share the conviction that adult basic education is the foundation for individual, community, and economic development. Adults who can realize their own literacy goals and realize their need to seek additional education, are able to support their children’s learning both in school and at home. They will improve their access to better work opportunities and will participate more fully in community and civic life.

Glossary of Terms

Basic Literacy = Skills needed for reading and writing including: Vocabulary, Spelling and Comprehension.

Basic Skills = Reading, Writing, Math

ESOL = English as a Second Language

HiSet = High School Equivalency Test also know as the GED or General Equivalency Diploma

This webpage is a current snapshot of educational services for adults and out-of-school youth. Adult Basic Education includes a wide range of services, such as basic literacy, basic mathematics, high school equivalency test preparation and testing, adult diploma program, English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL), job skills and work readiness training, computer literacy, family literacy, and MCAS help for youth who have competed high school credits but have not passed the required MCAS tests. We know that programs change and services grow and shrink due to changes in funding and priorities, so the Directory will continue to be a work in progress.

There are many other community organizations that offer support services for adult learners; however, not all of these organizations are listed. An excellent resource for a wide range of critical community services that adult learners need to meet their educational goals is Massachusetts 211 (Simply Dial 2-1-1). It is available 24 hours a day, is multilingual, and it can be found online at www.mass211help.org.

If you know of a program that offers ABE services, and it is not listed please feel free to send your comments, suggestions, and corrections, as well to our Ask A Librarian service at askalibrarian@springfieldlibrary.org. Your feedback will aid in making the Springfield Adult Basic Education Directory a useful tool.

Quick Overview - Adult Basic Education Services
Basic LiteracyComputer LiteracyESOLFamily / Life SkillsHiSet/GED PrepWorkplace
The Gray House
Springfield City Library, Read/Write/Now Adult Learning Center
Training Resources of America, Inc.

Gandara Center
The Gray House
Springfield City Library
Springfield Housing Authority
Springfield Technical Community College, Springfield Adult Learning Center
Training Resources of America, Inc.
YWCA of Western Massachusetts

The Gray House
Springfield City Library, Springfield Literacy Volunteers
Springfield Housing Authority
Springfield Public Schools Adult Education Center
Springfield Technical Community College, Springfield Adult Learning Center
Training Resources of America, Inc.

Gandara Center – Life Skills Literacy
The Gray House – Family and Life Skills Literacy
New England Farm Workers’ Council, Youth Programs – Life Skills Literacy
Springfield City Library, Read/Write/Now Adult Learning Center – Life Skills Literacy
Springfield Housing Authority – Life Skills Literacy
YWCA of Western Massachusetts – Life Skills Literacy
New England Farm Workers’ Council, Youth Programs
Springfield Housing Authority
Springfield Public Schools Adult Education Center
Springfield Technical Community College, Springfield Adult Learning Center
Training Resources of America, Inc.
YWCA of Western Massachusetts

Gandara Center
New England Farm Workers’ Council, Youth Programs
Springfield Public Schools Adult Education Center
Springfield Technical Community College, Springfield Adult Learning Center
Training Resources of America, Inc.
YWCA of Western Massachusetts

Springfield City Library, Read/Write/Now Adult Learning Center –  204 Boston Road, Springfield

Contact: Carla Grimaldi, Adult Learning Coordinator, rwn@springfieldlibrary.org
Phone: (413) 263-6839
Eligibility Requirements: Must be 18 years or older, Classes are Free
Programs/Services: Basic Reading & Writing Skills, Citizenship, Computer Literacy, Summer Reading Classes, Support in obtaining a Learners Permit, Career Skills, etc.
Classes: Day & Evening Classes for Beginners, Developing and Pre-HiSET Levels

Additional Information: The Read/Write/Now Adult Learning Center is a caring, supportive community for adult learners no matter where you are in your educational journey. Our experienced teachers meet each student where they are. Every student progresses at their own pace. Our program is aligned with the Adult Basic Education Curriculum Frameworks set forth by the Massachusetts Department of Education.

Gandara Center -Multiple Locations

Contact: Lisa Brecher, info@gandaracenter.org
Phone: (413) 736-8329
Eligibility Requirements: Vary between programs.
Programs/Services: Housing Insecurity, Computer Literacy, Job Search / Readiness, Life Skills / Literacy, Parenting Skills, Workplace Education / Partnerships
Support Services: Counseling, Housing
Accepting Volunteers: Yes, Training provided.

The Gray House – 22 Sheldon Street, Springfield

Contact: J. Aisha Mathews, Education@grayhouse.org
Phone: (413) 734-6696
Eligibility Requirements: Only survival level skills are taught: Literacy, Beginner ESL Literacy and High Beginner ESL Literacy. Citizenship classes require an Intermediate or higher level of English. There is a $20 materials and commitment fee to begin any class.
Programs/Services: Basic Literacy, Basic Math, Reading, & Writing, Citizenship, Computer Literacy, ESOL, Family Literacy, Life Skills / Literacy
Support Services: Child Care
Accepting Volunteers: Yes, Training provided.

Hampden County Sheriff’s Department, All-Inclusive Support Services –
Phone: (413) 781-2050 ext. 8300
Eligibility Requirements: Any resident of Hampden County with any Incarceration History is eligible. No Charge to Clients
Programs/Services: ESOL, HiSet / GED Preparation, HiSet / GED Test Center, Job Search / Readiness, Transition to College

New England Farm Workers’ Council, Youth Programs – 1628-1640 Main Street, Springfield

Contact:  Ana West,  awest@partnersforcommunity.org
Phone: (413) 272-2280
Eligibility Requirements: Ages 16-24, High School Dropout. No Cost.
Programs/Services: Job Search / Readiness, Life Skills / Literacy, Pre – HiSet /  GED, HiSet / GED Prep for Out of School Youth, Transition to College, Workplace Education / Partnerships
Support Services: Counseling, Payment of HiSet exam, Paid Work Experience, Career Exploration
Accepting Volunteers: Yes

Springfield City Library – 220 State Street, Springfield

Phone: (413) 263-6828
Eligibility Requirements: Free
Programs/Services: Computer Literacy
Accepting Volunteers: Yes

Additional Information: The Springfield City Library offers free computer classes. Workshops include basic computer literacy (e.g. mouse skills, web skills, etc.), and introductory Microsoft Office skills.

Springfield Public Schools Adult Education Center – 204 Boston Road, Springfield

Contact: Angela Negron, negronan@springfieldpublicschools.com
Phone: 413-787-7210
Eligibility Requirements: No cost for residents of the City of Springfield. Individuals residing outside of the City of Springfield may register to take the HiSet test at no charge. Adult Basic Education and ESOL classes for residents outside of the City of Springfield are available only if the individual enrolls in the Ahead of the Game program.
Programs/Services: ESOL, HiSet / GED Preparation, HiSet / GED Test Center, Workplace Education / Partnerships. Case management and mentoring for students enrolled in our HiSet preparation classes, ESOL classes and Ahead of the Game program.
Support Services: Transportation – offered in the form of bus tokens for some programs.
Accepting Volunteers: Yes, Training provided.

Additional Information: Our program is fully aligned with the State of Massachusetts and national academic standards for adults. Instructors and staff are professionally trained in adult education. A variety of teaching methods and resources are used to help individuals attain certain benchmarks to advance to the next class. The length of time you will spend at any level will vary depending on your individual progress. Every student is assigned an Education and Career Advisor to help them achieve their education and career goals.

Springfield Housing Authority – 60 Congress Street, Springfield

Contact: Sarah Carbone, scarbone@shamass.org
Phone: 413-785-4500
Eligibility Requirements: None – Open to all Greater Springfield area residents, Free
Programs/Services: Computer Literacy, ESOL, HiSet/GED Preparation, Housing Insecurity, Job Search / Readiness, Life Skills / Literacy, Pre – HiSet/GED, HiSet/GED Prep for Out of School Youth
Support Services: Housing

Springfield Technical Community College, Springfield Adult Learning Center – 1 Armory Square, Suite 1, Springfield

Contact: Barbara Bradbury, bbradbury@stcc.edu
Phone: 413-755-4300 (call to reserve space)
Eligibility Requirements: Must be 18 years of age or older. Applicants who are 16-17 years old may apply with consent of parent/guardian. Free
Program/Services: Computer Literacy, ESOL, HiSet/GED Preparation,  Pre-HiSet/GED, HiSet/GED Prep for Out of School Youth, Transition to College,  Workforce Education/Partnerships
Support Services: Counseling, Transportation, Test Language available in Spanish

Springfield Technical Community College, Gateway to College –
Phone: (41 3) 755-4581
Program/Services: Gateway to College is a competitive scholarship program funded through the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education .

The cost of tuition, books and most fees are covered by the scholarship. In addition, you’ll have an academic counselor dedicated to your success. Your academic counselor will guide you through the college experience; teach you about careers, organization and time management; and provide you with referrals to community resources.

Springfield Technical Community College, HiSet/GED Exams –
Phone: (413) 755-4507 – Computer Testing, (413) 755-4709 – Written Testing

STCC has partnered with the Educational Testing Service to offer high school equivalency tests (the HiSET) to adults who are at least 18 years old and have not previously received a high school diploma (16 and 17-year-olds may take the test only if they are no longer enrolled in school).

Training Resources of America, Inc. – 32-34 Hampden Street, Ground Floor, Springfield

Contact: Jynai McDonald, jmcdonald@tra-inc.org
Phone: (413) 732-2223
Eligibility Requirements: None,  No Cost for Participants
Programs/Services: Adult Diploma, Basic Literacy, Basic Math, Reading & Writing, College and Career Advising, Computer Literacy, ESOL, HisSe t/ GED Preparation, Job Search / Readiness, Transition to College, Workplace Education
Accepting Volunteers: Yes

YWCA of Western Massachusetts – 1 Clough Street, Springfield

Contact: Jenniefer Murphy, jmurphy@ywworks.org
Phone: (413) 732-3121
Eligibility Requirements: Serve Ages 16-24, High School Drop Out, No Cost for Participants
Programs/Services: Adult Diploma Program, Computer Literacy, HiSet / GED Preparation, Job Search / Readiness, Life Skills / Literacy, HiSet / GED Preparation for Out of School Youth, Transition to College, Workplace Education / Partnerships.

YouthBuild Program: Offers HiSet classes in conjunction with vocational training in construction or in Allied Health. Students participating in these programs will receive case management services, a credential in the construction or Allied Health field, transition support to work/post-secondary education/training, paid internships, and work readiness training.

Support Services: Transportation
Accepting Volunteers: Yes, Training provided.

Additional Area Services

Westover Job Corps Center, US Department of Labor – 103 Johnson Road, Chicopee
Phone: (413) 593-5731
Program/Services: Basic Literacy, Computer Literacy, ESOL, HiSet  / GED Preparation, Job Search / Readiness, Transition to College

Job Corps is a no-cost education and career technical training program administered by the U.S. Department of Labor that helps young people ages 16 to 24 improve the quality of their lives through career technical and academic training.

For information & referrals for adult learners: Massachusetts Adult Literacy Hotline – 1-800-447-8844

Supported in part by grants from the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education, Adult and Community Learning Services

Planning Your Visit

Please call the branch directly to set up an appointment for your group to visit. Visits could include a tour of the Children’s area, time to browse for and borrow books, time to do research, a read-aloud, and a craft project.

Planning Your Visit: EDUCATORS and groups

Appointments:

Please call the branch directly to set up an appointment for your group to visit. Visits could include a tour of the Children’s area, time to browse for and borrow books, time to do research, a read-aloud, and a craft project.

Library Cards:

To register the kids in your group for library cards, obtain a “student/group library card” application from the branch you plan to visit (Ask the librarian you arrange your visit with to help you with this.) Copy as many applications as you need and distribute them to the children in your care. The parent or guardian must fill the form out neatly and completely and return it to you. The teacher or counselor should review the applications before returning them the library. Library cards are then processed and mailed directly to the child’s home. This can take up to three weeks, so please plan accordingly!

Before you arrive:

Decide what your children will be allowed to do during your visit. Review the number of computers at the branch you will visit. Are you going to let your kids use the computers if they are available? If you are not, talk to them about your expectations ahead of time. If you are, please plan a strategy for turn-taking!

  • Checking out books? How many are they going to be allowed to take when they are with you? Are you going to let them check out DVDs or puppets, or just books? Any books? Or just books that meet the goals of your class?
  • Are they allowed to do puzzles or draw when they are done choosing books? Or do you expect them to be reading while they wait for other students to finish?
  • Do they need to bring a bag to carry their items?

Behavior:

Although libraries are no longer silent places, students are expected to speak quietly and to walk from place to place so as not to disturb other patrons.

It is expected that the teachers or counselors will break their children into small groups, each under the constant supervision of an adult. Chaperones are expected to participate in the activity their group is engaged in.

Central Library Plaza Construction Update

New artist renderings of the plaza are available for public viewing.

March 2018 –

The Central Library is currently undergoing renovation, repairs, and construction. Part of the project includes tearing down the old, unsafe entrance ramp at the northwest library entrance (facing the Springfield Museums). The old ramp will be replaced by a new accessible ramp, stairs, and plaza connecting to the Smith Museum. Construction is expected to be completed in August 2018.

Click on images for enlarged views.

Planning Your Visit

The Children’s collections housed in each branch of the Springfield City Library are geared for babies through age twelve, as well as their parents and caregivers.

Library cards:

You do not need a library card to attend a library program, make a craft, participate in the Summer Reading Club, look for books or articles in the online catalog, or just to stop by and read for a while.

You do need a library card to use an internet computer or to check out an item. If you forget your card but have your picture ID, Circulation staff can look up your number (or your child’s number) for you.

If you have a card from another C/WMARS library (most cities and towns in Western Massachusetts belong to this group), your card will work in Springfield too. If you are visiting from another town, you can borrow our items and return them to your home library.

If you don’t have a library card at all, but would like to sign up for one, bring a picture ID with your current address. For more information visit our “How Do I… Get a Library Card” page.

Not sure of the status of your library card? Haven’t been here since you were a kid? Stop by the Circulation Desk of any library location with your library card or your photo ID for assistance.

Parking:

Check your neighborhood branch page for information about parking.

Borrowing:

We have a lot of fantastic books, puppets, music, and movies. Visitors can have up to 50 items on their library card at one time. Plan ahead! Pack along an empty canvas bag to carry your treasures! Walking or taking the bus? Consider an empty backpack!

The Children’s collections housed in each branch of the Springfield City Library are geared for babies through age twelve, as well as their parents and caregivers. People of all ages are welcome to use the children’s collections, but use of the children’s spaces is reserved for children with their parents or caregivers. (Children age 8 and up may use the library on their own.)

From board books for babies to books on the Civil Rights movement for fifth grade homework assignments, our collections have something for every kid. In each children’s collection you can expect to find:

  • Board books: These have thick, sturdy pages that your baby or toddler can turn themselves.
  • Picture books: These illustrated books feature stories that are generally geared towards children birth through age 8, though there are picture books geared toward older children as well. Classic examples include Tikki Tikki Tembo and Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See?
  • Early readers: For children who are just learning to read! Ranging from just a short sentence on a page to a few very short chapters, these books help your child get comfortable as a reader.
  • Chapter books: From Junie B. Jones to Percy Jackson, these are the books that kids spend the majority of their childhoods reading. Some titles are available in Large Type editions.
  • Graphic Novels: Essentially comic book novels, kids love delving into these series.
  • Nonfiction: From outer space to dinosaurs, dolphins to the human body, grammar to sports, poetry to history, this collection attempts to answer the questions posed by every kid—and teacher!
  • Audiobooks: Would you rather listen to a favorite story? Some titles are available in audio. Picture books and audio CDs are borrowed as a set; the audiobook version of chapter books is available just as adult audiobooks are, though the book can also be obtained for readers who like to follow along.
  • Magazines: From “Highlights” to “Sports Illustrated for Kids”, children’s magazines are here!
  • Music: Child-friendly tunes on child-friendly themes!
  • Puppets: Ever wished to have a three-headed dragon visit your home? You can! Low-maintenance and completely returnable.
  • DVDs: Movies with a G/PG rating that are of most interest to children are found here.
  • Video Games: Games for Xbox, Wii, and Playstation are available through some libraries, including the Springfield Central Library and the Sixteen Acres branch.
  • Early Childhood Resource Center: Central Library only, though all items are available to patrons anywhere in Western Massachusetts via interlibrary loan.  Is the item you need at a different branch library? No problem! We can use interlibrary loan to have it sent to the library closest to you.

Programming:

Click here to see our children’s programming schedule.

Other things to do:

Besides plenty of books for browsing, you will find puzzles, drawing paper, toys and games, a puppet theater, and very often a craft project to complete. Each branch has a different flavor, so try them all and see which ones best suit your family’s needs.

Food:

If you are visiting the Central Library, the Blake House Café located on the Quadrangle includes child-friendly meals.

Behavior:

Although libraries are no longer silent places, once they are no longer infants or toddlers, children are expected to use quiet voices and to walk from place to place so as not to disturb other patrons.

Note: Babies cry. Toddlers lose control. This is not a problem!

Direct and constant adult supervision is expected for children under the age of 8. Children ages 8 and older may use the library by themselves, at their guardian’s discretion.

Please finish phone calls before entering the library.

Access My Account

Through your online account you can find books, DVDs, audiobooks, eBooks – and more! Open 24/7 with your Springfield City Library card.

Log into your account:

  1. Go to the login page of the online catalog.
  2. Enter the barcode that appears on the back of your Springfield City Library card in the username field. (You can change your username once you’ve logged in.)
  3. Enter your PIN in the password field.
  4. Click on the “Log in” button located below the username and password fields.

If you are unsuccessful after following these instructions, click on the link “Forgot your password?” to the right of the “Log In” button. Follow the instructions on this page. An email will be sent to the email address that we have on record for you. If you do not receive email in response to your reset request, please consider each of the following before contacting the circulation staff at one of our Springfield City library locations:

  • You have not made cwmars.org a trusted domain on your computer. In this case, the email may be going directly to your spam folder.
  • Your computer security software (your firewall) is blocking the email.
  • You are checking a different email mailbox than the one that is listed in your library account.

If you still are unable to access your patron account, please feel free to contact the circulation staff at your local Springfield City Library location.

Report a Lost or Stolen Card

Notify any Springfield City Library location by telephone or in person as soon as you notice your card has been lost or stolen so that we can block anyone else from using it.

You may also always call the Central Library at 413-263-6828, ext. 218 or ext. 239.

We will not hold you responsible for items that are checked out after you reported your card was lost or stolen, but you will be responsible for items checked out before that.

To get a replacement card, come into the Library with a current picture ID.

Place A Hold

However you request your materials, we will call you or send you an email, text, or a postcard notification when your materials are ready for pick up.

Place Your Own Item Requests

Electronically
You may place your own item requests electronically through the online catalog either from a computer in the Library or from your home or office. You may have up to 20 active hold requests at a time. Enter your library card number and PIN, request the item, and use the drop-down menu to choose your preferred library location for pickup.

In Person
Request assistance to place a HOLD at any Branch Library Reference Desk. You must have your library card with you to do this since we will need your barcode number to place the request for you.

By Telephone or Online from your home or office
Use our AskALibrarian service online or telephone the Reference Desk at any Springfield City Library location. Please include your mailing address, telephone number, and library card number, along with details of the items you want.

We will hold the item for you for one week at the circulation desk of the library location you specified for pick up.

Renew An Item

One renewal of library material is allowed for the original loan period if no one else has requested the item.

You may renew in person or by telephone at the circulation desk of any Springfield City Library location. Please have your library card number ready when you call.

You may also view your library record and renew online by logging in to your C/WMARS account. Enter your library card number in the user name box and enter your password or PIN. For first time card holders enter the last 4 digits of your telephone number.

Loan Periods, Limits and Fines

The listed policies apply at most C/WMARS libraries. Other libraries may have different overdue fines, rules, and policies.

C/WMARS stands for Central/Western Massachusetts Automated Resource Sharing. The Libraries in the C/WMARS network, including the Springfield City Library, share library items with each other.


How long you can borrow items:
1 week – Movies, Magazines, Video Games
2 weeks – New Adult Books
3 weeks – All other library materials

Items in the Springfield Library of Things such as mobile hotspots, cake pans, and musical instruments are subject to different loan periods. Ask a librarian for more information.

Audio-Visual Material Check Out Limits:
(applies to Springfield City Library items)
3 Video Games
8 Each of DVDs and CDs

C/WMARS Network Check Out Limits:
20 Total CDs/Video Games
50 Items checked out on your card
20 Holds (items you’ve requested)

Renewals
If you’d like to borrow your item for longer, you can request to Renew your item. You get one renewal, meaning you can borrow the item for another 1-3 weeks depending on the item type.

Interlibrary Loans (from non-C/WMARS libraries)
Late fees for interlibrary loan items are set by the lending library.

Lost Items
Items that are kept out for four weeks past their due date will be considered lost, and the borrower will be charged a lost item fine. The fine will vary depending on the original cost of the item. If the item is later returned in usable condition, the lost item fine will be waived.

Get A Pin

You may view your library record, place and view holds, keep track of due dates and renew online, or pay a fine by logging into your C/WMARS account.

  • Enter your library card number (no spaces) in the user name box.
  • Enter your password or PIN. For first time card holders enter the last 4 digits of your telephone number.
  • To change your user name or password click on Account Preferences, then click on CHANGE to the right of password or user name.
  • If you have a problem logging in or forget your pin call any Springfield City Library location for help. You will need your library card number when calling.
  • If your email address has been entered into your account, you can request a PIN reset electronically. Click on “Forgot your password?,” and enter your library card number (barcode).