RI Family Literacy Initiative
Learn English
Based at PPL, Rhode Island Family Literacy Initiative (RIFLI) is a free, nationally recognized ESL, citizenship preparation, workforce development and family literacy program for adults based at public libraries throughout Rhode Island.
RIFLI offers English as a Second Language (ESL), citizenship preparation and computer instruction as well as children’s programming, student resource support and links to library resources and services. The annual program registration fee is $30 and classes are free. We offer English classes at the following locations and times:
PROVIDENCE
Providence Public Library, 150 Empire Street, Saturdays (beginner and intermediate levels only)
Community Libraries of Providence offer beginner and intermediate classes at several branches. More information here: https://clpvd.org/learn/
PAWTUCKET
Pawtucket Public Library, 13 Summer Street, weekday mornings (all levels)
For evening classes at this location, please visit: https://www.riilsr.org/
CRANSTON
Cranston Public Library, Auburn Branch, 396 Pontiac Avenue, weekday evenings (all levels & children's program)
EAST PROVIDENCE
East Providence Public Library, 41 Grove Avenue, mornings and evenings (beginner and intermediate levels)
WARWICK
Warwick Public Library, Central Branch, 600 Sandy Lane, weekday evenings (intermediate only)
ONLINE CLASSES
Advanced level classes are offered online
Other adult education programs in Rhode Island can be found at EnrollRI.org.
In-person Pre-registration is required.
Space in classes is limited. New students must attend an orientation and take a reading assessment which determines their class level. The assessment is done on a computer and takes an hour and 15 minutes to complete.
Frequently Asked Questions | Preguntas frecuentes
Class dates
Winter: January 21 - April 12, 2025
Spring: April 21 - June 14, 2025
Summer: July 7 - August 9, 2025
Fall: TBA September - December 2025
Unmuted World is an evolving collection of essays by adult English language learners in Providence Public Library's RIFLI (Rhode Island Family Literacy Initiative) program. The writers here represent diverse geography, cultures and faiths. Many are writing in English for the first time. We began in response to an idea to share work from advanced ESL classes, and to create an outlet for new Americans to share their personal stories and express their ideas.
Teacher Jon Lavieri notes: I wanted to encourage students in my advanced classes to write more, but also encourage them to realize their voices have resonance beyond our classroom walls. The blog title and decision to make their work public were completely their own. At first, the essays were responses to class writing prompts, but once students started seeing each others' essays being published, many began writing pieces on their own.
Unmuted World, a student Blog
PPL has a great team and this has been a great accomplishment. Thank you again for helping me gain the confidence, security and preparation needed to be able to attend my citizenship interview and pass the test.