Traditionally, libraries have been known as places where talking is discouraged. Not so at the Hopkinton Public Library, where individuals from all over the world are having healthy discussions.

The library has been hosting an English Language Learners program, where volunteers lead meetings designed to improve conversation skills for those with various levels of fluency. The program is free, courtesy of the Friends of the Hopkinton Public Library.

Organizer Barbara Champney said the program has been “tremendously successful” — so much so that she recently met with library staff to talk about how it could be better supported and upgraded.

“It’s fun, it’s rewarding, the people are so appreciative,” Champney said. “In my class, I have people from A to Z — Armenia to Zimbabwe. When you think about this community, it’s surprising to realize how many people in this town are looking for help and how many countries are represented.”

The program started a few years ago when Champney, a member of the Friends of the Hopkinton Public Library and a former high school science teacher, decided to act on the recommendation of library employees.

“The staff at the library kept talking about a need for English language learning instruction. At the time I knew nothing about it,” she recalled. “There’s a woman here in town, Janet Fannon, who does it professionally. So the two of us got together— it’s four years ago now — and we trained some volunteers.”

Most of the participants learn about the program through word of mouth, via the library website or from listings in this newspaper.

“We have three levels, including opportunities for people to socialize and chat,” Champney said. “So it runs the gamut from someone who has only been here six weeks and is just beginning the language, to others who have some experience.

“Janet, the professional, starts with basic vocabulary — where are you from — and sets up a culture that’s very welcoming. We’ll go through things like a grocery circular, because there’s extensive vocabulary there.”

Added Champney: “Anyone is welcome, but we do limit the classes to 10-12 people so everyone gets a chance to talk and we can listen.”

One recent participant came from Ukraine and eventually had to head back home. She enjoyed the class so much that she continues to participate online.

Two other former ELL students who are from Spain now are leading a Spanish class at the library, “repaying us by teaching,” Champney said.

Some participants are taking things a step further and looking to improve not just their speaking but other facets of communication.

“We try to find out what they need,” Champney said. “Several people now want to improve their writing, so the staff is thinking about setting up a writing experience for people in the class. Another thing people are looking for is an opportunity to socialize, because it’s hard to make friends when you first come into the country. So the library is thinking about setting up game nights.”

The Friends of the Hopkinton Public Library also is sponsoring a lifelong learning program. This features meetings on various topics, including the Supreme Court and the potential impact of some recent rulings. In the spring, the program will offer a series of lectures on art, including a session on the Monuments Men who salvaged art that the Nazis had looted during World War II.

Said Champney: “This is such a welcoming town that it’s the perfect place to be trying out programs like this.”

Local runners tackle NYC

Congratulations to Caitlin Thomas and Hannah McKenzie, two young women from Hopkinton who ran the New York City Marathon on Nov. 3 to benefit the Hopkinton-based 26.2 Foundation.

The two share a bond, as their mothers have run together for many years, explained 26.2 Foundation Executive Director Tim Kilduff.

When Thomas was younger, she used to cheer on her mother when she ran New York. The two ran Boston together this past April.

Hopkinton friends Caitlin Thomas (left) and Hannah McKenzie ran the 2024 New York City Marathon on Nov. 3.

McKenzie, whose mother, Laura, coaches the Hopkinton High School cross country team, was tackling her first marathon this month. She finished in just over 4 hours, a few minutes ahead of Thomas.

“[The mothers] have been running together for many years, inspiring Caitlin and Hannah,” Kilduff shared. “Caitlin and Hannah have seen firsthand how running instills confidence and improves mental health among people of all ages and skill levels.”

Each runner raised more than $5,000 for the 26.2 Foundation.

Dementia Friends program continues

The Hopkinton Council on Aging is sponsoring another Dementia Friends informational session on Wednesday, Dec. 4, at St. John’s Church (20 Church Street).

Organizer Sam Docknevich notes that he’s now conducted 20 such sessions, resulting in 332 new Dementia Friends.

The program, open to residents of all ages and towns, is designed to explain about dementia and how it impacts not just the affected individual but also that person’s family. Extensive resources are available to let people know how to offer support.

For more information, call the Hopkinton Senior Center at 508-497-9730.