For many immigrants to the United States, learning English and achieving official citizenship is a huge part of their journeys. In hopes of helping members of our immigrant community complete these parts of their paths, Fairfax County Public Library has many programs and resources available free of charge to those who need them.

English Language Learning Resources

Programs

Whether you are a beginner or looking for a place to practice your skills, FCPL branches host a variety of different programs to help community members learn the ins and outs of speaking English. As of April 2026, 19 of our 23 branches offer some sort of English Language Learning (ELL) classes. Classes are available both in person and virtually, with some current topics including:

• Speaking and pronunciation

• Vocabulary building

• Grammar

• Writing

• One-on-one practice

• Small conversation groups

• Newspaper reading and discussion

• American Culture

A complete list of upcoming English language learning programs can be found on our library calendar here.

Online Resources

FCPL cardholders are also able to access several online resources for learning and strengthening English skills through our database collection. These include:

• Mango Languages – Available online and through a downloadable app, native speakers of many languages, such as Spanish, Korean, Vietnamese and more, can access English language learning courses.

• Transparent Language Online – Available online only, this program helps speakers of 30+ languages learn English through programs that develop all four core skills: listening, speaking, reading and writing. 

• Universal Class – Available online only, this program offers self-paced English classes on topics including basic grammar, building vocabulary, speaking skills and more. 

• Read It! – Available online only, this website is for learners who have a basic understanding of English and allows them to access adapted reading material on a variety of subjects.

• Oxford English Dictionary Online – Available online only, learners can use this site to look up the meaning and history of a word alongside quotations for examples of usage.

Additional resources for English language learning, including other community programs can be found on our website at bit.ly/FCPL_EnglishLearning .

Citizenship Resources

Programs

For those looking to take the final step in the immigration journeys can also find help at their local library branch. Similarly to the English classes, several branches also host citizenship preparation programs. As of April 2026, both Chantilly Regional Library and Herndon Fortnightly Library regularly offer citizenship preparation classes, with other branches hosting programs occasionally throughout the year. Our Herndon Fortnightly branch also offers a virtual class introducing students to the United States Citizenship exam once every three months.

For the latest calendar of our citizenship preparation classes, please visit bit.ly/FCPL_CitizenshipPrograms.

Online Resources

Additionally, FCPL cardholders can access online citizenship test preparation help through our databases. 

• Transparent Language Online – In addition to its language learning courses, this online program also offers a citizenship text prep course free of charge.

• LearningExpress Library – This online resource provides several articles and eBooks with information about becoming a U. S. citizen, practice tests for the civics portion of the exam and study guides. 
   

Can’t find something that works for you? The Library is always adding more programs and resources. To stay up to date with the latest in our offerings, check out our Immigrant Rights and Resources guide online here.