Adults

The New York Public Library has a wide range of resources to help you learn new skills and stay connected, from technology classes to conversation groups and beyond.

New & Upcoming

  • Two women smile while working on a scrapbook together in a brightly lit room.

    New! Creative Aging

    Tap into your creative potential with a new season of Creative Aging, our series of free art workshops for adults ages 50 and older.

  • adults sit around a circular table listening to a teacher

    Free English & Basic Literacy Classes

    Strengthen your communication skills with beginner, intermediate, and advanced English classes, now in session!

  • An audience laughs joyously at an event.

    More Events for Adults

    Meet your favorite author, hear a live concert, or find something new at the Library.

Technology & Computers

Discover a wide array of technology classes including basic computing, coding, photo editing, audio production, and more.

Language Classes

Practice reading, speaking, and writing in different languages with robust programming and resources at the Library! 

  • A group of people smile and chat in a brightly lit room with windows.

    Conversation Groups

    Enjoy fun, interactive activities while chatting with other language learners from around the world. 

  • A group of adult students

    Self-Guided Lessons

    Use your library card to access Mango Languages, an interactive program with lesson plans for 71 languages.

  • A group of patrons have a discussion

    More Language Programs

    Find classes, conversation groups, and more at your local branch.

Jobs & Careers

NYPL Career Services provides essential professional development support, resources, webinars, and events for job seekers and professionals.

  • A man in a striped shirt smiles at the camera.

    Career Services at NYPL

    Get free in-person or virtual support, including coaching, resume and cover letter-writing, and career development.

  • A man looks at a book titled: The Big Book of Jobs.

    Resume & Job Application Support

    Jump-start your job search, get resume support, and obtain the right resources to find the job you want.

  • Two women sit at a table with books, smiling and laughing together.

    Career & Resilience Coaching

    Identify your career potential, skills, and interests while working with coaches to develop your career goals.

  • Two men shake hands in a green room.

    More Career Programs

    Discover how you can improve your job readiness skills at our workshops, seminars, job fairs, recruitment events and more.

Creative Programming for Adults

  • WNYC host Alison Stewart and author Marlon James speak together onstage.

    Get Lit Book Club

    Join WNYC's Alison Stewart and NYPL for a monthly "book party" featuring authors and musical performances.

  • Questlove at an event for Summer of Soul at the Schomburg Center.

    Film Screenings & Talkbacks

    Experience classics, hidden gems, and new feature films at local screenings and talkbacks.

  • Photo of an author talk at the Schomburg Center in a room full of bookshelves.

    Author Talks

    From fiction to journalism, discover the latest releases and new ideas at the Library.

Business & Finance Resources

  • A man in a red shirt smiles at the camera while typing on a laptop.

    Virtual Consultations

    Book a consultation to learn more about resources for starting or growing your small business, business and financial research, and resources for personal finance and investing.

  • Interior photo of the Thomas Yoseloff Business Center featuring a long table with Bloomberg Terminals and a person studying data at one of the terminals in the foreground.

    Bloomberg Terminals

    Make a reservation to use Bloomberg Terminals, which offer real-time and historical financial data on markets across the globe.

  • Two women look at a laptop in a brightly lit room.

    Small Business Resource Center

    Start and grow your small business with the aid of resources including business plan boot camp videos and more. 

  • Interior of the Thomas Yoseloff Business Center.

    Events at the Thomas Yoseloff Business Center

    Learn about personal finance, mutual funds, small business planning, and more.

Explore More for Adult Learners

  • Interior of Pasculano Learning Center

    Pasculano Learning Center

    Discover a wide array of programs and resources including English-language and literacy learning, classes through our TechConnect program, and career services.

  • Two women look at an iPad together in a room with blue walls.

    Classes & Workshops for Adults

    The Library offers thousands of classes for lifelong learners at branches across the Bronx, Manhattan, and Staten Island. Learn something new today! 


These programs and initiatives are part of the Library’s overall commitment to our branch patrons and education programs, led by the Merryl and James Tisch Director of Branch Libraries and Education. Major support for educational programming is provided by Merryl H. and James S. Tisch.

Major support for the Library's adult literacy programs is provided by Lynne and Richard Pasculano; Arthur W. Koenig; The JPB Foundation; the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act, Title II funding administered through the New York State Education Department; and the Stavros Niarchos Foundation (SNF). Additional support provided by the New York City Mayor’s Office of Immigrant Affairs; New York City Council Adult Literacy Initiative; and an anonymous donor.