Mid-Manhattan Library's English Conversation Hour is a place where intermediate, advanced, and native English speakers come together and talk about anything, from New York City life, to American customs, to current events. English Conversation Hour unites people of all ages, from a wide variety of countries and territories, who all have one common goal: to master their English conversation skills (or, in the case of our native speaking volunteers, to assist English language learners). This casual atmosphere provides more than an opportunity to practice speaking English. Navigating this city can be intimidating for anyone, despite the language they speak, and this program allows those in the same boat to connect, feel a bit more at ease that they're not alone in their adventure, and possibly even make a lifelong friend or two. That's where Gani comes in. Every time Gani enters the room during English Conversation Hour, his positivity is immediately felt by everyone. He is a beacon of comfort for many participants. His national pride is equal to his pride as an English language learner. Those are some of the reasons why we chose Gani for this edition of My Library. Check out our interview with Gani and you will surely see what we're talking about.

English Conversation Hour currently meets twice per week, every Tuesday and Thursday, at 6:30 pm. This summer we will meet on Thursdays only at 6:30 pm starting July 9. We hope to see you soon!

What is your name? Gani Stambek

Where are you from? Kazakhstan

How long have you been in New York?

I have been here since the 3rd of November.

How long do you plan to stay? 3-5 years

Do you work? Do you go to school? Where?

I go to Bell Language School in Brooklyn.

How did you hear about English Conversation Hour at Mid-Manhattan Library?

I went to many libraries and other places in New York City and asked staff who work there where I can find free English courses.

Why do you keep coming back?

I can improve my English and find many new ideas inside of different people, and also I found my girlfriend from Korea at English Conversation Hour. Thank you for that.

What is your favorite place in New York?

Libraries, English schools, universities and parks.

Do you have any favorite parks in New York? What library branches, besides Mid-Manhattan Library, do you visit often?

Central Park and a small park near my house. I visit Central Library in Brooklyn almost every day. They have free English and Chinese classes. I started studying for free at Columbia University, they have a free English ESL program.

What is a place everyone who visits your hometown should see?

In Astana (Capital of Kazakhstan) we will have EXPO 2017. We have lots of unique architecture by world famous architect Mr. Norman Foster (from UK). Japanese, European, and Kazakh designers created our city. Astana is the youngest capital in the world.

Can you recommend a book or a movie that other English language learners might enjoy?

Beginners should read a lot of fairy tales. They are easy to understand. On YouTube everybody can find many useful lessons and movies.

Your English conversation skills are really good! Do you have any language learning tips to share with our readers?

1. Use meetup.com. You can find many free activities with native English Speakers
2. Start thinking only in English
3. Don't use your native language
4. Many libraries have free language courses. Also some churches and Columbia University have free English courses
5. Be a volunteer in an organization where you can communicate with Native English Speakers
6. Don't be shy and speak every time, everywhere, even with broken English. I wish that everyone really loves this language, it is a language of big opportunities. Be a hard worker to improve your English.

Besides English Conversation Hour, what other programs do you attend (or have you attended) at the library?

Brain games. I started studying Chinese at the Central Library in Brooklyn.

We see you here at the library a lot! Did you go to the library in your hometown often? What kind of programs does the library in your hometown offer?

1. Yes, I like to read a lot about a lot of things.
2. 2-3 times a week I went to the library. They have different poetical and traditional days and parties.

Can you please explain what you mean by "they have different poetical and traditional days and parties?"

For example one of the famous people in Kazakhstan (Library chooses a different person every time) will recommend a book to read that month because he/she likes this book and thinks that it will be useful for readers. We read a lot of different books, I think it is a good idea. We have some poetical days, for example Evening with Abay (he is a famous Kazakh wiseman and poet). We choose a special day where we will read and talk about him or we can go to the square and read his books to people there.

Interested in attending English Conversation Hour?  We meet Tuesdays and Thursdays at 6:30 pm in the First Floor Corner Room through June 25. No registration required; just come and talk! Doors open at 6:15 pm. Latecomers are admitted if there is space. Questions? Email Dana at DanaSagona@nypl.org and Elizabeth at ElizabethWaters@nypl.org

Print a pdf flyer of the spring schedule.
Print a pdf flyer of the summer schedule.

Free English Language Learning Resources:
Free English Classes at the Library
English Conversation groups at other NYPL branches
eBooks for Intermediate and Advanced English Language Learners
English Language Learning books, DVDs, CDs, and more
Mango Languages database (free with your library card!)
Brooklyn Public Library English Conversation Groups
Queens Library English Classes
YMCA ELESAIR Program
NYC Department of Education: Office of Adult Education