Edible Alphabet
Edible Alphabet is a free English Language Learning (ELL) program offered by the Free Library's Culinary Literacy Center. The mission is to teach English language and literacy skills through hands-on cooking projects.
Students will learn vocabulary and grammar, as well as practice listening, speaking, reading, and writing in English while cooking a new delicious recipe every week.
Edible Alphabet offers students a chance to improve their English skills while cooking new recipes and eating delicious foods. The program is offered both at the Parkway Central Library and in our Neighborhood Libraries.
For more on the Free Library's services for English language learners including bilingual and foreign language print and electronic resources, information on citizenship, health and wellness, and other resources, visit the Free Library's New Americans page.
Register for Edible Alphabet now!
Please sign-up for an upcoming Edible Alphabet course. You can also call the Culinary Literacy Center for more information at 215-686-5323 or email kitchen@freelibrary.org.
Library card applications are also available in the following languages on our Library Card Application page:
- Español (Spanish)
- 汉语 (Chinese)
- Việt (Vietnamese)
- Русский (Russian)
- Français (French)
- عربي (Arabic)
Press
In a city with about 11,000 Latino small businesses out of about 104,000 total, the path to owning a business can be rocky and frustrating.
"Don't speak English" were the first words Ana MarÃa learned to say in English when she moved to Boston from Puerto Rico in 1978 at 14 years old.
The class at the Free Library not only helped participants learn Spanish, but they also took home a recipe from Peru.
Sharing food is a communal practice that transcends cultures. Though cuisine and preparation style can vary, the act of coming together with friends and family for a meal is universal.
Through Edible Alphabet, students learn English while they cook – gaining the confidence to navigate a new city and culture along the way.
Food and conversation go together like love and marriage; they are a natural pairing, one that evokes home and comfort.
A series of classes through the Free Library of Philadelphia teaches English as a second language via cooking lessons.
For many immigrants, coming to America is full of the unfamiliar &ndashl from the language to the food. In Philadelphia, a program aims to help these arrivals settle into their new country by folding English lessons into a cooking class.
Upcoming Events
Showing 1 to 6 of 24
Edible Alphabet: Learn English Through Cooking
Thu, February 27, 2025
10:30 A.M.
Parkway Central Library
Thursdays 10:30 am - 1:30 pm (February 20 - March 27, 2025) Adults are invited to this FREE class for English language learners. Each week we read, write, and speak in English - and cook a meal together. Register at www.bit.ly/EAEnglish Questions? Email us at …
Edible Alphabet: Learn English Through Cooking
Thu, March 6, 2025
10:30 A.M.
Parkway Central Library
Thursdays 10:30 am - 1:30 pm (February 20 - March 27, 2025) Adults are invited to this FREE class for English language learners. Each week we read, write, and speak in English - and cook a meal together. Register at www.bit.ly/EAEnglish Questions? Email us at …
Edible Alphabet: Learn English Through Cooking
Thu, March 13, 2025
10:30 A.M.
Parkway Central Library
Thursdays 10:30 am - 1:30 pm (February 20 - March 27, 2025) Adults are invited to this FREE class for English language learners. Each week we read, write, and speak in English - and cook a meal together. Register at www.bit.ly/EAEnglish Questions? Email us at …
Edible Alphabet: Learn English Through Cooking
Thu, March 20, 2025
10:30 A.M.
Parkway Central Library
Thursdays 10:30 am - 1:30 pm (February 20 - March 27, 2025) Adults are invited to this FREE class for English language learners. Each week we read, write, and speak in English - and cook a meal together. Register at www.bit.ly/EAEnglish Questions? Email us at …
Edible Alphabet: Learn English Through Cooking
Thu, March 27, 2025
10:30 A.M.
Parkway Central Library
Thursdays 10:30 am - 1:30 pm (February 20 - March 27, 2025) Adults are invited to this FREE class for English language learners. Each week we read, write, and speak in English - and cook a meal together. Register at www.bit.ly/EAEnglish Questions? Email us at …
Edible Alphabet: Learn English through Cooking! (Online)
Tue, April 1, 2025
10:30 A.M.
Zoom
Tuesdays 10:30 am - 12:30 pm (April 1 - May 20, 2025) Adults are invited to this FREE online English class. Each week we read, write, and speak in English--and cook a meal together (at our own homes, connected through video call). Free grocery pick up available. Register at www.bit.ly/EAEnglish…
Blog Posts
Community College Classes at the Library
The Community College of Philadelphia and the Free Library partnered to provide English as a Second Language (ESL) and High School Equivalency (HSE) classes in neighborhood libraries ! The Community College of Philadelphia prepares… continue reading
By Betsy M. May 31, 2024 1
Languages and Learning: Adult Education at the Free Library
The Free Library’s mission is to advance literacy, guide learning, and inspire curiosity for all Philadelphians. You’re probably familiar with our many branches and departments, along with the incredible resources and programs offered… continue reading
By Meredith M. April 11, 2024 5
My Experience Volunteering with the Free Library
December includes International Volunteer Day — which takes place on December 5th — but here at the Free Library, we celebrate our volunteers all year round! Many of the programs offered by Languages and Learning are facilitated… continue reading
By Marjorie S. December 20, 2023
Request a Tutor With the Free Library
Do you need one-on-one help to sharpen your reading and writing skills? Then consider requesting a tutor with the Free Library of Philadelphia! The Free Library Tutoring Program pairs adult learners with trained tutors to help strengthen their… continue reading
By Betsy M. October 10, 2023 1
7 Great Ways To Improve Your English With the Free Library
The Languages and Learning Center offers relevant and engaging programs and resources for English language learners. Here are seven great ways we can help you learn, improve, and speak English! Attend an English Conversation Circle… continue reading
By Lindsay S. September 27, 2023 7
The Free Library Seeks Volunteer Tutors
Do you want to use your knowledge and experience to give back to the Philadelphia community? Then consider becoming a tutor with the Free Library of Philadelphia! The Free Library is looking for tutors to help adults strengthen their reading and… continue reading
By Betsy M. August 28, 2023 3
