It’s National Volunteer Week 2016, and we want to celebrate the important role of volunteers at Queens Library!

All this week, we will share stories of our volunteers on our blog. Thank you to them, and to every Queens Library volunteer, for their service!

Mary Ann Grassl serves as an English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) Tutor at the Central Library Adult Learning Center (Central ALC), where she conducts an English Conversation Group with Intermediate-level students every week.

Born in Manhattan, Mary Ann moved to Queens in her 20s, and has been retired from her career as a social worker since 1999. Her volunteer career began at the Queensboro Council of Social Welfare, where she served in hospitals and clinics. Mary Ann enjoyed English as a subject in college (it was her secondary major), and she began volunteering with the Central Library Adult Learning Program over 10 years ago.

“Ms. Grassl is a dedicated person who is also committed to helping her students improve their spoken English and have their voices be heard,” says Kenneth M. Tabano, Manager of Central ALC. “Her group discusses relevant topics that everyone can take part in, and every student leaves each session having learned from each other. Rain or shine, she is there for her students.”

Mary Ann says that she loves volunteering with us, and feels that her adult students are so willing and eager to learn. Even when they aren’t initially receptive, she is always determined to help them find a way. Either way, her students are really delightful!

“She has bonded well with her many students over the years, as well as the staff here at Central ALC,” says Tabano. “We look forward to having Mary Ann as part of our team for as long as she is willing to be here.”

Our thanks to Mary Ann for teaching and encouraging others!