The Conversation Tree Receives Library Service Award

The Conversation Tree: Community Based Language Partnership received the 2014 Library Service Award from the Libraries of Middlesex Automation Consortium. The award was presented during the 35th Annual Library Awards Reception on Monday, December 1, 2014.

The Conversation Tree is a partnership program developed by Rutgers Graduate School of Education (GSE) and The Collaborative Center for Community-Based Research and Service that offers conversation practice in English and Spanish for adults in the local community through its Conversation Café Programs. In 2015 The Conversation Tree will begin offering a Chinese Conversation Café as well.

Robert Belvin, Director of the New Brunswick Free Public Library (NBFPL), nominated The Conversation Tree for the award in recognition of the outstanding contributions the program has made for adult learners in the New Brunswick community.

“We feel especially proud of this award as it comes from one of the most important community organizations in New Brunswick,” notes Dr. Mary Curran, Associate Dean for Local-Global Partnerships at the GSE. “This award is a testament to the program and also recognizes the care and efforts of Jessica Hunsdon, who coordinates the program and works closely with the NBFPL staff and Jessie Curtis, who teaches the course which prepares Rutgers students to participate in the program.”

The Libraries of Middlesex Automation Consortium is a nonprofit membership organization, which provides a full range of library services to its 28 member libraries consisting of 27 public libraries and one community college. 

To learn more about The Conversation Tree program, click here.