Community Resources

Minnesota Literacy and ESL Resources

The Loft sometimes receives requests for literacy services or classes, and while we don't offer those services, there are some fantastic Minnesota organizations that do. Please see the links below for more information.

Find Free Classes for Adults through the Minnesota Literacy Council—Adult Literacy Hotline / Search Tool Search over 400 programs statewide: http://mnliteracy.org/hotline
Open Door Learning Centers—6 Locations Classes in: English language, GED, civics and work-readiness: http://mnliteracy.org/opendoorcoordinators
Free Online Trainings—Basic Computer, Internet, IT Skills, and GED Preparation http://mnliteracy.org/students/online
Minnesota Adult Basic Education—http://mnabe.org/
ESL Activitiers: https://crossword-solver.io/esl-activities-for-english-class/
How to list languages on your resume: https://resume.io/how-to-write-a-resume/languages-on-your-resume

There are also national online resources specifically for ESL/ELL college students that anyone can access. You can find a helpful listing here: https://www.edumed.org/resources/esl-ell-college-students

Services for Artists

There are numerous community resources for artists in our community. This is not a comprehensive list, but it can be a good place to start.

Springboard for the Arts: Resources, job postings, trainings, events and much more.
Mental Health Resources to Prevent Creative Burnout: Compiled and managed by Cal Berkeley Extension.
MN BIPOC Kidlit Creators—Minnesota-based writers and illustrators of color who stand in solidarity on issues pertaining to the BIPOC community in children’s and young adult literature and publishing.

Freedom to Read

If you are interested in helping to fight against book bans and censorship, this is a good place to start. We will continue to add to this list as we become aware of resources.

Read Freely Project — The Cabin in Idaho
Banned and Challenged Books — The American Library Association
Banned Books Week — The American Library Association