Make new friends while practising everyday English at Lakemba Library. Free weekly conversation sessions during the school term for community members and parents.
Ongoing activity
62 The Boulevarde, Lakemba NSW 2195, Australia
Free
This relaxed English conversation group at Lakemba Library offers a friendly, low-pressure space for parents and caregivers to practise speaking English, meet neighbours and build confidence. It suits busy families looking for a community activity during the school term and is welcoming to new arrivals and long-term residents alike.
The group focuses on everyday conversation topics, gentle listening practice and real-life language confidence. Sessions are free, informal and led by volunteers or library staff who encourage participation and create a supportive atmosphere for learners of all levels.
Bring a willingness to chat and a cup of coffee if you like — this is as much about connection and community as it is about language learning, and it’s designed with parents and carers in mind.
Expect an easygoing 90–120 minute session where conversation is the central activity and practical English grows naturally. Sessions usually include short warm-ups, topic prompts and paired or small group chats to keep things comfortable.
You’ll meet other local parents and community members, practise everyday phrases and pick up tips for shopping, school pickups, local services and talking with teachers. The emphasis is on confidence-building rather than formal grammar instruction.
Sessions run during the school term and are child-friendly in tone; parents often combine attendance with school drop-off or community errands. It’s a great way to build local friendships, improve English and feel more connected to Lakemba Library and the neighbourhood.
Who it suits: parents, caregivers and adults with school-aged children who want to improve spoken English, gain confidence and meet other locals. No formal enrolment or advanced English level is required; beginners are welcome with support.
When it runs: weekly on Thursdays during the school term, typically 10:00–12:00. Sessions do not run on public holidays and may follow the NSW school calendar, so check with the library for exact term dates.
What to bring and expect during a session: a willingness to speak, comfortable clothing, and any personal learning notes. The sessions are informal; volunteers and library staff facilitate conversations, use visual prompts and encourage practical language for everyday life.
Meet at Lakemba Library and Knowledge Centre, 62 The Boulevarde, Lakemba 2195 — a community hub with easy access to public transport and nearby parking. The library is familiar to parents doing school runs and community activities.
The venue is accessible and family friendly; if you have mobility or access needs, contact the library ahead of time so they can assist. The library’s location makes it easy to combine the session with local errands or a coffee with new friends afterwards.
Look for signage for library programs at the main entrance; sessions are usually held in a meeting room or designated learning area. Staff can point you to toilets, pram storage and nearby playgrounds for younger children.
Sessions are free but volunteer-run; availability can vary by term and public holidays may affect the schedule. Parents are encouraged to check term dates with Lakemba Library before attending to avoid disappointment.
While child-friendly, the group is focused on adult conversation — carers should supervise children brought along. The library team aims to create a respectful, inclusive environment for people of all backgrounds and language abilities.
If you have specific learning needs, childcare questions or mobility requirements, contact the library in advance to discuss how they can support your visit. Bring any relevant documents or questions if you need help accessing local services.
Cost: Free — there is no fee to attend English conversation group sessions at Lakemba Library. This makes it a low-cost, high-value option for parents seeking community-based ESL practice.
Booking is usually not required for drop-in sessions, but some terms or special events may request registration due to space. For certainty, call the library or check the council website to see if a session needs pre-booking during that term.
If a session is full or you want a guaranteed spot, contact the library for waitlist options or details on similar programs at nearby libraries. The library team can also advise on related resources, ESL classes and family services in the Canterbury-Bankstown area.
