Frequently Asked Questions

• What is the Jalapeño Social Hour?

It’s a Spanish conversation group that meets for one hour every other week on Wednesdays at 4 PM online, and Thursdays at 4:30 PM in person.

• What level of Spanish is this group?

The members of the group are generally at the intermediate level and higher.   Though anyone is welcome to join, please keep in mind that many of the participants speak Spanish rather fluently.

• Will beginning Spanish speakers learn to speak Spanish in this group?

The meetings are not designed for learning the language. They are rather a space where participants can practice their Spanish language skills. However, if you are taking a beginner’s Spanish course, you might find the conversations in this group useful for familiarizing yourself with the sounds of the Spanish language.

• Who teaches the classes?

This is a conversation group, NOT a class. Staff at the South Beach Library in Staten Island, the Allerton Library in the Bronx, and the Stavros Niarchos Foundation Library (SNFL) in Manhattan are the meeting organizers. And, as much as possible, other members of the group take turns leading the discussion.

• What are the conversations about during the meetings?

Our goal is to introduce and expand on such varied topics as Spanish culture, history, literature, music, dance, cookery, theater, movies, etc., and from time-to-time grammar. 

• Are the meetings in person or online?

The meetings are held online on Wednesdays at 4pm via Google Meet or in person on Thursdays at 4:30pm at the Stavros Niarchos Foundation Library in Manhattan. 

• How does Google Meet work?

If you are unfamiliar with Google Meet and are curious to learn about the platform prior to the virtual event, click on the following link: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1bdP_uQfqnLBbnlqObS2cyi3zbCMHTxRi/view?usp=sharing.

• How do I register for the Jalapeño Social Hour?

You can register through the New York Public Library website at https://www.nypl.org/events/calendar. In the "SEARCH EVENTS" box type the word Jalapeño. All the iterations of the Jalapeño Social Hour will be displayed.   You will need to register for each individual date you wish to attend.

• What do I need in order to register for this group?

To register you only need an email address.  You will receive the link to participate by email approximately one day before the event. You will need a device with audio and/or video and an internet connection to join.

• What if I can’t make the meeting for which I registered?

Since space is limited, we encourage you to let us know if you are unable to attend so that we may free up space for other interested participants.