New to Canada

Settlement and Education Partnerships in Toronto at Toronto Public Libraries

What is SEPT?

Settlement and Education Partnerships in Toronto (SEPT) is a partnership between Toronto District School Board, Toronto Catholic District School Board, and Toronto Public Library.

                              

Toronto Public Library has partnered with these community agencies to allow settlement workers, who are based in schools from September to June to offer services to newcomers in selected library branches starting on July 3rd!

What does SEPT do?

SEPT assists and connects new Canadians to services in the community and to all of our library services.

The SEPT workers are available to help those who need advice and guidance in Toronto and Canada. Information about:

• Citizenship and Immigration
• Education and Employment
• Health and OHIP
• Legal services
• Financial issues
• English Classes
• Housing
• Recreation
• And much more!
                                                                   [Photo Credit: Toronto District School Board]

How do I connect with them?

During the summer, there are SEPT workers located in 17 Toronto Public Library branches all across the system. These branches include:

Barbara Frum, Black Creek, Burrows Hall, Cedarbrae, Deer Park, Don Mills, Downsview, Fairview, Goldhawk Park, Humber Summit, Malvern, Maria A. Shchuka, North York Central, Pape/Danforth, St. James Town, Weston, Woodside Square.

If you are a newcomer looking for more information or help, please visit one of the SEPT branches to find out more!

* No registration required.
* SEPT service will be available during library service hours.

 

Other summer programs at the library:

English Can Be Fun - A summer program for newcomer children ages 7-10 to help get ready for school in September. Classes are held three times a week for 1.5 hours a session at 11 different branches in Toronto.

Summer Leading to Reading - A free program for children in Grades 2-6 who are reading below their grade level and need help with their homework.

Summer Reading Club - Children are encouraged to sign up at your local library to pick up your free poster and activity book and start collecting stickers! The club has all kinds of activities, programs, games, prizes and, of course, lots of reading ideas!

 

There are lots of great things going on at our libraries during the summer. Have a look at our programs and services or contact us at 416-393-7131 for more information.

"English Can Be Fun!" is back - free summer ESL program for newcomer children

It is registration time again for the 2012 "English Can Be Fun"! This free summer ESL program is offered by select library branches in July 2012.  The program goal is to help children who are newcomers to Canada improve their English through learning activities and games.

 

 

 

 

"ENGLISH CAN BE FUN" PROGRAM - THE FACTS:

• A free program in July 2012 (July 3-31). Class size is limited and registration is required.
• For newcomer children aged 7 to 10 who are newcomers to Canada.
  
• Taught by professional, qualified ESL teachers.
  
• Get help with reading and writing and learn to use the library.
• Classes are three times a week in July at eleven library branches and one additional location all listed below.
• Download English-can-be-fun-application (PDF) - this is the application for the program that you can complete and submit in person in one of the following libraries. Please register at only one library location.

 

• 

• For more information - call Answerline at 416-393-7131. If you have additional questions, please contact the "English Can Be Fun" coordinator at 416-395-5953.

 

OTHER LIBRARY RESOURCES AND ESL FOR CHILDREN (English as a Second Language):

The library is a great place for children to learn. Your local branch has books, CDs and DVDs to take home that can help children learn English. Ask staff to help you find what you need. There are also free computers just for children, movies, games and much more.

 

• Hear-a-Story online - children can practice listening in English, as well as in French, Italian, Korean, Mandarin, Polish, Russian and Urdu.

• Read-along Tumblebooks - a fantastic "TumbleBook Library" online collection of animated and talking picture books that can help children learn English - they can see the pages of the book and hear the story.

• Dial-a-Story - children can listen to stories over the phone by dialling 416-395-5400, 24 hours. There are stories recorded in English as well is in thirteen other languages - French, Cantonese, Gujarati, Italian, Korean, Mandarin, Spanish, Polish, Portuguese, Russian, Somali, Tamil, and Urdu. Told by native speakers.

• Leading to Reading program for children who are reading below their grade level in English or need help with their homework. It is open to children in Grades 2 to 6 who can communicate in English.

• My Canada - online lessons and practice tests on Canadian history, geography, government and culture. Sign in with your Toronto public library card to use from home.

 

 

 

South Korean Delegation visits Toronto Public Library to learn more about immigration issues

Friday April 20, 2012 was a special day for Toronto Public Library when 16 government officials from the Multicultural Families Division of South Korea's Gyeonggi Province visited our libraries as part of a tour across the United States and Canada to learn more about immigration issues.

[Above: Members of the Multicultural Families Division from South Korea, along with Dawna Rowlson (centre) and Toronto Public Library's Multicultural Services Committee members]

The delegation consisted of directors, researchers, and staff members of local divisions of departments related to migration, social welfare, women, and families.

Dawna Rowlson, Library Service Manager, hosted the Korean Delegation while the Multicultural Services Committee shared information about the various programs that the Toronto Public Library offers.

The delegation continued their tour in Toronto visiting CERIS, COSTI Immigration Services, and other organizations with links to immigrants and newcomers to the city.

We hope you enjoyed your visit to Toronto!