New to Canada

Participate in the Many Cultural Festivals - As Toronto Public Library Celebrates Asian Heritage Month!

This year Toronto Public Library celebrates Newcomers and Asian Heritage Month with the whole package, featuring storytellers, authors, chefs, dancers, reporters, artists, drummers, painters, singers, designers and musicians, each bringing us a taste of many exotic cultures right here in our city.

Everything is free so come out and join in the fun at many branches which are proudly hosting mini-festivals. In order not to miss any of the events, you may pick up your Asian Heritage Month Program Guide and Reading List from your nearest branch.

Agincourt Library's "China Homelands Festival" is action-packed for Saturday, May 4, from 10 am-4:30 pm with the following highlights: 

Children's Storytime; A Lion Dance presentation; Chinese Calligraphy; Oriental Food and Tea sampling; "The Chinese in Canada-One Reporter's Odyssey" featuring Jan Wong; Evolution of Chinese food in Toronto, "From Chop Suey to Peaking Duck ..." by Arlene and Leo Chan. 

You may not want to miss the following: Download Agincourt Library 2013_Asian Heritage Month :

Chinese Tea (Pu-Ehr) Workshop (on May 6th @ 6:30pm); the South Asian Cuisine Tasting Table (on May 14th @ 2pm) featuring Toronto's amazing chefs, Karen Johnson & Ronica Sajnan; plus the Asian Seniors Celebration featuring Fok Dancing and Hakka Cooking Demonstration (on May 31st @ 1pm), all of which will be held at Agincourt library. Registration is required as space is limited.

You are encouraged to visit all of our branches mentioned below, and enjoy our free programs:

"Belly Dancing & Japanese Doll Making" at Woodside Square

"Asian Henna & Paper Fan hands-on Crafts" at Bridlewood

Chinese Brush Painting" at Albert Campbell

"Timar-Salek -Persian Indonesian fusion music concert" & "Henna Hand Painting" at College/Shaw

 "Feng Shui and the Environment" at Burrows Hall; 

"Oniroku Puppet Show and Origami" at Danforth/Coxwell

"Japanese Taiko Drumming Concert" at North York Central

"Pan-Asian Celebration -Ghazal, wadoks, mendhi..." at York Woods

"Hula Girls" at Queen/Saulter

"East Indian Family Night Puppet Show" at Long Branch;

"Tai Chi" at Riverdale; 

"Toronto Ismaili Muslim Youth Choir" at Goldhawk Park

"South Asia Homelands" at Cedarbrae; "West Asia Homelands" at Brentwood; "East Asia Homelands" at Malvern; "Pan Asian Food Fusion Festival" at Downsview; "Community Asian Arts Fusion Festival" at Palmerston; "Chinese Cultural Festivals" presented in partnership with Canadian Foundation for Asian Culture, at Riverdale (Brush painting with Dr Lien Chao), Sanderson (photography workshop presented in English and Cantonese by Tam Kam Chiu) and Toronto Reference Library, featuring Michael Cormier in conversation with journalist Jan Wong, discussing his new book, "The Legacy of Tiananmen Square."

This year's Program Guide  has included a Recommended Reading List of some popular Asian authors for all age groups. Here's a selection that would engage you and zap you into another world ...

Adults:

              

 

Teens:

      

 

Children:

     

For more information on this topic click here.

Toronto Public Library hopes that the Asian Heritage Month experience will be an enjoyable and meaningful one for you this year. We would certainly appreciate your feedback as to which programs you have enjoyed the most!

 

Immigrant Diversity Week: Celebrate, Educate, Participate!

 

April 29 to May 3, 2013, is Immigrant Diversity Week!

 

By our guest blogger Winona.

Immigrants bring many skills, talents, experiences, and knowledge to the Canadian workforce!

The Toronto East Quadrant Local Immigration Partnership Employment, Education, and Training Action Group is organizing Immigrant Diversity Week, an awareness week that will focus on the benefits of hiring immigrants and the resources available to newcomers to help them achieve their employment goals.

From Monday April 29 to Friday May 3, 2013, organizations in Scarborough will be hosting a series of free workshops and other programs and events in the Scarborough community to celebrate the many important contributions that immigrants make to the Canadian workforce and economy.

Many of these events will be held at different branches of the Toronto Public Library, and you are invited to attend! 

To register for an event, or to find out more information, please call the library branch where the event is taking place (click on the link to get the branch phone number).

 

Monday April 29, 2013:

• Kick-Off Ceremony with Nicholas Keung, Immigration Reporter, Toronto Star, at Cedarbrae Branch, 10:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m.
  

Born and raised in Hong Kong, Nicholas Keung graduated from the University of Massachusetts, Amherst, with a degree in communications and psychology. Upon his graduation, he immigrated to Canada with his family in 1994.

New to the country, without any social or professional connections, Keung got his first job in Canada at a Mexican fast food restaurant in a food court at Sherway Gardens Shopping Mall. He later was hired by Sing Tao Daily, a Chinese-language newspaper in Toronto, covering the police beat and then Metro Toronto Council. He joined the Toronto Star in 1997 and has been covering the immigration beat for the paper since 2003.

To register for the Kick-Off, call: 416-431-5326 ext. 2404 or contact: lharrison@accesemployment.ca

• Job Interview Workshop for Newcomers at Agincourt Branch, 1:00-2:30 p.m.
• Resource Fair at Eglinton Square Branch, 1:15-4:00 p.m.

 

Tuesday April 30, 2013:

• Brown Bag Lunch for Service Providers at Malvern Branch, 12:30-1:30 p.m.
• Newcomer Seniors Peer Sharing in Mandarin at Bridlewood Branch, 1:30-3:30 p.m.
• Information Fair on Immigrant Services at McGregor Park Branch, 2:00-4:00 p.m.
• Benefits of Self-Employment at Cedarbrae Branch, 3:00-4:30 p.m.
• Panel Discussion and Q&A on Employment Success at Morningside Branch, 6:00-7:30 p.m.

 

Wednesday May 1, 2013:

• Brown Bag Lunch for Service Providers at Albert Campbell Branch, 12:00-1:00 p.m.
• Catholic Crosscultural Services Information Table at Kennedy/Eglinton Branch, 12:30-5:00 p.m.
• Newcomers' Orientation at Steeles Branch, 1:30-4:30 p.m.
• Canadian Workplace Culture at Albert Campbell Branch, 2:00-4:00 p.m.
• Resume Workshop at Albert Campbell Branch, 2:00-4:00 p.m.
• Business Communication Circle at Bridlewood Branch, 3:00-5:00 p.m.

 

Thursday May 2, 2013:

• Brown Bag Lunch for Service Providers at Cedarbrae Branch, 12:30-1:30 p.m.
• Resource Information Workshop for Newcomers at Kennedy/Eglinton Branch, 2:00-4:00 p.m.
• Asian Heritage Month Author Visit with Koom Kankesan, Morningside Branch, 7:00-8:00 p.m.

 

Friday May 3, 2013:

• Wrap-Up Celebration, Centennial College, Progress Campus, Fireside Gallery, 10:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m. (941 Progress Ave.)

 

Below is a complete calendar of events. Click on the calendar to zoom in and take a closer look.

For more information, visit: www.scarboroughlip.ca

Health, Wellness, and Peer Nutrition

Have you ever wanted a litte more information on eating a healthier diet? Toronto Public Library has many resources available to you to find out more! The following is a list of programs, books, blogs, and online resources that you can use to locate information on nutrition, wellness, and healthy eating. Bon Appétit!

                                    [Photo Credit: Easy Living Mom]


Programs (from April - June 2013):

Peer Nutrition Program at Parliament Library from April 4, 2013 - May 16, 2013
Learn to how to shop and prepare healthy food for your family during this six week workshop.

Prevention with Nutrition at Cedarbrae Library from April 6, 2013 - July 6, 2013
Learn the facts about our bodies and how the foods we eat-or not, can adversely affect our health.

Eating Healthy for Adults and Older Adults at Downsview Library on April 18, 2013
Learn about the benefits of healthy eating! Presented by Toronto Public Health

Healthy Eating for Children at Burrows Hall Library on April 30, 2013
A Toronto Public Health Nurse will discuss Canada's Food Guide, how to deal with a picky eater and planning healthy meals.

Protect your Health at Agincourt Library on June 4, 2013 (Program in Mandarin)
Topics will include an overview of heart disease and stroke, rise factors, warnings signs and how to lower your risk by living a healthy lifestyle.

Wellness and Nutrition at Woodside Square Library on June 12, 2013
Certified Nurse Practitioner, Lucille Poulin, will discuss the right food choices and how they can be powerful medicine for the body.

These programs and more are available through our website under Health and Wellness

Books:

Have your library card ready to order some of these suggestions or call your local branch to find out if a title is near you!

        

More books are available through our website under Nutrition for Children

 

Blogs:

Health and Wellness Blog has many posts with valuable information and book suggestions by Toronto Public Library librarians. Some of these blogs include:

Eat Less Sugar to Lose Weight and Be Healthier! by Emoke
Kid-Friendly Food: Nutrition for Children by Carolyn
Have you had your salad today? by Marietta Forster-Haberer
Nutrition and Stress by Marietta Forester-Haberer

[Photo Credit: Healthy Dietitan]

Other related blogs include:

Healthy Eating by Claire Bear
Taking a bite out of meat by The Page Turner
Green up your health by The Page Turner
How does what you eat affect your health? by Cynthia

[Photo Credit: Children's Healthy Food and National Institute of Health]
 

Electronic Resources:

The library also has electronic databases that can help with Health information. Have your library card and PIN number ready (usually the last 2 numbers of your phone number) in order to access these databases. These databases include:

Consumer Health Complete
Health amd medical information                                 
                                                                 
Health & Wellness Resource Center
Academic and personal medical and health information including alternative health approaches.

Natural Standard
The authority on Integrative Medicine.                                          
                                                                                                       
Teen Health and Wellness   
Real life, real answers.

Santé en Français
Health and medical information in French. 



 

 

Library Settlement Partnerships at Toronto Public Libraries

Did you know that there are Library Settlement Partnerships (LSP) at the Toronto Public Library?

    
     [Photo Credit: LSP Program Photos from the Library Settlement Partnership Website]

LSPs are newcomer information services that are offered to different communities throughout Ontario. These LSPs provide free assistance with getting a job, learning English, getting a driver's licence, and much more.The service is made possible by a partnership of the settlement sector, public libraries, and Citizen and Immigration Canada.

                

There are 16 different Toronto Public Library branches that have a LSP worker who specializes in one-on-one settlement information and referral, group information sessions, and community outreach provided in a variety of languages. These 16 library branches include:

Within these library branches, there are eight Settlement Agency Partners that offer services and programs. These agencies are listed below, please click on the agency name to access their website.

Library Settlement Partnerships as well as Toronto Public Library continue to offer great programs that are suitable for ESL and Newcomer patrons. Visit the Toronto Public Library website.

Don't forget that we also have materials in other languages. To view the complete list, visit our website.

 

"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.

 

 

 

Canadian Citizenship Test preparation - new classes @ your library and more citizenship information

One of my most precious memories of living in Canada has been that very cold winter day when three years ago I became a Canadian citizen. As bloggers for the library's "New to Canada" blog, we often ask ourselves what topics to include in our blog posts for new residents of Canada. In the past two and a half years since this blog has started - the user statistics have shown that the top search question for our blog readers has been about "finding information on the Canadian Citizenship Test and how to prepare for it".

Below you will find information about new dates and locations of Canadian Citizenship test preparation classes at various branches of Toronto Public Library this spring and summer 2012. They are all FREE classes and may require registration.

We will also list for you our previous popular "Citizenship Test" blog posts from the New to Canada blog and other useful library resources.

 
[From the special Citizenship Ceremony held at Toronto Reference Library, Oct. 2011.]

 

CITIZENSHIP TEST PREPARATION CLASSES AT THE LIBRARY:

Need help preparing and studying for the Canadian Citizenship Test? Toronto Public Library offers free Citizenship test preparation classes during this spring and summer 2012. The classes are co-sponsored by Citizenship and Immigration Canada, Toronto Public Library and local newcomer agencies. For more information or to register for these free classes, please call or visit the branch you are interested in (the branches are listed below), or call Answerline staff at 416-393-7131.

 

Citizenship test preparation classes in Spring and Summer 2012 are offered by the following library branches this season - Agincourt, Barbara Frum, Bridlewood, Cedarbrae, Goldhawk Park, Malvern, McGregor Park, North York Central Library, Weston, Woodside Square. (Please check with your local library for the latest information in order to be sure that the program is still taking place, as classes may change year to year.)

 

"Citizenship Education Circle" - Citizenship Education Mentoring Circle is a 10-session mentoring program currently offered at four library branches. It covers all topics of the official study guide “Discovering Canada" and provides an excellent learning environment for newcomers to discover and appreciate their country. Locations: Toronto Reference Library, North York Central Library, Lillian H. Smith, Burrows Hall.

 

"Applying for Canadian Citizenship" - a 2-hour workshop at Weston branch on May 15 2012, 1-3pm. Find out if you are eligible for Canadian Citizenship. Get complete information where and how to apply. Get one-on-one assistance with completing application forms (please bring your Permanent Resident Card). Call Weston Branch at 416-394-1016 for more information.

 

USEFUL "NEW TO CANADA" BLOG POSTS ON CITIZENSHIP, BY LIBRARY STAFF:

• "Joyful Citizenship Ceremony at the Library" - Oct. 2011. Did you notice the beautiful red-and-white "O Canada!" cake pictured in this post?
• "At Long Last: The Canadian Citizenship Ceremony" - Mar. 2011.
• "Canadian Citizenship Test: Personal Experiences and Practical Tips" - Feb. 2011. Many readers have commented in this blog post sharing their own experiences with the test.
• "Canadian Citizenship: Application" - Nov. 2010.
• "Canadian Citizenship: Who can apply?" - Oct. 2010.

 

 

 

MORE LIBRARY RESOURCES ABOUT THE CANADIAN CITIZENSHIP TEST:

• Free Online Citizenship Practice Test - to help you prepare for the citizenship test, Toronto Public Library has developed this free sample Citizenship Practice Test  based on the official study guide called "Discover Canada: The Rights and Responsibilities of Citizenship". The test has some questions taken from the guide and questions related to Toronto and Ontario.

• Citizenship Test Preparation Binder - available to use at every Toronto public library branch. It includes information about becoming a Canadian citizen as well as a listing of Canada's political leaders and elected representatives. Ask for it at your local library branch.

• Learning Express Library - a great resource you can find on the Library website. It offers you tests (TOEFL for example) so that you can practice preparing for your next steps in life. There is a sample Canadian Citizenship test included that will help you learn about Canada and prepare for your test. Login with a valid Toronto library card to use it.

• My Canada is another helpful online resource on the library website. It covers a variety of topics about Canada. There are lessons about Canadian history, geography, government, culture and more. You can select a level from beginner, intermediate or advanced. There are even pictures and videos that make learning about Canada fun! Login with a valid Toronto library card to use it.

• Visit the library's Recommended Websites section to check out useful Internet resources related to the citizenship test.

 

Enjoy this 1979 short video by the National Film Board of Canada on the theme of Canada with music from the 1976 Olympics version of "O Canada".  

All the best and good luck with the Citizenship test preparation and becoming a Canadian citizen!

 

 

 

LSP Day 2011 and Newcomer Human Libraries @ TPL!

Library Settlement Partnerships (LSP) will be hosting an annual celebration of Settlement Workers with Toronto Public Library at all the LSP Branches on Friday October 21, 2011 and Saturday October 22, 2011.

The following branches will be celebrating this day with lots of fun activities including: storytimes, crafts, informative programs, and Newcomer Human Libraries!

 
[Photo credits: www.lsp-peb.ca from 2010 LSP Day]

Check it out!

Friday October 21, 2011
Agincourt Branch from 4:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.
Albion Branch from 1:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Bloor/Gladstone Branch from 2:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Centennial Branch from 3:00 p.m.-5:00 p.m.
Gerrard/Ashdale Branch from 2:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Yorkwoods Branch from 12:00 noon - 4:00 p.m.

Saturday October 22, 2011
Albert Campbell Branch from 12:00 noon - 2:00 p.m.
Bridlewood Branch from 2:00 p.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Flemingdon Park Branch from 10:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
Morningside Branch
Parkdale Branch from 1:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m. 
Parliament Street Branch from 11:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.
Richview Branch from 12:00 noon - 4:00 p.m.
Riverdale Branch from 2:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Thorncliffe Branch from 12:00 noon - 4:00 p.m.

 

 
[Photo credits: www.lsp-peb.ca from 2010 LSP Day]

What is a Newcomer Human Library?

The Newcomer Human Library is unique to LSP Day and will be a great event that should not be missed. 

The Newcomer Human Library will include human books that are either recent immigrants or established immigrants in Canada. These individuals are here to share their experiences in Canada with you.

You will be able to sign out a human book and have a one-on-one conversation with this individual in a quiet space inside the library. Human books are multilingual so you will also have the option of selecting a language other than English.

Meet a person with a unique story to tell and discover what it's like to walk in their shoes.

Library branches hosting a Newcomer Human Library are:
Yorkwoods, Parkdale, Thorncliffe, and Centennial Branch.

 

 
 [Photo credits: North Norfolk News and Winnipeg Public Library]


Have you ever checked out a Human Book?
Did you like it? How did it feel? Would you do it again?

English Can Be Fun: A Free Summer Program for Newcomer Children

It's not too late to sign up! 

The program begins today and runs until July 29th, but there are still spots available!

English Can Be Fun! is free program for newcomer children aged 7-10. It is a program to help children get ready for school in September by learning English through games and activities as well as becoming familiar with using the library.

Classes are held three times a week for 1.5 hours each session at 20 different library branches, listed below. Please inquire at the various locations for more information.

 
Download and print the English Can Be Fun! application form (PDF) 

Don't forget about all our other great books and services for children:

ESL materials for Children in our library catalogue
Hear-a-Story online for children to practice listening skills in English, French, Mandarin, Italian, Polish, and Urdu
Read-along Tumblebooks are great to help Children learn English as they follow along the stories

Dial-a-Story (416-395-5400) is available 24 hours a day and is for children who want to hear stories over the phone. There are stories in English, French, Cantonese, Gujarati, Italian, Mandarin, Spanish, Polish, Portuguese, Russian, Somali, Tamil, and Urdu.



 
 
 
 

Public Speaking

The Women's Support Group at Agincourt Branch will be talking about how to Succeed in Public Speaking on Saturday October 23, 2010 from 2:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. Join them and learn:

• What is meant by an engaging voice and how to develop one
• Breathing exercises
• How to enunciate
• Articulation, pronunciation, and presentation skills

For more information and to register, contact the Settlement Worker at 647-388-3762.

Celebrate Library Settlement Partnerships (LSP) Day in October 2010!

The Library Settlement Partnerships (LSP) program and Settlement Workers provide in person one-on-one assistance to help newcomers with their settlement issues. You are welcome to participate in fun filled activities and celebrate LSP Day at your nearest LSP branch:

• Albion
• Albert Campbell
• Agincourt
• Bloor/Gladstone
• Bridlewood
• Centennial
• Eatonville
• Flemingdon Park
• Gerrard/Ashdale
• Lillian H. Smith
• Mimico
• Morningside
• Parkdale
• Parliament
• Richview
• Riverdale
• Thorncliffe
• Toronto Reference Library
• York Woods

Contact the above branches for more information.