New to Canada

Register for adult ESL classes at the library and much more!

The new school year starts next week and not just for children, but also for many newcomers to Canada. Different branches of Toronto Public Library offer free ESL classes (English as a Second Language) for adults (aged 18 and up) which are taught by TESL-certified ESL instructors. There are classes for learners of every level from beginners to advanced. 

 

 ESL CLASSES AT TORONTO PUBLIC LIBRARY:

Contact the libraries listed below to find out how and when to register for a class during Fall 2012. You can also call the TPLibrary's Answerline at 416-393-7131 for branches information. Some classes have different start dates. 

If your local library does not have an ESL class, you can see if other places (schools, community centres, newcomer agencies) have classes near you (see below for our suggestions). 

These Toronto Public Library branches offer ESL classes in the Fall 2012:

Barbara Frum

Brookbanks

Cedarbrae

Dawes Road

Goldhawk Park

Jane/Sheppard

Malvern

North York Central

Parkdale

Pleasant View

Riverdale

Sanderson

Yorkwoods

 

MORE ESL CLASSES IN TORONTO - TDSB and TCDSB, 211 TORONTO info:

The two largest school boards in Toronto - The Toronto District School Board and the Toronto Catholic District School Board  -  offer many different ESL classes across the whole city, at various times of the day, weekends, and skill levels. Click on the brochure links below to browse their programs or pick up a free print 2012-2013 TDSB ESL brochure or TCDSB brochure from your local library branch. You can also contact the school boards adult ESL programs at 416-338-4300 (TDSB) and 416-397-6600 (TCDSB). 

To find even more classes and locations that may be offered by community centres and newcomer agencies - call the free telephone service 211 Toronto. They will refer you to ESL classes and other services in your part of town. The 211 Toronto community information is also searchable online.

                                                                                                                      

BRING YOUR DOCUMENTS FOR REGISTRATION:

When you register for a class - it is very important to bring with you the documents that prove your residency in Canada: such as a Permanent Resident Card, Refugee Claimant Document, Convention Refugee Status (white paper), Acknowledgement of Intent to Claim Refugee Status, Canadian Citizenship Card or Canadian passport. If you do not bring your documents with you, you may not be able to register.

 

BORROW LIBRARY MATERIALS TO HELP YOU LEARN ENGLISH:

In addition to ESL classes - you can find many useful ESL learning materials at your local library. Visit any library branch and staff will be happy to show you the ESL section. Borrow books, cds, dvds to use at home or login on the library's website to use online resources at home to practice your English. All you need is your free library card to login and a computer with Interet access.

 

ONLINE DATABASES from your library (library card required):

• Mango Language Learning - Improve your English or learn a new language.

• TenseBuster - Grammar lessons and practice tests for all levels.

• Learning Express Library - practice tests for GED, reading, TOEFL, TOEIC etc.

• IELTS - practice tests to help you prepare to take the IELTS exam.

• Ebsco Ebooks - electronic books, including TOEFL practice materials, you can use on computers and many portable devices.

 

OUR LARGEST ESL CENTRE - TORONTO REFERENCE LIBRARY, 4th FLOOR

Our biggest ESL resources collection is located on the 4th floor of the Toronto Reference Library (Bloor/Yonge subway) - and is part of the "Languages and Literature Department". You will find there many books, CDs and DVDs on various skills like pronunciation, listening, reading comprehension, grammar, English for work; course books, dictionaries, exam preparation such as TOEFL and IELTS. Some of the materials in the ESL centre you can borrow to use at home, some are reference and can only be used at the library. There are tables equipped with CD and DVD players so that language learners can practice with the latest study materials.

The peaceful and welcoming place on the 4th floor is a favourite for many ESL learners!

 

ESL CLASS VISITS AND LIBRARY TOURS: ESL teachers can also bring classes for library tours - ask at your local branch for details.

 

Do you have a favourite experience with an ESL class in Toronto? Feel free to share with your fellow readers. And have a great back-to-school season!

 

[Posted by Alyson and Iana]

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.

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!