New to Canada

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.

 

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• 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.

 

 

 

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.



 
 
 
 

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.

Relax and practice your English

At Centennial Branch, you can practice your English communication skills in a relaxed setting every Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday. You will receive help on:

• how to speak effectively
• how to build self-confidence
• how to broaden your knowledge of Canadian culture

Contact the settlement worker at 416-630-0330 ext. 188 or 647-400-4730.
Ask about the workshop Canada - My New Home.

Find out what you can do with Microsoft Word

If you are a newcomer to Canada and having trouble formatting your documents using Microsoft Word, learn the basics at Centennial Branch. It's the Magic Of Word! every Wednesday and Thursday. You can schedule a free one-on-one tutorial session to learn the basics of making stronger documents such as letters, resumes, and flyers. Topics covered include:

• page set-up & layout
• adding symbols, shapes & images
• fonts, colors, borders and bullets
• using text boxes and tables
• helpful tools such as the dictionary and thesaurus, and different languages

Tutoring is also available in Russian.

English Can Be FUN! for Newcomer children

Free summer English as a Second Language (ESL) classes are available for newcomer children ages 7 to 10 years old. Classes are conducted by qualified ESL teachers. Activities include: reading and writing; and preparation for school in September. Visit your nearest branch and fill in the application form English Can Be Fun!. Your child can start learning and having fun!

English Can Be Fun! classes are from July 5, 2010 to August 13, 2010