New to Canada

ESL Summer Classes, Learn English with Mango and More

The ESL summer brochure of the Toronto District School Board (TDSB) just came out and here is the good news for English language learners in Toronto this summer! You can attend summer  ESL (English as a second language) classes between July 2-26, 2013.

The choice of classes during the summer is more limited that the rest of the year, but there are still 23 locations spread across the city that you can attend ESL classes, while enjoying summer. Download the pdf version of the Adult ESL Summer Program 2013 brochure. (At the end of summer - check your local library for the next ESL brochure with the busy Fall class schedule by TDSB.)

To register:

• Simply go to the ESL location of your choice on the first day of class.
• Remember to bring a proof of residency in Canada.

Please note that those classes are FREE for Canadian citizens, permanent residents, convention refugees, refugee claimants, Live-in Caregiver program participants, Canadian experience class participants, provincial nominees. All adults, 18 years and older, are welcome. "Visitors" to Canada can attend classes for $7 per hour.

For any questions about these ESL classes - contact the TDSB ESL program: www.ESLtoronto.ca or 416-338-4300. The Toronto Catholic School Board (TCDSB)  - another public school board in the city may be offering free  ESL classes in the summer - for more information: 416-397-6600 or www.tcdsb.org/adulted.

 

 

 

If you prefer to study from the comfort of your home or on your mobile devide, especially during one of those hottest and most humid summer days in Toronto - why not try the online ESL courses offered by MANGO? With your free Toronto Public Library card - you can login to Mango at any time. Then choose between a "basic" and "complete" ESL course.

Mango offers customized ESL courses for fifteen languages! These are: ESL Spanish, ESL Brazilian Portuguese, ESL French, ESL Russian, ESL Mandarin, ESL Cantonese, ESL Italian, ESL Arabic, ESL Japanese, ESL Vietnamese, ESL Polish, ESL Korean, ESL Greek, ESL German, and ESL Turkish.

How to find the "Mango" database at the library? Visit the Toronto Public library's website and simply type "MANGO" in the search box, then click on the Mango icon and enter your library card number.

 

  Watch this "Getting a library card" video,  TPL's youtube channel.

 

 

Have you just arrived in Canada? Visit a library near you to obtain your free library card so you can start borrowing free ESL books, CDs and so much more, right away. Just remember to bring an ID and proof of address in Toronto (such as a bill or rental lease). If you don't have a document yet with your new Toronto address - library staff can mail to you a library postcard that you can bring back, confirming your address.

 

Toronto's libraries are open all summer long and are air-conditioned (so helpful in the hot humid days  of July)! They have welcoming spaces and staff, and are usually located nearby (98 busy branches to choose from, and a bookmobile!).  

Each library branch has some ESL materials on the shelf,  and many more can ne requested from the website catalogue. The largest ESL centre is at the Toronto Reference Library. For more on that, read our previous post: Learning English at Toronto Reference Library: The largest ESL collection in Toronto.

 

How to find more summer ESL classes in the community:

•  Call 211 or search the 211Toronto website for ongoing ESL classes (and other community resources) offered by newcomer agencies.

• Use the ESL class search on Ontario Immigration's website.

• Talk to a summer LSP settlement worker at 20 branches of Toronto Public Library. They provide information for newcomers, including ESL.

• Just arrived in Canada? Visit a YMCA Language Assessment and Referral Centre to get your English language tested and be referred to the appropriate class level (book your appointment with the YMCA assessment hotline at 416-925-546).

 

The Great Equalizer: Recognition of Library Settlement Partnerships at Toronto Public Library

Library Settlement Partnerships (LSP) is a Newcomer Information Service that is made possible by a partnership of the settlement sector, public libraries, and Citizenship and Immigration Canada.

At Toronto Public Libraries, there are 16 libraries throughout the library system that offer the LSP service. These services include one-on-one settlement information and referral as well as information sessions.

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

Library Settlement Partnership was recently recognized as a good practice in immigrant integration by the Cities of Migration, a website that seeks to improve local integration practice in major immigrant receiving cities worldwide through information sharing and learning exchange.

Cities of Migration showcases good ideas in immigrant integration and promotes innovative practices that create inclusion and urban prosperity.

      

This recognition places us in what is described as "an international showcase of excellence and innovation in urban integretion practice... followed by city leaders, integretion experts and practitioners world-wide".

The Library Settlement Partnership is also featured in their publication: Canada: Good Ideas from Successful Cities: Municipal Leadership in Immigrant Interation (March 2013, p. 18)

The publication offers a comparative look at various Canadian initiatives.

 

For more information about our Library Settlement Partnerships at The Toronto Public Library, have a look at our website or our blog about this essential service.

 

 

Online Resources for Newcomers

How do I properly dispose of my old CD player? How do I get that pot-hole on my street fixed? Where can I get the flu shot?

These are some of the questions many newcomers may have when they arrive in Toronto, but many people may not know where to look.

The City of Toronto website is a great resource for finding answers to your everyday questions. Here are a few of my favourite City of Toronto online resources.

 

WASTE WIZARD

Waste Wizard is a great online resource for finding out how to properly dispose of unwanted items. I use this resource quite frequently because many times I'm not sure whether something goes in the garbage or recycling bin. I guarantee that once you start using it, you won't be able to stop!

311

311 is a muncipal information service that provides access to information about non-emergency city services 24 hours a day, seven days a week. You can access 311 either by phone (just dial 3-1-1), or through their website (www.toronto.ca/311). If you have a question, and you don't know whom to ask, start with 311! If they can't answer your question, they'll be able to refer you to someone who will.

You can use 311 to request information for anything from tree pruning to water service, and even for road and weather conditions. Once, I even used 311 to report a dog I thought to have been abandoned. Whatever your question is, 311 will connect you with the right city service.

 

Did you also know that Toronto Public Library has some great online resources for newcomers and English language learners? You will need your library card to access these databases, but once you're logged in, you'll find a wealth of information to help you settle into your new life in Toronto.

Here are some of the best databases for newcomers and ESL students:

 

IELTS

This IELTS database helps you to prepare and practice for your IELTS test by providing links to reading, listening, speaking, and writing practice tests. This database may come in handy, especially now that skilled workers and professionals who immigrate to Canada must provide proof of language proficiency.

 

MANGO LANGUAGES

Mango Languages is another great resource that provides online English language learning courses tailored for speakers of Chinese, Arabic, Russian, Spanish, and other languages. If you're interested in learning a third or fourth language, Mango also provides language learning courses for fifty other languages, including Spanish, Japanese, Hindi, and even Pirate!

 

MY CANADA

My Canada is an online resource that will help you learn more about Canada's history, geography, government, and culture.

STUDY SKILLS SUCCESS

This online resource will help you develop the skills you need to learn English. Study Skills Success offers courses on English reading, writing, listening and speaking skills. Once you've mastered these four language skills, you can also try out their grammar, vocabulary, critical thinking and research courses.

 

LEARNING EXPRESS LIBRARY

Learning Express Library is your one-stop shop for practice tests, exercises, and skill-building courses on subjects ranging from math and science, to social studies and reading comprehension. Learning Express Library also provides online courses on job and career skills, including how to write a resume, tips for successful job interviews and job search information. But wait! There's more! Learning Express Library also provides TOEFL practice tests, as well as Canadian citizenship practice exams.

 

BUSINESS WRITING

And last but not least, the Business Writing online resource is a great online learning tool for small-business owners, job seekers, and professionals alike. This online resource provides you with online courses for developing a variety of business and career related skills, including how to write a report, how to apply for a job, and even how to successfully share your ideas with colleagues.

 

So how do you access these wonderful online databases? It's easy! just follow these instructions:

1. Go to www.torontopubliclibrary.ca
2. Click on "Articles and Online Research."
3. Click on "A - Z list of all databases."
4. Search for your desired database from the list, which is in alphabetic order. Once you've found the database you're looking for, click on the orange "Access Online" button.
5. Type in your library card number and PIN.
6. Click on the orange "Continue" button
7. Start learning!

 

Do you find these online resources useful? Which online resources have you used to help you settle in Toronto? Let us know!

Celebrating Libraries and Citizenship together this week!

Quite often a person will walk in the library for the first time and would like to register for a free library card just a few days after arriving in Canada. I have seen that indeed Toronto Public Library is one of the first places newcomers visit on their settlement journey in our city.

 

CELEBRATING ONTARIO LIBRARIES AND CANADIAN CITIZENSHIP TOGETHER!

This week - October 15-21, 2012 - we have two wonderful reasons to celebrate Ontario Libraries and Canadian Citizenship!

1. Ontario celebrates Public Library Week with the theme "LIBRARIES CONNECT" - yes, libraries connect and play a valuable role in the life of Canadians. 

2. Canada celebrates Citizenship Week! Having our Canadian Citizenship connects us all to each other as people of a great free country.

 

Image above: "English Can Be Fun" summer program for newcomer children. [credit: TPL]

 

VISIT A SPECIAL LIBRARY EVENT THIS WEEK FOR CITIZENSHIP WEEK!

Toronto Public Library is joining the celebrations with many LSP Day events in the next ten days. What is LSP? Library Settlement Partnerships is a partnership of Citizenship and Immigration Canada, public libraries and local community agencies. Toronto Public Library partners with eight community agencies to provide settlement information and programs at 16 branch libraries.  

For more information on newcomer library services - read our earlier "New to Canada" posts:

• "Library Settlement Partnerships at Toronto Public Library", August 2012.

• "How Can the Library Serve Newcomers Better", September 2012.

• Or visit TPL's Welcome Webpage for Newcomers.

 

CITIZENSHIP JUDGE visits Toronto Reference Library, Friday, October 19, 1-2pm.

Tomorrow, Friday October 19, 2012, 1-2pm - our central Toronto Reference Library (789 Yonge Str., Yonge/Bloor subway) will host a "LSP Day and Citizenship Week" event - come hear our special guest speakers - the Canadian Citizenship Judge Aris Babikian and a newcomer speaker who works with the YMCA. Light reception will follow. All are welcome.  

To learn more about Canadian Citizenship Test preparation - read our earlies blog posts:

- "Canadian Citizenship Test preparation - @ your library”, April 2012.

• - "Canadian Citizenship Test: Personal Experiences and Practical Tips", Feb 2011.

Image above: Citizenship Ceremony held at Toronto Rerefence Library in October 2011 [credit: TPL].

 

 * * *

MY "PERSONAL CELEBRATION" of Libraries and Citizenship week:

As a librarian in many library branches of Toronto Public Library, I deeply appreciate my work with people who are new to Canada. Maybe because for me too the memories of being a newcomer are still fresh - I arrived eight years ago and had my Citizenship ceremony four years ago. I relate to the thrill, the exciting, the unknown, the long, but full-filling road of settlement. At the library I hear the immigrants'  stories and try to  help share resources, which will enable them to build their new life in Canada. I think people who immigrate to Canada and strive to become Canadian citizens are courageous, strong, passionate and committed.

While writing this blog post for the library's "New to Canada" blog - I counted all the library branches in Toronto that I have had a chance to work "on-call": so I counted 44 branches that I have visited to work, almost half of all of them. This has been my best lesson in getting to know the diverse people and communities of Toronto and I feel really blessed to be where I am. Thank you, Canada!

 

* * *

What are your stories and values of becoming a Canadian citizen and feeling Canadian?  Please join us in this conversation and celebration! Happy Public Library Week, Ontarians. Happy Canadian Citizenship Week, Canada!

Audio clips of Discover Canada: The Rights and Responsibilities of Citizenship

Are you studying to take the Citizenship test? The questions in the citizenship test can be found in the information from the free study guide, Discover Canada: The Rights and Responsibilities of Citizenship.

In the last few months, Citizen and Immigration Canada (CIC) has added a new free audio version of the study guide to the CIC website. These files can now be downloaded to your computer or played directly through an audio player on the website.

There are many ways that you can access the information from this guide:

1. Ask at your local Toronto Public Library for a free copy. Find your closest branch.

2. Read it in HTML or PDF format on the CIC website

3. Download or Install the text onto a mobile device

4. Order your own copy

5. Listen to it online or download the MP3 files

 

Audio clips are narrated in sections by notable Canadians listed on the website

 

If you need more help:

You can also look at sample study questions to help you prepare for the test:

Questions provided by Citizen and Immigration Canada
Questions provided by Toronto Public Library

 

Check out our other blogs on Citizenship:

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

Citizenship, ESL, Educational and Career tests, online and always available for sample questions, information, and help.

Library Settlement Partnerships at Toronto Public Libraries, who help with newcomer services.

 

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.

 

Discover Canada in Children's Picture Books

There is no better way to get to know the landscape of Canada than through the stories and illustrations in children’s books. 

A week ago was "Canada Day" - the national day of Canada and we celebrated the country's 150th anniversary. I asked my colleague, author and children's librarian Joanne Schwartz from Lillian H. Smith branch of Toronto Public Library to recommend great Canadian children's picture books that help us discover Canada.

Joanne wrote to me: "Here is a very small sample of picture books that take you from the East Coast to the West Coast and up to the North. Follow it up with The Canadian Railroad Trilogy for a sumptuous visual narrative of the people and places that went into the incredible feat of building a railroad across Canada."

"The books on this list focus on landscape, settings and seasons to give a sense of the geography of Canada. They all have beautiful illustration artwork."

Click on the link or image of each book below to place a hold on the book with your library card and pick it up at your local Toronto library branch. The Canadian province or place that is featured in the book is noted after each title. Enjoy the trans-Canadian journey!

 

     

• Duncan’s Way  by Ian Wallace, 2000 (Newfoundland)

• A Fiddle for Angus by Budge Wilson, illus. Susan Tooke, 2001 (Cape Breton)

• The Hockey Sweater by Roch Carrier, 1999 (Sainte-Justine, Quebec)

 

        

 

• Have You Seen Josephine?  by Stephane Poulin, 1986 (Montreal)

• A Big City ABC  by Allan Moak, 1984 (Toronto)

• Last Leaf First Snowflake to Fall  by Leo Yerxa, 1993 (northern Ontario)

 

          

 

• A Prairie Boy’s Winter,1973 and A Prairie Boy’s Summer, 1975 by William Kurelek (Manitoba)

• Caribou Song by Tomson Highway, illus. Brian Deines  (Northern Manitoba)

• A Mountain Alphabet by Margriet Ruurs, 1996 (British Columbia)

                 

• Baseball Bats for Christmas by Michael Kusugak, illus. by Vladyana Krykorka , 1990 (Nunavut)    

• What’s the Most Beautiful Thing You Know About Horses? By Richard Van Cap, illus by George Littlechild, 1998 (The Northwest Territories)

• The Canadian Railroad Trilogy by Gordon Lightfoot, illus. Ian Wallace, 2010 (across Canada)   

 

Take a moment to listen to Gordon Lightfoot - Canada's most famous folk singer - as he sings the "Canadian Railroad Trilogy" - a very moving song and one of his most loved. He wrote the song in 1967 to mark Canada's 100th anniversary and it has become a classic.  

 

 

The "Canadian Railroad Trilogy" song inspired one of the best Canadian picture book artists Ian Wallace to create the stirring pastel illustrations that accompany the song lyrics that became the text of the book. A fascinating illustrated book journey about the history and settlement of Canada itself.

"Gordon Lightfoot’s lyrics celebrate the vision and incredible effort that went into building the Canadian Pacific Railroad. They also celebrate the rugged and splendid terrain through which the railroad passes, and their rhythms suggest the desperation, longing, and exultation experienced by those who laboured on it." Quill & Quire magazine

 

Happy (belated) Canada Day! Do you have a favourite picture book that illustrates and tells a story from 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.

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!

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!