New to Canada

Featured Library Databases for Newcomers to Canada

Toronto Public Library subscribes to many different databases that are FREE to everyone with a valid library card.

These databases have a range of information that can help you with career options, language learning, practice tests, research resources, Canadian topics, and much more.

Electronic databases that we feel are useful for newcomers will be promoted on the Newcomers to Canada landing page.

The featured database of the moment is World Book:



The World Book database includes primary documents, eBooks, videos, learning tools, tutorials, translations, and the ability to hear articles read aloud. It also includes Canadian content for students, adult learners, and newcomer families.

 

 

There are many more databases available for your convenience. The full list can be accessed on the Toronto Public Library website, but here are a select few that you may find useful.

 

More Databases of Interest:

Canada in Context: Articles, videos, audio files, etc. on a range of topics, people, places and events.

Career Cruising: Interactive career guidance resource with in-depth profiles.

Chinese e-Magazines: Full-text magazines. Simplified & traditional characters.

IELTS: Practice tests with answers. Prepare for the International English
Language Testing System exam.

Learning Express Library: Practice tests & answers for all ages. Entrance exams, math, grammar, job search and more.

Mango Language Learning: Learn a new language or improve your English.

My Canada: Lessons and practice tests on Canadian history, geography, government & culture.

TenseBuster: Lessons and practice tests help improve English grammar. Elementary to advanced levels and ESL.

And many more available through our A-Z databases list.

 

Which database have you found useful?

 

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. 



 

 

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!

Dial-a-Story During the Winter Season

Are you looking for warm things to do on a cold, wintry day?
Have you heard about Toronto Public Library's Dial-a-Story service?

If you love listening to stories, phone: 416-395-5400, FREE, 24 hours a day, to hear stories recorded in 14 different languages, as well as English.

A full list of languages on Dial-a-Story include:
Cantonese, English, French, Italian, Gujurati, Urdu, Mandarin, Polish, Portuguese, Somali, Spanish, Russian, Tamil, and our newest addition, Korean.

There are different stories every day and you can choose from stories for younger children (7 and under) and for older children (up to 12).

Experience the magic of storytelling! 

Don't forget to have a look at our other services while you are there:
Hear-a-Story in various languages on our KidsSpace website
Read-a-Story from one of the recommended links
Tell-a-Story with the interactive tool available on our KidsSpace website

And all of the fun programs available for Newcomer children!

Related Blog posts:
Dial-a-Story: A great way to practice listening skills!
Every Day is "Family Literacy Day" at the Library!

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.

 

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]

Citizenship, ESL, Educational and Career tests, online and always available.

Learning Express Library is a great resource you can find on the Library website.  It offers you tests so that you can practice preparing for your next steps in life. The online tests score your answers, tell you which were correct or incorrect and then give you the correct answers, so that you can do better next time.      

                                                                                    
Are you improving your English ?  There is a TOIEC test here (Test of International English for Communication) and there is a TOEFL test, so you can practice taking the test. 

Are you planning to become a Canadian citizen ? There is a Canadian Citizenship test that will help you learn about Canada and prepare for your test.

You may have a profession or career that you followed in your home country and you want to qualify in Canada. Or, you may want to start a new career and learn more about it.  The Jobs & Careers tests may help you to do that.  There are tests for:

• nurses and other health fields like radiology technicians, veterinary technicians, dental assistants
• firefighters, police officers including the Royal Canadian Mounted Police Aptitude test
• real estate brokers and sales
• postal workers
• electricians, plumbers and much more

All you need to explore Learning Express Library is your library card !

 

 

Toronto FUN Guide - How to Register for Summer Camps and City Programs

 Have you seen the new edition of Toronto FUN Guide Spring/Summer 2012? Summer seems still so far away even with the unusually mild winter we have been experiencing in Toronto. Yet with schools March Break around the corner - it is that time of the year again for families to register for children summer camps and recreation city programs for all ages.

Registration begins in March!

Pick up the free Toronto FUN Guide at your local library or your local community centre - it is a popular publication and libraries may run out of print copies quickly. You may also find a reference copy of the FUN Guide that can be used at the local library - just ask staff. Or you could always access and browse Toronto FUN Online.

The Fun Guide will tell you what programs are available in your area, where and when they are offered. Prices are very reasonable.

From camps and dance to swimming and tennis, there are more than 54,000 recreation programs and activities available through "Parks & Rec" (City of Toronto's Parks, Forestry and Recreation). My family has tried yoga, swimming and preschool programs in previous years, while this summer we are planning to be playing soccer for the first time!

The registration process for such programs can be challenging for newcomers. Below are some of the steps.

WHEN DOES REGISTRATION BEGIN FOR SPRING/SUMMER 2012?

Registration for Spring and Summer 2012 general programs, Spring skating & swimming lessons, Summer camps begins online at 7:00 am on the following dates:

• Etobicoke York District - Saturday March 3.
• Scarborough District - Sunday March 4.
• North York District - Tuesday March 6.
• Toronto & East York District - Wednesday March 7.

Some of the popular programs get filled very quickly, you may want to register early. For example in December I phoned at 11:00 am on the first Saturday of registration to sign us up for a "learn to skate" program. When I finally got through the busy operator - all the spots were filled for my preferred location. I will be early next time :-)

 

There are four different versions of the FUN Guide for each part of Toronto. Click on the images below to donwload the PDF edition for your area:

                  

 

 

 FIRST TIME REGISTERING? Your first step is to call the customer service at 416-338-4FUN (4386) to set up an account (8:30am to 4:30pm, Monday-Friday). They will give you a Client and Family Number that you can then use to register online, by phone or in person. 

 

If you know the barcode of the course you would like to take, you can enter it in the search box of Toronto Fun Online. Otherwise, click on the Find Programs tab to browse program options. You can register for programs from the registration date up to the start date of the course.

 

 

HOW TO REGISTER:

• Online registration - if you have your Family PIN and Client Numbers, you are ready to register online - it is the fastest way to do it. Browse programs and register online from any computer connected to the internet.

• Register in person - at a designated civic or community centre on registration day or later on.

• By phone - call 416-338-4FUN (4386) to register with a Customer Service Representative. You will need to know the program codes for your first program choice and alternative choices and to have a credit card.

If you are having trouble registering or finding what you are looking for, or you wish to use other languages (you can get help in more than 10 languages) - call the City of Toronto hotline at 311.

 

DO YOU NEED FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE TO JOIN A CITY RECREATION PROGRAM?

The City of Toronto Welcome Policy helps low income individuals and families register for city recreation programs for free. To apply for the Welcome Policy membership, fill out this application form (or pick up a copy of the application at your nearest community centre) or contact the Welcome Policy information line at 416-338-2000.

 

School’s out! What to do? Encourage your child to be outside, active, learning new skills and making new friends this summer.  Whether your child is attending camp for the first time or is a returning camper, Toronto Parks & Rec offers fun, safe and memorable day camp experiences.  

 [photo credit: Toronto Fun Guide]

 

  Here is additional information on recreation in Ontario from the Sports and Recreation information section of the newcomers portal Settlement.org.

 

 Does your family have favourite summer memories with city programs and camps in your town?

Do you have any words of advice or comments about registration or programs you liked?

Dial-a-Story: A great way to practice listening skills!

Do you love listening to stories?  Have you ever used Toronto Public Library’s Dial-a-Story service? Did you know we recently added a NEW LANGUAGE? Korean stories are now available through our Dial-a-Story service!

      

  

Now children and adults alike can be entertained with stories recorded in 14 different languages by phoning 416-395-5400, available 24 hours a day.

A full list of languages on Dial-a-Story include: Cantonese, English, French, Italian, Gujurati, Urdu, Mandarin, Polish, Portuguese, Somali, Spanish, Russian, Tamil, and our newest addition, Korean.

Why you should use this service:

There are over hundreds of stories available through Dial-a-Story, which is a great way to introduce newcomers to a variety of different stories in their own languages, including English. There are also many special stories for special occasions. 

 

For the month of February, callers can choose to listen to stories for
Black History Month , which is the month that Canadians celebrate and honour the legacy and contributions of Black Canadians in the history of Canada.

English stories in the Dial-a-Story service can give another alternative to practice English skills while listening to wonderful stories. Many families use this service to help familiarize themselves with stories in Canada and also to learn and develop their English listening and comprehension skills at the same time! So what are you waiting for? Give this free service a try! Call 416-395-5400!

                   


Don't forget to have a look at our other services while you are there:
Hear-a-Story in various languages on our KidsSpace website
Read-a-Story from one of the recommended links
Tell-a-Story with the interactive tool available on our KidsSpace website

And all of the fun programs available for Newcomer children!

 

Every Day is "Family Literacy Day" at the Library!

Every day is "family literacy day" at the library, but today is January 27 - the annual "Family Literacy Day" in Canada organized by ABC Life Literacy Canada. This special day celebrates how adults and children read and learn together, and encourages Canadian families to spend at least 15 minutes daily in reading and learning together.

Check out the many special Family Literacy Day 2012 events at library branches this weekend to celebrate literacy with stories, songs, games and special performances. We share below some more suggestions for fun family literacy activities to do at the library and at home.

 

 

VISIT YOUR LOCAL LIBRARY AND FIND GREAT BOOKS:

Toronto Public Library is a great place for children and their families to spend time reading, learning and playing. Cuddle up together with a good book in the welcoming cosy library branches, find a magazine, watch a movie or join for storytime or special event.

The children's librarian will help your kids choose books they like  to read or that you can read aloud to them.  Here is a list of the top ten 2011 Canadian children's books for the youngest readers, selected by Toronto Public Library (and more lists of great first books). For more reading suggestions and ideas - please visit the blog "Growing a Reader: Kids Books, Tips and More" written by our talented children's librarians.

 

ATTEND LIBRARY STORYTIMES:

Have you joined the "Ready for Reading" storytime at your library yet? Parents/caregivers attend with their children under five and all programs are free (some need a registration so check with your library). Storytimes are a lot of fun - come enjoy great picture books, stories, songs, rhymes and crafts (here is a sample video):

 

 

 

CALL THE LIBRARY TO LISTEN TO A STORY IN 14 LANGUAGES! 

"Dial-a-story" at 416-395-5400 - currently you can listen to stories in fourteeen languages 24 hours a day: English, French, Cantonese, Gujarati, Italian, Korean, Mandarin, Polish, Portuguese, Russian, Somali, Spanish, Tamil and Urdu. The Library's FREE story phone line receives over 300,000 calls every year! 

VISIT - THE LIBRARY WEBSITE FOR KIDS:

tpl.ca/kidsspace is a safe online place for young children to start using the Internet. Kids can listen to a story online, tell a story, send an e-card and find many book lists and homework help.

 

SOME SIMPLE HOME LITERACY ACTIVITIES TO ENJOY AS A FAMILY:

• Read to your kids often and talk about you favourite books and stories.
• In the car - listen to a story (the library has many audiobooks for kids and adults) or read street signs and billboards together.
• Sing songs together and play word games.
• Ask your child to help you write the grocery shopping list and pay the bills together.
• Read and cook a recipe together.
• Write a letter or email to family members abroad

I have a lot of fun with my 4-year-old daughter! We read to her stories in Bulgarian, Polish and English. She likes to help me "read" recipies when we bake her favourite cookies and muffins. She often asks me about the meaning of street signs and we love dancing together to Raffi's children's songs. We play "daycare storytime" - her toy animals and mama sit in a circle and she "reads" a story to us :-)

 

Why not borrow a book to learn some new nursery rhymes, songs and crafts and have fun with your children at home. There are also lots of children's music CDs at the library.

                  

 

Happy Family Literacy Day! What is YOUR favourite "family literacy" activity?