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: 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.

Summer Leading to Reading for children who need reading help

Is your child able to listen and talk in English, but needs reading help? 

 

The Toronto Public Library offers a free informal and fun reading practice program this summer.

 

It is for children who are going to be in grades 2 to 6 in September 2010.

 

Your child will be partnered with a volunteer tutor to practise reading/writing skills, enjoy books, and do reading-related games and activities.  

 

Pick up an application form from one of the 37 branches that offer the program and return the completed form to the branch by June 26. The reading sessions will be for one hour per week from July 12 to August 28, 2010. Please note that space is limited.

 

The same library branches also offer the Leading to Reading program during the school year, from October to May. Registration usually takes place in September.

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