New to Canada

Participate in the Many Cultural Festivals - As Toronto Public Library Celebrates Asian Heritage Month!

This year Toronto Public Library celebrates Newcomers and Asian Heritage Month with the whole package, featuring storytellers, authors, chefs, dancers, reporters, artists, drummers, painters, singers, designers and musicians, each bringing us a taste of many exotic cultures right here in our city.

Everything is free so come out and join in the fun at many branches which are proudly hosting mini-festivals. In order not to miss any of the events, you may pick up your Asian Heritage Month Program Guide and Reading List from your nearest branch.

Agincourt Library's "China Homelands Festival" is action-packed for Saturday, May 4, from 10 am-4:30 pm with the following highlights: 

Children's Storytime; A Lion Dance presentation; Chinese Calligraphy; Oriental Food and Tea sampling; "The Chinese in Canada-One Reporter's Odyssey" featuring Jan Wong; Evolution of Chinese food in Toronto, "From Chop Suey to Peaking Duck ..." by Arlene and Leo Chan. 

You may not want to miss the following: Download Agincourt Library 2013_Asian Heritage Month :

Chinese Tea (Pu-Ehr) Workshop (on May 6th @ 6:30pm); the South Asian Cuisine Tasting Table (on May 14th @ 2pm) featuring Toronto's amazing chefs, Karen Johnson & Ronica Sajnan; plus the Asian Seniors Celebration featuring Fok Dancing and Hakka Cooking Demonstration (on May 31st @ 1pm), all of which will be held at Agincourt library. Registration is required as space is limited.

You are encouraged to visit all of our branches mentioned below, and enjoy our free programs:

"Belly Dancing & Japanese Doll Making" at Woodside Square

"Asian Henna & Paper Fan hands-on Crafts" at Bridlewood

Chinese Brush Painting" at Albert Campbell

"Timar-Salek -Persian Indonesian fusion music concert" & "Henna Hand Painting" at College/Shaw

 "Feng Shui and the Environment" at Burrows Hall; 

"Oniroku Puppet Show and Origami" at Danforth/Coxwell

"Japanese Taiko Drumming Concert" at North York Central

"Pan-Asian Celebration -Ghazal, wadoks, mendhi..." at York Woods

"Hula Girls" at Queen/Saulter

"East Indian Family Night Puppet Show" at Long Branch;

"Tai Chi" at Riverdale; 

"Toronto Ismaili Muslim Youth Choir" at Goldhawk Park

"South Asia Homelands" at Cedarbrae; "West Asia Homelands" at Brentwood; "East Asia Homelands" at Malvern; "Pan Asian Food Fusion Festival" at Downsview; "Community Asian Arts Fusion Festival" at Palmerston; "Chinese Cultural Festivals" presented in partnership with Canadian Foundation for Asian Culture, at Riverdale (Brush painting with Dr Lien Chao), Sanderson (photography workshop presented in English and Cantonese by Tam Kam Chiu) and Toronto Reference Library, featuring Michael Cormier in conversation with journalist Jan Wong, discussing his new book, "The Legacy of Tiananmen Square."

This year's Program Guide  has included a Recommended Reading List of some popular Asian authors for all age groups. Here's a selection that would engage you and zap you into another world ...

Adults:

              

 

Teens:

      

 

Children:

     

For more information on this topic click here.

Toronto Public Library hopes that the Asian Heritage Month experience will be an enjoyable and meaningful one for you this year. We would certainly appreciate your feedback as to which programs you have enjoyed the most!

 

Learning English at Toronto Reference Library: The largest ESL collection in Toronto

Did you know that the Toronto Reference Library is home to the largest public collection of ESL (English as a Second Language) materials in Toronto?

 

[A view of the Languages and Literature Department and the Information Desk, 4th floor, Toronto Reference Library. Behind the desk there is a large reference collection of ESL and Languages Learning materials - books and CD/DVD sets that you can browse and "sign-out" to use at the library. Staff at the desk will be happy to help you with all your questions.]

 

While every branch of Toronto Public Library has a smaller ESL collection of materials that can be borrowed, and while many learning materials can be reserved ("placing a hold") through the library website catalogue - the ESL centre at the Toronto Reference Library is by far the largest one in our 98 library branches and offers unique and rich materials for all learning levels.

 

It is located on the 4th floor of the Toronto Reference Library (Bloor/Yonge subway, 789 Yonge Str.) - 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 (for a full list of all fourteen categories of languge skills see further below); course books, dictionaries, exam preparation such as TOEFL and IELTS. Some of the materials in the ESL centre can be borrowed 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 and study with the latest reference materials.

 

If you take the beautiful glass elevator or climb up the stairs to the 4th floor of Toronto Reference Library - you will find helpful staff and a cosy, well-light, welcoming space busy with visitors and learners at any time of day - there are recent immigrants, international students, teachers and many others who regularly use the languages collections and the "A/V desks".

 

[Partial view of the largest ESL collection in Toronto - 4th floor, Toronto Reference Library.]

 IN THIS LARGEST ESL COLLECTION YOU CAN FIND:

• Materials for use IN LIBRARY only (they have location "Audio Desk" in the catalogue).
• Materials that you can TAKE HOME (these are "circulating" books to be borrowed).
• CDs, DVDs, videos and cassettes.
• A selection of ESL books for TEACHERS.

 

The materials on the shelves are organized in fourteen ESL (14) categories to help visitors find and select the appropriate books for their language level and the skills needed, in such a large collection.  

 

These are the fourteen ESL categories:

1. Easy Readers
2. Communication and Life Skills
3. Job-Related English
4. English through pictures
5. Grammar
6. Idioms
7. Writing Skills
8. Pronunciation
9. Reading Improvement
10. Spelling
11. Tests - TOEFL, IELTS, TOEIC, CAE, MELAB etc.
12. Vocabulary
13. Multi Skills
14. Listening Skills

 

TESTS OF ENGLISH as a FOREIGN LANGUAGE:

If you plan to continue your studies at university, you would need to pass the IELTS, TOEFL, TOEIC, CAE, or other tests. The ESL centre at the Toronto Reference Library has many books and audiovisual courses (sets of books and CDs/DVDs) to help you prepare for these tests.

 

 [Partial view of the Languages & Literature department with the biggest ESL collection in Toronto. There are A/V desks equipped with CD and DVD players for practicing ESL and other "Languages Learning" materials.]

 

TOURS, ESL READING CIRCLE, LANGUAGES LEARNING, MULTILINGUAL BOOKS

There are other related services offered through the Langages and Literature Department:

• Tours of the ESL Collection and Languages & Literature Department - teachers can call for an appointment at 416-393-7085.

• ESL Reading Circle @ Toronto Reference Library - a free drop-in program at the Beeton Auditorium on selected Fridays, 2-3.30pm. Practice your English by reading with others from great books and sharing your ideas about them. Check on the website or call Anwerline (416-393-7131) for upcoming dates. For this current season the dates are: March 8, March 22, April 5, April 19, 2013.

• Book a Librarian - free personalized appointment with a librarian for 30-60 minutes for research or library information - you can get questions answered at a time convenient to you. For example: how to find ESL materials, books in your language, find citizenship information etc.

• Multilingual collection - the largest in Toronto - the Languages & Literature Department also has books in more than 60 languages - that can be borrowed and used at home (and you can conveniently return them to your closest local TPL branch).

• "Languages Learning" and "French as a Second Language" collections - along with the ESL materials, you can also find "Languages Learning" materials to help you learn and practice many other languages - for example French, Spanish, Chinese, Korean, Russian, Greek, Hungarian, Hindi, Tagalog and many others. Some of those materials you can borrow, some can be used at the library only ("reference").

 

CONTACTS:

The ESL centre (and the Toronto Reference Library) is open Monday to Thursday 9.30 to 8:30; Friday 9:30 to 5:30; Saturday 9:00 to 5:00; Sunday 1:30 to 5:00 (open Sundays from September to June). Call the Information Desk at 416-393-7085 for more information.

    

For more articles about learning "English as a Second Language" at the Library - please read our earlier posts from the New to Canada blog:

• Register for adult ESL classes at the library and much more! - September 2012.

• Improve Your Accent and Pronunciation Skills - December 2010.

• Let's MANGO! Learn a new language or practice your English! - August 2010.

 

 Visit the ESL centre and good luck with your studies!

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.

 

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.

Conversations in Canadian English for English Learners

Learning to speak English in Canada is no easy task to do. The process can be hard and challenging when there are many factors to consider when conversing. After learning and understanding proper English, there is a whole other world of English slang words, cliches, and idioms that you will need to be aware of when speaking and listening to Canadian English.

What do these expressions mean? With the help of the Merriam-Webster Dictionary:

Slang: "Slang words are an informal nonstandard vocabulary of words." Meaning that they are words or informal phrases that are casually spoken and often adopted into a group or culture. For example, calling something "cool", "hip", or "hot" means it is very popular.

Clichés: "A cliché is a phrase or expression that has become overly familiar or commonplace." Meaning that these phrases have been used much too often, to the point where it has lost it's impact. For example, "there are plenty of fish in the sea," is an expression that is often used to describe that there are many opportunities available everywhere.

Idioms: "An idiom is part of the language that is peculiar to a people, district, community or class." Meaning that phrases and expressions could be something other than what the words literally mean. For example, someone who "gets cold feet" does not mean that the temperature of their feet has dropped, but rather it means that they are nervous instead.

 

These varying expressions may seem foreign, unfamiliar, and even ambiguous to those who are learning English, but with time and lots of conversational practice, you can 'get the hang' of all these expressions. Another great way to do this is by joining an English Conversation Circle at your local public library!

 

                [image credit: Gabriel J. Suarez's Blog]

To help familiarize your vocabulary, I have posted 12 common expressions used by Canadians, offered by Canadian Immigrant, have a look at their website to see the complete A-Z list:


1. Actions speak louder than words
In other words, what a person actually does is more important than what they say they will do.

2. American dream
The “American dream” is the reason why so many immigrants come to North America. The United States especially prides itself as a democratic place where people have the right to good education, freedom, peace and a rich life — if they work for it. 

3. Eh
Canadians are known worldwide for tacking on the word “eh” to sentences, turning them into a bit of a question — for example, “That was a good hockey game last night, eh?”

4. Fingers crossed
Keeping your “fingers crossed” means that you are hoping for good luck or a happy outcome in a situation.

5. Jack of all trades
A “Jack of all trades” is a person who can do many different kinds of work well.

6. Loonie/Toonie
Unlike many other countries, Canada has its own nicknames for its money. The “Loonie” is a $1 coin (which usually features the image of a loon), while a “Toonie” is the term used for the $2 coin (because it rhymes with “Loonie”). 

7. Needle in a haystack
To find a thin “needle in a haystack” is almost an impossible task. Thus, anything that seems impossible to find is lost like a needle in a haystack.

8. On cloud nine
When she got her citizenship, she was “on cloud nine.” That is, she was really happy and excited about it. 

9. Raining cats and dogs
This phrase is used when you want to express that it is raining very heavily outside. For instance, “This summer was not good because it was ‘raining cats and dogs’ on many of the weekends.”

10. Start from scratch
Many newcomers to Canada have to “start from scratch.” This phrase denotes that something needs to be started from the beginning, regardless of the previous work that has been done.

11. Under the weather
If you’re feeling under the weather, it simply means you’re feeling a little sick, whether the weather is rain or shine.

12. Wear one’s heart on one’s sleeve
To wear your heart on your sleeve is to show your emotions openly.

 

Slang words, clichés, and idioms are all expressions that can be hard for an English learner to understand. Aside from all the great resources available out there, such as the Using English website with their lists of English Idioms, Toronto Public Library also has lots of books and resources that can help you!

                  
   For more books on Slang          For more books on clichés          For more books on idioms

 

What is your favourite expression?
Mine is, "what doesn't kill you makes you stronger," meaning all of the tougher experiences you go through, will help you grow and make you smarter & stronger for the next time.

 

The HIPPY and your child

Find out if HIPPY (Helping communities, help parents, help children!) is right for your child in the "HIPPY" information session at Bloor/Gladstone Branch on Friday October 29, 2010 from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.  Participants will see that HIPPY is about learning how easy, fun, and rewarding it is to teach their children at home so they are ready to succeed when they enter kindergarten.

Settlement Workers will be available to offer interpreting services in Spanish and Portuguese.

Financial resources for students

As a student, it is always a challenge to find where you can obtain financial aid. Morningside Branch is conducting a free information workshop on Financial Resources for Students on Thursday October 21, 2010 from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. Topics included:

• Different types of student loans
• Qualifications for grants, bursaries and student awards
• Other types of financial assistance available for students

For more information and to register, contact the Settlement Worker at 416-707-8259.

The education system in Canada

Find out how Canada's education system differs from your home country's education system in the free workshop session on the Education System in Canada. The session is on Tuesday October 19, 2010 from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at the Albert Campbell Branch. Topics discussed include:

• Credits needed for Secondary School Diploma
• Community volunteer requirements
• Post-secondary education preparation
• Understanding the EQAO (Education Quality and Accountability Office)

For more information and to register, contact the Settlement Worker at 416-894-2988.

Parents and the school

The topic of discussion at the Women Support Group at Agincourt Branch is School-Children-Parent Communication. Newcomers can find out about:

• Parent-Teacher interview
• Parents Council
• Participation in school activities
• Assisting with children's learning activities at home

The session is on Saturday October 9, 2010 from 2:00 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.

For more information and to register, please call the Settlement Worker at 647-388-3762.

Ontario High School Education System

Find out more about the Ontario High School Education System at Lillian H. Smith Branch on Saturday October 2, 2010 from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. Topics covered include:

• Getting ready for High School
• Choosing courses and developing an education plan
• Colleges, universities & apprenticeship information
• Community resources

This free workshop is in Mandarin. For more details, contact the Settlement Worker at 647-404-8857.