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!

 

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]

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.

"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.

 

• 

• 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.

 

 

 

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!

 

 

 

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.



 
 
 
 

Celebrating Aboriginal Culture and Heritage Teachings at the Library

Approximately 500 years ago, the first Europeans arrived in what would eventually become Canada - a country built on immigration and multiculturalism. But for thousands of years before that Canada was inhabited by various groups of Aboriginal peoples.

Join us for a special program of Native Songs, Drum and Dance presented by the Native Canadian Centre of Toronto at the Toronto Reference Library on Wednesday, June 8 at 2pm.

 

This photo shows some of our guests from the Native Canadian Centre of Toronto who were just about to present their first program  at Toronto Reference Library on November 3, 2010 in front of a very enthusiastic audience of over 100 people.

 

The Canadian Parliament declared in 2009 that June become a National Aboriginal History Month. The nationwide celebrations culminate on June 21th - the National Aboriginal day in Canada. If you are in Toronto on June 21 - I highly recommend attending the Aboriginal Celebration Event at Yonge-Dundas Square,10am-9pm (pdf flyer for the event). 

 

Toronto Public Library presents over twenty programs this year in celebration of Aboriginal Culture and Heritage. They include teachings in hand drum, medicine wheel and wampum belt, arts and crafts workshop, Native songs and dances, music, storytelling, and more. Here is a list of all the events at different library branches in Toronto - they bring important messages from the First Nations, Inuit and Métis peoples. All programs are free and suitable for the whole family!

 

If you are interested to read more about the Native People of Canada - here is a recommended reading list of books for adults, teens and children that the Library has prepared for the Aboriginal Month.

For more information and suggestions on dance and music - check out this previous "Arts and Culture" blog: "Native People's Dance and Music: Celebrating National Aboriginal Day June 21".

 

Toronto Public Library has Native Peoples collections of materials located in three of its branches: Spadina Road Library (Spadina subway), North York Central Library (North York Centre subway)and Toronto Reference Library (Yonge/Bloor subway). There are books by and about Native Peoples with a special emphasis on Canada, as well as Native language learning and teaching materials and audio/visual materials. The Languages Centre at Toronto Reference Library has dictionaries, grammars and readers for study and teaching of Native languages, as well as sound recordings of music and spoken word. Free listening equipment is available.

The Native Canadian Centre of Toronto is conveniently located just next to the Spadina Road Library, so you could visit them both on one trip. This Centre offers many programs and services based on Native cultural traditions and teachings. Everyone is welcome there. And remember to check out the wonderful gift shop where one can buy unique hand-made crafts created by artists from the Aboriginal community.

 

Did you know that you can use your TPL library card to borrow a FREE museum and arts pass from your local library and visit the Museum of Inuit Art, located at Toronto's Harbourfront. The Museum has also told us that they offer completely FREE admission on weekends and they have great activities for kids. It is a fantastic place to go with the whole family! This previous 2010 post on Inuit Art from the Library's "Arts and Culture" blog features some beautiful books on Inuit Art like sculpture and printmaking, that you can borrow from Toronto Public library. 

More than one million people in Canada identify themselves as Aboriginal (First Nations, Inuit, Métis peoples), according to the 2006 Census, or 3.8 per cent of the population. According to the demographic information for the City of Toronto - in 2006 there were more than 30,000 Aboriginal people living in the Greater Toronto Area (GTA).

 

HAPPY NATIONAL ABORIGINAL HISTORY MONTH!

Book a Librarian - a free personalized service

If you are new to Canada, looking for a job, or researching a topic, there are many questions to research in the process.

One of the ways the library can help you is through the Book a Librarian service!

It is available at three research & reference branches - Toronto Reference Library (located next to TTC subway station Bloor-Yonge), North York Central Library (subway station North York Centre) and Urban Affairs Library (subway station St. Andrew).

Book a Librarian is a free personalized service for research or library information.

You will meet with a librarian for 30-60 minutes to help you for example:

• Learn how to search for a job
• Get help with homework or in researching a topic
• Discover something good to read in English or in your own language
• Find career information or information on how to start your own business
• Find citizenship information
• Find ESL or FSL materials and tests e.g. TOEFL
• Learn about accreditation for internationally trained professionals and trades people
• Find community information e.g. housing, child care

What people are saying about the service?

 

“Actually this session amazed me!  The librarian was very pleasant and wonderful to learn the skills from.  The hour was well worth the time.  I enjoyed the session and came out with a wealth of information.”

For more information or to book an appointment - call Toronto Reference Library at 416-393-7209, North York Central Library at 416-395-5672 (adults) or 416-395-5674 (teens) and Urban Affairs Library at 416-397-7241. If you are visiting the library - ask at the information desk.

You can also contact AnswerLine at 416-393-7131 or answerline@torontopubliclibrary.ca.

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