New to Canada

Celebrate the Year of the Snake in Canada

Sunday February 10, 2013 marks the start of a new year in the Lunar Calendar. 

2013 is the year of the Snake.

    
           [Photo Credit: Chinesenewyearin.com and Wikipedia]

The snake falls into the 12 different Chinese Zodiac signs in astrology.  These signs all have different qualities and characteristics associated with them and the legend of how they came to be can be found in many of our library book collections.

Have a look:

       

 Do you know what the Zodiac order is? Here are the dates and animal signs for the next few years:

Year	Chinese New Year Begins	Animal Sign
2008	February 7	Rat
2009	January 26	Ox
2010	February 14	Tiger
2011	February 3	Rabbit
2012	January 23	Dragon
2013	February 10	Snake
2014	January 31	Horse
2015	February 19	Sheep
2016	February 8	Monkey
2017	January 28	Rooster
2018	February 16	Dog
2019	February 5	Pig

                              [chart taken from: http://www.apples4theteacher.com]

There are many events and festivities happening in celebration of the Lunar New Year in Toronto, Toronto Public Library and City of Toronto have events planned for this week. Take a look to find out more or call our Answerline: 416-393-7131 to inquire.

 

If you are interested in finding out more rituals and traditions of the Lunar New Year, have a look at our other blogs: 

Happy Lunar New Year in Canada

Happy Lunar New Year!

Chinese New Year Celebrations @ Toronto Public Libraries

The Year of the Snake

 

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!

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!

The Importance of Building Credit for Newcomers to Canada

Starting a new life in Canada can be filled with many opportunities, but the first few weeks settling in Canada can be overwhelming. Some of the first things that people do include applying for a Social Insurance Number, applying for a Health Card, getting a library card, and setting up finances.

 
  [Photo Credit: Maine Auto Credit and University of Iowa]

If you are looking to make a big purchase, such as buying a home, a car, or paying for education, you might look into borrowing money from a bank or financial institution. In order for them to loan you money, they will look into your credit history to determine whether you have good credit.

 

What is building credit?

Your credit history is something that a bank or financial institution will look at when you apply for a credit card, a line of credit, a loan or mortgage. Credit history is very important because it shows a record of how well you will be able to repay the money borrowed.

If you miss payments or make late payments, your credit history will become bad and this will make it difficult for you to borrow money in the future.

[Photo Credit: About Credit Score Improving]

Why is building credit important?

Establishing a credit history can be very important because this record documents your past borrowing and repayment, which can determine your ability to repay your debts.

As a newcomer to Canada, it is important for you to understand how credit works and to build a good credit rating. Newcomers can build good credit by applying for a credit card and making timely payments.

How do I build credit?

Those that are new to Canada may find it difficult to be eligible for a credit card without a credit history or employment income. In these cases, there are many options that are available if you are looking to start building credit. Get some financial advice from banks in your neighbourhood or through this Bank Resource List.

You can also have a look at some of Toronto Public Library's books and videos on Credit Cards, Consumer Credit, and Personal Finance:

        

The Toronto Public Library also has many programs geared for Business, Legal, and Personal Finance. Have a look to see if any are happening near you! Don't forget to also check out our Business & Personal Finance Blog for more information.

Newcomer stories

When it comes to building credit and seeking financial advice, you are not alone. Have a look at some of the experiences of other new to Canada individuals. Newcomer journeys from Jian, Kim, and Young Keun at Bank of Montreal, stories from landed immigrants, foreign workers, and International students at Scotia Bank, and a video of how Myin found success as a newcomer to Canada at Royal Bank Canada.

Fun And Free Things To Do Over The Holidays

Whether or not you celebrate Christmas, there are lots of activities going on over the next few weeks when children are out of school and shops and businesses close for a couple of days, and many of them are free.

Naturally, the library is a great place to come (Toronto Public Library has special opening hours during this time of year).  There are family programs at library branches across the city.

 But, the rest of the city  has many free programs to offer at this time of year, as well.  I've listed a few here. Be sure to follow the links provided to find the details about each event.  And don't forget that all Toronto Public Library branches give away free Museum + Arts passes to many of Toronto's museums, galleries and cultural attractions.  But, be aware that some locations will not accept passes during the holidays. 

 

If you love flowers and plants in a tropical setting, you could tour Allan Gardens  or Centennial Park Conservatory, both of which are open every day of the year.  You can visit their special Christmas exhibit of flowers by candlelight on December 15, 16, 22 and 23. The Christmas exhibit ends on January 6th. 

 

For music-lovers, on December 21st at 11:30 a.m. Toronto City Hall will host the Christmas Choral Celebration featuring performances from three choirs. 

 

The Canadian Opera Company offers free concerts and dance events throughout the year, including some in January.  Free performances take place most Tuesdays and Thursdays at noon, and some Wednesdays at noon or 5:30 p.m.

Celebrate the longest, darkest night of the year on December 21st at the Kensington Market Winter Solstice parade.  People walk through the streets of Kensington Market while artists, musicians and singers perform all along the parade route.  You don't need to bring anything, but since it is the longest night, most people bring lanterns and become part of the spectacle. Some of them are handmade and very beautiful.  Be sure to dress warmly.

 

 

Go skating! Toronto has lots of outdoor rinks where you can skate for free, including the rink at Nathan Phillips Square where City Hall is located. Skating at City Hall  is something just about every Torontonian has done, and while you're there you can admire the lights decorating the square.  Of course, you can also ring in the New Year at Nathan Phillips Square with a free concert and fireworks at midnight. Check the list of city-operated rinks to see which ones are open and where they are located.

The Brickworks has the most unusual rink - an outdoor skating trail.

At Harbourfront's outdoor ice rink beside Lake Ontario you can attend DJ Skate Nights, including one dedicated to Bollywood music.  Harbourfront has several events for families during December, many of which are free.

                                                                                                                             

Take  an end-of-year guided walk into the winter wonderland in Rouge Park. You can discover nature and wildlife with volunteer leaders on walks that range from easy to challenging. Dress for the weather, walks are scheduled rain or shine!

 My favourite free things to do?  Listening to The Shepherd being read on the CBC on Christmas Eve.  The Shepherd is the story of a   pilot, going home on Christmas Eve in 1957, whose aircraft runs into trouble over the North Sea. Don't worry, it's a holiday story, so you know it will all end well.

And I love driving or walking around looking at the lights people have put on and around their houses.  You can see some of the best light displays from last year here.  Why not check them out this year to see if they've outdone themselves?

What's your favourite free thing to do at this time of year?

 

 

 

 

Toronto FUN Guide - Winter Registration

 

Don't forget! Registration for City of Toronto winter skating and swimming lessons, as well as March Break Camps is Saturday, December 8 at 7:00 AM.

You can register in one of the following ways:

• Online at https://efun.toronto.ca/torontofun/Start/Start.asp 
• By phone at 416-338-0000
• In person at designated civic centres

For those who are new to the city, the Toronto FUN Guide is your one stop shop for programs offered by City of Toronto Parks, Forestry and Recreation. You can pick up your free copy of the FUN Guide at any Toronto Public Library branch or community centre. You can also download a copy online.

 

              

If you're interested in registering you or your child for City of Toronto FUN Guide programs, but require financial assistance, you may be eligible for the City of Toronto's Welcome Policy. The City of Toronto Welcome Policy provides a subsidy to low income individuals and families that can be used to access City of Toronto recreation programs.

The City of Toronto Welcome Policy provides a subsidy of $455 per year for children and youth that can be spent on any recreation program, camp, or membership. For adults, the City of Toronto Welcome Policy provides a subsidy of $212 per year that can be spent on any recreation program, pass or membership.

To be eligible for the Welcome Policy, applicants must be:

• 18 years of age or older
• City of Toronto residents
• have a before tax family income of less than Statistics Canada's Low Income Cut-Off (LICO) as shown in the chart below

1 person	$23,298
2 persons	$29,004
3 persons	$35,657
4 persons	$43,292
5 persons	$49,102
6 persons	$55,378
7 or more persons	$61,656

For more information on the City of Toronto FUN guides and programs, visit www.toronto.ca/parks

Good luck and happy registering!

 

Preparing for cold weather in Canada

 

It 's that time of year again when temperatures drop and everyone starts dressing warmly. There are many different things to prepare for if you are new to Canada.

Most of these things can be inexpensive if you know how to do them and where to look. Tips and advice can be found in newspapers, magazines, and even online resources.

                        [Photo Credit: City News Toronto]

When it comes to winterizing your home, there are many D.I.Y. (Do-It-Yourself) ideas that the newspaper Metro, has provided in their November 15th publication. From changing the furnace filter, to having fluorescent lightbulbs, to caulking your windows, to having additional insulation, these are all tips that can be used throughout the home to help save money and cut costs. Click on the following image to read more.

 

There are also many other simple ways that can help cut costs in the winter. More tips are available on MSN Real Estate's 10 Ways to winterize your home - now, including:

1. Cleaning the leaves and debris that accumulate in your home's gutters so that snow and rain can drain. Otherwise, the water can freeze and seep into the house, creating water damage.
2. Wrapping your pipes with pre-moled foam rubber sleeves or fiberglass insulation, which can help save you from dealing with a burst pipe caused by the winter cold.
3. Reversing the direction of your ceiling fan from it's summer operation, which can help push warm air downward and force it to recirculate, helping to keep the house more comfortable.

Last winter, we also started a Welcome to Winter series to provide and prepare those new to Canada, with advice and suggestions on the changing temperatures.

Click on the following links to view more advice and suggestions:

Welcome to Winter! Part 1: How to Fight the Winter Blues
Learn about winter sports, festivals in Toronto, and where you can go in the winter!

Welcome to Winter! Part 2: How to be Winter Safe
Learn how winter can affect driving, your home, and your health!

Welcome to Winter! Part 3: Dressing for Winter
Learn about investing in coats and boots as well as dressing in layers!

 

[Photo Credit: Metro News]

Winter is not as bad as it may seem. This beautiful season may be cold, but it has many positive factors as well! You can learn all about Winter in our children's story books that young and old can enjoy.

 

 

Now, what about you? What do you like about winter and how do you prepare?

Remembrance Day is November 11th

Many countries honour their war dead with ceremonies and acts of remembrance.

Each year on November 11th Canadians wear poppies and gather at war memorials to remember those who have died serving the country in wars or on peace-keeping missions.  At 11:00 a.m. people stop and observe two minutes of silence as a way of honouring their sacrifice. 

On Remembrance Day we honour the servicemen and women who fought and died in all wars in which Canada took part, but the importance of  November 11th  began with the end of World War One. The armistice was signed in 1918 at the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month of the year.

When World War One began in 1914, Canada was a very young country with a small population.  But on the battlefields Canadian soldiers fought bravely, and on April 9, 1917 the Canadian Corps won the Battle of Vimy Ridge.  Some people feel that Canada was truly born as an independent nation on that day.  Now, if you visit France you can see a gleaming white memorial to the soldiers who fought at Vimy.

My grandfather fought and was wounded at Vimy Ridge, and in 1998 I travelled to the place where he fought.  I wasn't surprised to see other Canadians there, but I was deeply moved to see that on November 11th the whole memorial was crowded with people from France who had also come to remember. 

Poppies have often been associated with war. Tradition states they grow best in soil that has been turned over, such as the soil above a grave.  But, it was a poem by a Canadian army medical officer that helped establish the poppy as a symbol of Remembrance Day.  Lieutenant-Colonel John McCrae wrote In Flanders Fields in 1915 after seeing poppies growing beside the grave of a friend.  At Remembrance Day ceremonies it is customary for someone to recite this poem. 

 

 In Flanders Fields the poppies blow            
 Between the crosses, row on row,
 That mark our place; and in the sky
 The larks, still bravely singing, fly
 Scarce heard amid the guns below.

We are the Dead. Short days ago
We lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow,
Loved and were loved, and now we lie
         In Flanders Fields.

Take up our quarrel with the foe:
To you from failing hands we throw
The torch; be yours to hold it high.

If ye break faith with us who die
We shall not sleep, though poppies grow
         In Flanders Fields.

 

The practice of selling poppies to raise money for wounded veterans started after World War One and continues to this day.

Remembrance Day ceremonies will take place at several locations across the country this Sunday morning, including Old City Hall and all of the Civic Centres in Toronto.  Everyone is allowed to attend.  After the ceremony many people will remove the poppy they are wearing and place it at the war memorial to show that they came and paid tribute to the fallen.

 

 There is a always a national Remembrance Day ceremony in Ottawa at the National War Memorial where the Prime Minister lays a wreath.  Many poeple watch the ceremony on television or on the Internet.

To find out more about Remembrance Day, you can borrow these library materials:

     

Remembering John MCrae      Remembrance Day           Remembrance Day 

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!

How Can the Library Serve Newcomers Better? Please tell us what you think!

Hello readers of the "New to Canada" blog! Toronto Public Library is creating a new strategic plan 2012-2015 for the next four years and we need your help. We would like to ask you - the newcomers to Toronto, Canada - to take a moment and please tell us:

• What library services are most important to you?
• What  could we do to improve our library services for newcomers?

The library is often one of the first places that new immigrants visit in the early days after they arrive in Toronto. Toronto Public Library has been striving to support newcomers all through their process of settlement and living in our vibrant city. Adults, teens and children can all register for a free library card, attend various programs, use computers and Internet (including wireless). Through its branches - the library provides safe and welcoming spaces for people to read, do research, meet people or simply relax.

 

[Library staff and settlement workers celebrate the successful LSP partnerhsip, Toronto Reference Library, 2010.]

 

NEWCOMERS AT THE LIBRARY CAN:

- meet with an LSP settlement worker at the library to get free assistance with information and referrals on finding housing, looking for a job, registering a child at school, joining an ESL class etc.

- borrow materials in their language in addition to the rich collections in English language.

- join an ESL class at the library or an English Conversation Circle, as well as borrow various materials (books, CDs, DVDs) to learn and improve their English language skills.

- borrow books on how to write a resume and cover letter, how to prepare for a job interview; use books and online databases for business and career research. There are also various workshops at the library - you can hear experienced speakers talk about topics such as finding a job, networking, starting a business.

- find information about the Canadian Citizenship Test and join a library Citizenship Test preparation class.

- borrow a free MAP museum family pass with an adult ibrary and visit Toronto's great cultural places.

 

Families with children can find much support at the library and help their kids succeed in school - books for reading at various levels, after-school activities, even a free Dial-a-story phone line with stories in twelve (12) languages. And for the youngest preschool kids and their caregivers - there are storytimes, such as the example in the video below.

 

Watch this short video of a "Story time" at the library. A great place for kids to meet and parents/caregivers to get together.

  

 

These were just some of the examples of library servives that you can use at Toronto Public Library. Find out more about our vision and goals on our Strategic Plan website, and you can fill in our survey online. Your feedback is really important to us, so please take the time to send us your comments and ideas - you can reply to this blog post below as well.

 

You might also find interesting to read this earlier blog post related to the new strategic plan survey: Making Ontario Home: settlement and integration services, Sept 5, 2012 - by Debbie Douglas, director of OCASI: The Ontario Council of Agencies Serving Immigrants.

 

Please tell us what you think! What library services are most important to you?

What could we do to improve our library services for newcomers?

Thank You!