Thorncliffe

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

May 1, 2013 | Grace | Comments (0) Facebook Twitter More...

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:

      (You) Set Me on Fire

 

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!

 

Library Settlement Partnerships at Toronto Public Libraries

August 14, 2012 | Debby | Comments (0) Facebook Twitter More...

Did you know that there are Library Settlement Partnerships (LSP) at the Toronto Public Library?

     LSP worker at Toronto Public LibrariesLSP worker at Toronto Public Libraries
     [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.

         Library Settlement Partnership      Toronto Public Library   Citizenship 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:

LSP locations at Toronto Public Library
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.LSP Agencies & Branch LocationsCatholic Cross Cultural Services Centre for Information & Community Services of OntarioCultureLinkKababayan Community CentreNorth York Community House Rexdale Women's Centre Thorncliffe Neighbourhood Office
YMCA Newcomer Information Centre


Toronto Public Library BooksLibrary 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!" is back - free summer ESL program for newcomer children

June 18, 2012 | Iana | Comments (2) Facebook Twitter More...

 

"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.

 

  • English Can Be Fun 2012 library locations
  • 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.

 

 English Can be Fun 2012 front page flyer English Can Be Fun 2012 flyer back page

 

LSP Day 2011 and Newcomer Human Libraries @ TPL!

October 5, 2011 | Debby | Comments (4) Facebook Twitter More...

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!

LSP DAY 2010  LSP DAY 2010
[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.

 

LSP DAY 2010   LSP DAY 2010
[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.

 

A Human Library Event  Human Library Event in Winnipeg
 [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

July 4, 2011 | Debby | Comments (5) Facebook Twitter More...

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.


English Can Be Fun Locations

 
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.



English Can Be Fun! Branch Locations 
 
 
 

Career Planning & Employment

November 15, 2010 | Jackie | Comments (0) Facebook Twitter More...

An information session on Thursday, Nov. 25, 2010, 12:30 pm to 3:00 pm at Valley Park Middle School, 130 Overlea Blvd.

Topics to be covered:

  • Entrepreneurship
  • Self-Employment
  • Small Business
  • Second Career
  • Apprenticeship
  • Job-specific Training Program

Facilitators: Thorncliffe Neighbourhood Office, Microskills, SkillsforChange, Chinese Professional Association of Canada

For more info, call 647-296-0170 or 416-996-2133

Co-sponsored by Thorncliffe Neighbourhood Office, SEPT & LSP Programs and Valley Park Middle School

 

 

 

Celebrate Library Settlement Partnerships (LSP) Day in October 2010!

October 13, 2010 | Diana | Comments (0) Facebook Twitter More...

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:

Contact the above branches for more information.

Understanding Bridging Programs

September 21, 2010 | Diana | Comments (0) Facebook Twitter More...

Bridging programs are designed especially for foreign trained professionals and tradespersons, enabling a smooth transition into the Canadian labour market. Find out more about bridging programs at the free information session Understanding Bridging Programs at Thorncliffe Branch on Friday September 24, 2010 from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.

For more information, contact the Settlement Worker at 416-996-2133.

TOEFL and IELTS

August 10, 2010 | Diana | Comments (0) Facebook Twitter More...

Beginning July 17, 2010, there are ongoing free tests preparations sessions by a trained and experienced tutor in TOEFL & IELTS at Thorncliffe Park Branch.

  • Every Friday from 6:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
  • Every Saturday from 1:30 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.

Not only will you learn how to prepare for the test, but you will also how learn how to master the test.

Contact the Settlement Worker at 416-996-2133 for more information.

English Conversation

July 26, 2010 | Diana | Comments (2) Facebook Twitter More...

Every Wednesday beginning July 14, 2010 from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m., attend the English Conversation Circle at Thorncliffe Branch. Practice and improve your English.

Contact the Settlement Worker at 416.996-2133 for more information. 

Welcome! This blog is written by librarians and provides information and resources available from the library and around Toronto to new residents of Canada. For more information see the Library's Help for Newcomers website