Brush up on your English skills
For some, the summer months ahead may provide a little more free time, which is a bonus for busy people who would like to face down their fears and spend some time improving their English language skills. It’s great to know you can turn to the library for help!
Suggestions from Read On, Adult Literacy Services at the library include exploring:
• Ventures Levels 1-6 to help you learn the English you will need to fit into your community;
• Downtown Levels 1-4 to help you learn the English you will need to get a job;
• English in Action (Listening and Speaking Skills);
• Laubach Way to English (for beginners learning English);
• Bilingual Dictionaries in English and one of 15 different languages;
• 1,000s of fiction books at lots of different levels.
Here are a few ideas for online/audio learning:
• Mango Online Language Learning Software (through LPL); • Gale Courses (through LPL); • Break the Wall: CBC online learning;
• 1,000s of apps you can download to help you learn on your own.
Many of our books come with CDs so that you can listen to the lessons.
Individuals who have applied to become a Canadian citizen are invited to sign up for a class to help prepare for the test. As part of these sessions students will also receive a copy of Discover Canada and a set of Canada’s Citizenship Prep Kit flashcards. The class will run Saturdays until Aug. 26, 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. at the library’s Main Branch. Conversation classes are also offered by Read On to help improve speaking and listening skills on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays. Classes are filling fast.
Summer may also be the most convenient time to learn some computer skills. If that’s one of the things on your “to-do” list or if you are someone who feels that computers and you just don’t get along, an easy fix is our Computer Basics class. Learn the basics of how to use a computer: learn about the keyboard, the mouse, basic Word, basic emailing, and basic Internet searches. Classes began June 8 and will run to July 27, 1 p.m.–3 p.m. at the Main Branch.
Register for any of these Read On classes by calling 403-3204977 or drop by the Read On office at the Main Branch for more details.