Library helping newcomers settle in city

Lethbridge has become a destination of choice for many immigrants and refugees from around the world. They are attracted by the welcoming and compassionate reputation our city enjoys, its diversity and economy, as well as the excellent services city organizations provide to Canadian newcomers.

Lethbridge Public Library (LPL) is one of those organizations helping newcomers to Canada settle into their new community. For many, their introduction to the services LPL provides is during an orientation tour, sometimes arranged by Lethbridge Family Services – Immigrant Services. With their complimentary library card in hand, newcomers, along with their translators, visit the Main Branch and discover the many services we offer.

First and foremost, newcomers to Canada are introduced to programs offered by the Library’s Read On Adult Literacy Program, including those classes that will help improve skills in English and communication. Classes or one-on-one tutoring sessions focus on improving reading, writing, listening, speaking, and computer skills.

English conversation classes provide opportunities to practise oral communication skills. The Library’s Read On Program provides learning assistance, information on what the most advantageous learning pathway may be for individuals, and referrals to other community learning organizations that better suit a learner’s needs. In addition to tutoring and class assistance, Read On also has an extensive resource collection specific to improving English skills.

With their Library memberships, newcomers have access to a number of library services that help improve English knowledge. Our 300+ DVD collection includes foreign films that entertain, and at the same time teach, as foreign films have English subtitles. Digital learning opportunities, such as Pronunciator, make it possible for learners to fit in online learning when it works for them.

These interactive lessons help one to learn a new language (English or others) in either selfdirected or conversation classes that include pronunciation practice. Gale Courses offers a wide range of online, highly interactive, instructor-led courses, such as the Grammar Refresher. Also very popular at the library is the annual Foreign Film Festival, which offers a variety of films with English subtitles.

In the Children’s Services International Collection, newcomers can find resources that provide both English and other language learning opportunities. Some of these are delightful children’s books in French, Spanish, Korean, and Mandarin; some are bilingual with English translations. The Children’s Playtime Connections Program affords another learning opportunity for families as they make new friends listening to stories and singing songs in many languages, including English.

With these ESL services, programs, and resources, Lethbridge Public Library extends a warm welcome, connecting with newcomer families, and helping them to improve the English skills they will need in their new community.