Literacy Resources
Collections
The Vancouver Public Library has a large Literacy Collection containing books, audiocassettes, compact discs, and videos. These materials can be used to improve literacy skills for people whose first language is English. Materials in the collection cover grammar, reading, writing, spelling, vocabulary, and math. The Literacy Collection also contains easy to read novels as well as easy reading material in the areas of life skills, job skills, religion, sciences, and social studies.
The collection can be found under the call number 428.62. These materials are available at both the Central Library in the Literature & Social Science Department on Level 3, and at all library branches.
The Literacy Collection is identified by the International Literacy Symbol 
on the shelves and on each item.
The Vancouver Public Library also has an separate ESL Collection for people who are learning English as a second language.
Services
The Adult Basic Education Learning Centre operated by the Vancouver Community College instructors is also located at the Central Library in the Literature & Social Science Department on Level 3. These instructors can help English speakers improve reading, writing and mathematics skills. Tutors at the Learning Centre can help adult learners improve language and math skills. Phone 604-331-3739.
Adult Basic Education at VCC
VCC offers additional Adult Basic Education courses at its Broadway campus.
The Vancouver Public Library also has ESL Learning Centres for people who are learning English as a second language.
Information for Learners
Library Information
- Welcome! Come in and look through the books, videos, audio cassettes, compact discs, magazines, and much more at your local library. Even if you don't have a library card, you can use still library materials inside the library building.
- If you need something specific, please ask the librarian to help you find it -- he or she knows where most things are located.
- If you want to learn how to use the library on your own, there is a set of books, the Come to the Library series, that can help. The books are short and easy to read. All branches have copies, just ask the librarian to help you find them:Welcome to the library : an adult literacy learner's guide - 428.62 Li7I9c
- May I help you? - 428.62 Li7I9ca
- Getting a feeling for public libraries and books - 428.62 Li7I9cb
- Trying our your library's computer, microfiche, or card catalogue - 428.62 Li7I9cc
- Don't forget to look at the Leisure Books for New Readers Booklist. It lists interesting books that are easy to read. The librarian can help you find any of the books on this list.
Vancouver School Board Education Centres:
- These centres in Vancouver can help adult learners upgrade language and math skills
- Phone the centre nearest you for details:
Downtown East Education Centre
101/105 Powell St. (at Columbia)
Phone: 604-713-5760
Gathering Place Education Centre
609 Helmken St. (main floor)
Phone: 604-257-3849
Hastings Education Centre
1661 Napier St.
Phone: 604-713-5735
Main Street Education Centre
333 Terminal Ave. (4th floor)
Phone: 604-713-5731
Roberts Education Centre
1666 Comox St. (at Lord Roberts School)
Phone: 604-713-5752
South Hill Education Centre
6010 Fraser St. (at 44th Ave.)
Phone: 604-324-2414
For more information on learning centres and literacy programs in the rest of the Lower Mainland, contact Literacy BC:
- 604-684-0624
- Toll-free in BC: 1-888-READ-234 (732-3234)
- BC Literacy Directory
