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ESL and Literacy Resources

The Vancouver Public Library has a large English as a Second Language (ESL) collection that includes physical resources such as books, CDs, and DVDs as well as digital resources that can be accessed online with your library card. We also support English-language learning through a variety of additional programs and services.

For literacy information, please see our Literacy Resources guide, which ESL learners may also find helpful.

Check out our World Languages collections - we have reading material for adults, teens, and children in sixteen languages other than English.

Library Information for New Users

Welcome to the Vancouver Public Library! Come in and enjoy looking around. 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 library staff for assistance. We are here to help you find what you are looking for.

To learn about British Columbia public libraries and how you can use them, please see NewtoBC's Library Information website. This information can be viewed in 29 languages.

Growing Roots: A Newcomer's Guide to Vancouver is an excellent resource for newcomers. It is available in print or online. 

For helpful Vancouver Public Library information:

Physical Collection

VPL's largest ESL collection is located at the Central Library on Level 4. All other VPL branches also hold ESL materials, which can be found under the call number 428.34. You can learn with books, CDs, and DVDs. Check out our suggested catalogue searches on the right. 

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ESL Learners 

  • We have easy-to-read fiction and non-fiction books ("Learners"). You can find these by searching for the call numbers 428.62 Re or 428.34 Re. Readers are available in various reading levels which will be indicated on the cover.
  • VPL librarians have created ESL Booklists separated into beginner, intermediate, and advanced levels.  

English Test Materials

VPL's catalogue has items to help you prepare for the CELPIP, IELTS, and TOEFL/TOEIC tests. 

Westcoast Reader 

This is an easy-to-read monthly English language newspaper for adults. The articles are labelled with Level 1, 2, or 3 book icons. The levels are comparable to Canadian Language Benchmarks (CLB) 2 to 6. Print copies are available for you to take home at VPL branches in the ESL section. There is also an online version

Digital Collection

Check out our VPL to Go ebook booklist for reading selections if you are an English-language learner or are looking to improve your English literacy skills. Titles include CELPIP test materials, non-fiction, and fiction.

Mango Languages allows you to learn English using your first language in 21 languages. 

For children, check out LOTE Online Picture Books.

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Interactive activities, practice tests, and grammar resources offer assistance in successfully improving your English Language skills.

Access:
Everywhere for VPL cardholders
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Read current issues of popular emagazines for kids and adults.

Read using Flipster app for iOS or Android for best small screen reading experience.

 

Access:
Everywhere for VPL cardholders
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The Kanopy Kids area features unlimited access to streaming kids' movies, TV shows, and animated picture books for children ages 2 and up. Videos viewed through Kanopy Kids are not counted as part of the monthly 10 ticket limit in the main Kanopysite.

Access:
Everywhere for Vancouver residents
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Create a Kanopy account to stream classic cinema, indie films, and top documentaries to your computer, phone or tablet. 

Learn about Kanopy’s new ticket system here.

Access:
Everywhere for Vancouver residents
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A growing collection of digital picturebooks in 50+ languages. Kids can read with an adult, or enjoy the stories by themselves.

Access:
Everywhere for VPL cardholders
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Over 70 self-paced language learning courses and dialects.

Access:
Everywhere for VPL cardholders
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Enhance your French and English language skills through a wide range of stimulating and entertaining content, focused on the rich cultural diversity of Canada, from CBC and Radio-Canada.

Access:
Everywhere for everyone
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The most comprehensive dictionary of the English language and the authority on the etymology of English words.

Access:
Everywhere for VPL cardholders
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Delivers full-page images of 5,000 newspapers and magazines from 100 countries before they appear on the newsstands.

 

Access:
Everywhere for VPL cardholders
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Offers interactive exercises, expert advice and practice tests for those preparing for either the Academic or General versions of the IELTS test.

Access:
Everywhere for VPL cardholders
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Enjoy an extensive selection of ebooks and audiobooks on your ereader, browser or download the Libby app for your smartphone or tablet. For more information see our help guide.

Access:
Everywhere for Vancouver residents

VPL Programs and Services

ESL Conversation Practice at VPL

VPL offers ESL Conversation Practice sessions both online via Zoom or in-person at our branches around the city. Learn what to expect at these sessions here.  

Self-guided ESL Tour 

Practice your English language skills and get to know Vancouver Public Library’s Central Library by taking our self-guided ESL Tour.

Books for ESL

For advanced ESL patrons, try out our book recommendation service, Books for ESL. This is one of VPL's What Do I Read Next? readers' advisory services. VPL librarians will help you to find enjoyable books to read that match your skill level and interests. Simply answer the questions on this form to get personalized reading recommendations.

For beginner or intermediate ESL patrons, choose your own books from our ESL booklists, created by VPL librarians. We also have ESL booklists for the advanced level.  

Run Your Own Book Club 

Practice your English by reading and discussing with others! Learn about how to run your own book club.

Indigenous Considerations for Newcomers to Canada

This is a newcomer-friendly class to Indigenous matters in Vancouver that will cover land acknowledgements, Truth and Reconciliation, common terminology, Indigenous art and architecture, and more. 

Canadian Workplace Classes

These classes will teach you about Canadian workplaces and how to improve your communication and job skills. 

Drop-In Resume Clinics

Attend one of our drop-in resume clinics for tips on writing a Canadian-style resume.

ESL Schools, Classes, and Services Offered by Other Organizations

Please see our ESL Classes and Services list for a convenient summary of programs offered around Vancouver, which are also linked below.  

ESL Schools

To find out about ESL Schools in Vancouver, visit Languages Canada, where you can search by city/province and program. Languages Canada is an agency that promotes quality, accredited English and French language training in Canada.

Our Skilled Immigrant InfoCentre has produced a guide to Higher Level ESL Programs in the Lower Mainland and Vancouver Island. This lists college and university-level English classes and classes for technical, health related and business English. Most of these schools will charge tuition.

The Private Training Institution Directory allows you to search for English classes in private schools around the province.

The BCFED Health & Safety Centre teaches English as an Additional Language course.

Vancouver School Board Adult Education offers High School level English Language classes, as well as other subjects. Visit their Newcomer Welcome Centre.

International House (IH) Vancouver offers ESL programs for general English and business English. 

LINC

The Language Instruction for Newcomers to Canada (LINC) program is a Canadian government service that provides free English classes to students 17 years or older who are permanent residents of Canada, newcomers approved for permanent residence, or Convention refugees. It is not open to Canadian citizens. 

For all LINC classes, students must be assessed first at:
Vancouver Language Assessment Centre (AKA Western ESL Services LINC Assessment & Referral Centre) 
#208 – 2525 Commercial Drive, Vancouver, BC
604-876-5756 

For a list of organizations that provide LINC classes, check these sources:

Vancouver LINC classes:

Other Public Libraries 

Other library systems in British Columbia may also provide ESL Conversation practice sessions.

Community ESL Classes and Services 

Neighbourhood Houses ESL Classes and Services 

Neighbourhood houses offering free or low cost ESL programs include:

Religious Organizations ESL Classes and Services 

These religious organizations offer free or low cost ESL programs:

English Language Tests

English language proficiency tests may be required for a variety of purposes, including immigrating to Canada, attaining professional certification, or being accepted into an educational program.

A Complete Guide to English Language Proficiency Tests summarizes the most commonly used English tests (not all are used widely in Canada). 

Only two ESL tests are accepted by IRCC for immigration purposes: the Canadian English Language Proficiency Index Program (CELPIP - General) and the International English Language Testing System (IELTS - General). Tests must be taken from a designated organization. Test results are then converted into Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) levels according to this equivalency chart. VPL's catalogue has physical and digital library items to help you prepare for the CELPIP and IELTS tests.

Canadian Language Benchmarks: A CLB is a description of a person’s ability in a specific language. See the following resources for information:

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The CAEL test measures the English language proficiency of students planning to study at Canadian universities and colleges.

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Information about the Canadian English Language Benchmark Assessment for Nurses (CELBAN).

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Canadian English Language Proficiency Index Program. This test is used for Canadian immigration purposes.

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This test is required by the British Columbia Institute of Technology (BCIT).

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International English Language Testing System. This test is used for Canadian immigration purposes. Also see https://ielts.org/  

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This test is used for admissions at Langara College. 

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This test is for physicians and is accepted by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia (in addition to CELPIP and IELTS tests).

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Explains different English language assessments used in Canada.

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TOEFL tests prepare students for university study and can be used as practice immigration exams (but cannot be used for official IRCC testing).

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This test assesses English communication skills for the workplace and everyday life.

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Offers interactive exercises, expert advice and practice tests for those preparing for either the Academic or General versions of the IELTS test.

Access:
Everywhere for VPL cardholders

Useful Websites

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Focuses on soft skills to support real world interactions, like conversations with your neighbours and co-workers. Every week, new video and audio content is available.

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Access free tools to improve your knowledge of English and French. Covers vocabulary (including field-specific terminology), grammar, writing resources, and quizzes.

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For English language instruction for newcomers to Canada (LINC) and British Columbia. Instructors will find lesson modules on legal topics.

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This incredible resource has useful information about ESL materials, settlement and library information for newcomers to British Columbia, and more. 

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This is an easy-to-read monthly English language newspaper for adults. The articles are labelled with Level 1, 2, or 3 book icons. The levels are comparable to Canadian Language Benchmarks (CLB) 2 to 6. Print copies are also available for you to take home at VPL branches in the ESL section. 

Program Spotlight

Learning English? VPL offers regular ESL conversation practice circles for people interested in improving their English.

Improve your English skills in a supportive environment, and learn about your community and Canadian culture while making new friends. These events are suitable for intermediate speakers.

Interested in learning more about the library’s ESL books and resources? Check out our guide to ESL and Literacy Resources!