Settlement Services
Newcomers to Canada now have the opportunity to meet with settlement workers from local immigrant serving agencies at select library locations for a variety of services including:
- Needs assessment and supportive counselling
- Orientation to Calgary living
- Community referrals and information on many topics including:
- English language learning
- Employment and careers
- Canadian law
- Finances and banking
- Recreation
- Housing
- Education
- Child care
- Health services
- Transportation
And many more!
Settlement workers are available at Village Square Library:
Wednesdays 4:30 – 8:30 pm
Saturdays 12:30 – 4:30 pm
Funding for Settlement Services has graciously been provided by Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC).
Improve your Language at the Library
Calgary Public Library offers a variety of programs to help newcomers improve their English language skills. ESL programs and services are available for English language learners of all skill levels and age groups.
ESL Coffee and Conversation
Come to the library to meet new people, share stories and practice your English conversation skills!
People of all ages and backgrounds are welcome to participate in this drop-in program. The program provides a relaxed environment for English learners of all skill levels to converse with each other and with the facilitator whilst sipping on a cup of coffee. The ultimate goal of the program is to help newcomers practice and improve their conversational English skills.
This is strictly a drop-in program, so no registration is required.
ESL Coffee and Conversation is now offered at 7 branch locations around Calgary! Please refer to the Adult Program Guide for information about times, dates and branch locations.
ESL Conversation Club (Intermediate Level)
Register in this 8-week program to further improve your English language abilities!
This program is designed primarily for learners of English with intermediate conversational skills. Participants may enhance their conversation skills by engaging in lively discussions about an array of interesting topics. To assist participants in their learning process, the program facilitator will introduce them to a wide selection of library materials and resources. This program has been developed with the understanding that learning English is a fundamental step towards successful integration into Canadian society. Click on Programs and Classes from the Calgary Public Website to register.
ESL Library Tours
Are you new to the library? Come in for a library tour!
Library Tours for newcomers to Canada and ESL learners are now offered at all library locations. Tours are designed to introduce learners to the rich selection of library materials, programs and services. These tours provide information support to newcomers in Calgary, and this information can help newcomers to better integrate and settle into Canadian Society.
To book a tour, visit your local library branch or call 403-260-2600. For tours at the Central Library location, visit the 5th floor (Diversity Services) or call 403-260-2774.
ESL Tea and Talk
Come into the library to practice your English conversation skills over a cup of tea!
This is a drop-in program that is offered on selected Tuesday evenings for people of all ages. A library staff member facilitates discussion, and topics vary week-to-week. This program is an excellent opportunity for newcomers who speak English as a second language to use their newly acquired skills in their daily communication activities.
No registration is required. Please refer to the Adult Program Guide for information about times, dates and branch locations.
ESL Teen Talk
ESL Teen Talk is a program meant specifically for newcomer teens who would like to practice their English language skills while enjoying fun activities in a safe and friendly environment. This program both encourages dialogue and strengthens English language skills.
This program is geared toward teens between the ages of 10-14.
To register for this program, please call 403-260-2620 or register by clicking on Programs and Classes from the Calgary Public Website to register.
Language Learning Lab
The Language Learning Lab is located on the 5th floor of the Central Library. The Lab provides audio equipment and language learning materials that are designed to improve various English language skills, such as pronunciation, vocabulary, listening and speaking. Customers also have the opportunity to learn new languages.
Mango Languages
Mango Languages offers a fast, easy, and effective way to learn a foreign language, including English. All Calgary Public Library cardholders are able to access Mango Languages online free-of-charge by clicking here!
Useful Links
This website provides useful information for settling in Alberta.
The Calgary Board of Education welcomes students and families who come from many countries and cultural and linguistic backgrounds.
This site provides practice tests to prepare for the Canadian citizenship test.
This site provides useful information for Citizenship and Immigration
This site provides you with useful information about the City.
This site helps prepare for various tests which assess the language ability of candidates who need to study or work where English is used as the language of communication.
PressDisplay.com offers World language newspapers of current issues in the original form from all over the world