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Newcomers & immigrants community hub

Welcome to the neighbourhood! City Library is here to help you find the resources and information you need to transition to Canada. Librarians can assist with finding multilingual books and ebooks, connect you with settlement resources or join a conversation circle to practice conversational English.

BC libraries described in 29 languages

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English Language Learning (ELL) & test prep

Library events for newcomers & immigrants

Discover Canada book

A photo of a row of library books

Multilingual collections

The library has a growing collection of multilingual titles, reflective of the most-spoken languages on the North Shore. Browse our multilingual collections.

Listen and read online

Get online test prep help for the IELTS exam, including practice exams, advice, hints and tips 

Listen to native speakers while learning a new language with Mango Languages

Resources for immigrants & newcomers

Library programs for immigrants and newcomers

NVCL offers many programs for immigrants and newcomers. You can practise English conversation in friendly small groups with an experienced facilitator. You can also learn about specific topics like Canadian cooking, or get employment mentoring or skills development. We can also help you prepare for the Canadian Citizenship test.  Check the calendar for upcoming dates.

ELL & ESL books

The library's catalogue includes a vast selection of English language learning (ELL) and English as a second language (ESL) resources. The ELL collection is on the third floor. Browse the catalogue.

NewToBC

NewToBC is a library settlement initiative that connects immigrants, newcomers and refugees with essential settlement information, public libraries and other service providers. Visit the NewToBC website.

NSIIP

The North Shore Immigrant Inclusion Partnership (NSIIP) is a coalition of community agencies and institutions focused on improving the settlement outcomes of new immigrants. Visit the NSIIP website.

Impact North Shore

Impact North Shore is a for-purpose, social impact organization creating opportunities for success for im/migrants and newcomers. Visit the INS website.

ISSofBC

ISSofBC provides free services to newcomers, including refugees, to welcome and support them settle in communities, learn English and find work in British Columbia. Visit the ISSofBC website.

Programs and events for immigrants and newcomers

Immigrants and newcomers

English corner (virtual) — May 2025

Friday, May 2, 2025, 1:00 pm to 2:30 pm

Go to event

Immigrants and newcomers

Beginner English Corner (in-person)

Friday, May 2, 2025, 3:30 pm to 4:30 pm

Go to event

Immigrants and newcomers

English conversation circles for the workplace

Monday, May 5, 2025, 1:00 pm to 2:30 pm

Go to event

Immigrants and newcomers

English conversation circles for community connections

Monday, May 5, 2025, 1:00 pm to 2:30 pm

Go to event

Immigrants and newcomers

Immigrant seniors learning circle (beginner/basic level)

Tuesday, May 6, 2025, 1:00 pm to 2:30 pm

Go to event

Immigrants and newcomers

English Corner (in-person)

Tuesday, May 6, 2025, 7:00 pm to 8:30 pm

Go to event

Immigrants and newcomers

English conversation circles for community connections

Wednesday, May 7, 2025, 1:00 pm to 2:30 pm

Go to event

Immigrants and newcomers

English conversation circles for the workplace

Wednesday, May 7, 2025, 1:00 pm to 2:30 pm

Go to event

Immigrants and newcomers

English corner (virtual) — May 2025

Friday, May 9, 2025, 1:00 pm to 2:30 pm

Go to event

Immigrants and newcomers

Beginner English Corner (in-person)

Friday, May 9, 2025, 3:30 pm to 4:30 pm

Go to event

Back to all events

Read, watch, listen

Specially curated selections from our librarians

Regularly updated lists of books, magazines and movies organized by theme. These include physical items you can borrow from the library and digital items you can enjoy on your devices at home or on the go. Click on a book to learn more or choose your preferred format.

Books for new immigrants
The Three Musketeers
The Three Musketeers
Book
The Great Gatsby
The Great Gatsby
Book
Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde
Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde
Book
The Swimmer
The Swimmer
Book
Darkness Rising
Darkness Rising
Book
The Black Mountain
The Black Mountain
Book
White Fang
White Fang
Book
The B-Team
The B-Team
The Case of the Angry First Wife
Book
SilverFin
SilverFin
Book
Sundiata, the Lion King, and Other Royal Tales
Sundiata, the Lion King, and Other Royal Tales
Book
Sofia Khan and the Baby Blues
Sofia Khan and the Baby Blues
Book
Slumdog Millionaire
Slumdog Millionaire
Book
Tiny House, Big Fix
Tiny House, Big Fix
Book
No Return Address
No Return Address
Book
Amazing Entrepreneurs and Business People
Amazing Entrepreneurs and Business People
Book
Dalai Lama
Dalai Lama
Book
Muhammad Ali
Muhammad Ali
Book
Mary, Queen of Scots
Mary, Queen of Scots
Book
The Love of A King
The Love of A King
Book
Cleopatra
Cleopatra
Book
Helen Keller
Helen Keller
Book
Going Solo
Going Solo
Book
Women Who Changed the World
Women Who Changed the World
Book
Stephen Hawking
Stephen Hawking
Book
Climate Change
Climate Change
Book

If you have a question, ask us or call 604-998-3450


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