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.
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 booklist or our Overdrive booklist for ebook and audiobook 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.
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:
- New to BC: English Language Services in Vancouver Search under English Language Services to find free LINC classes in the Lower Mainland as well as other places to learn English.
- Immigrant Services In Your Area Includes a map showing free LINC providers for each province.
- Find LINC classes in other cities
Vancouver LINC classes:
- Collège Éducacentre Classes for French-speaking immigrants.
- Collingwood Neighbourhood House
- Immigrant Services Society of BC (ISSBC)
- Little Mountain Neighbourhood House
- MOSAIC
- S.U.C.C.E.S.S.
- Vancouver Community College
- Vancouver Formosa Academy
Other Public Libraries
Other library systems in British Columbia may also provide ESL Conversation practice sessions.
Community ESL Classes and Services
- Canucks Family Education Centre (CFEC) is a family literacy program that aims to get parents and family members involved in children's learning and educational development and to improve their own English and literacy skills. Free and open to all, regardless of immigration status.
- Carnegie Learning Centre Offers one-to-one and small group learning.
- City of Vancouver Recreation Search for ESL and find classes for many levels at different places around the city.
- English Corner An informal conversational English class given as a free community service and provided on a voluntary basis by both people born and raised in Canada as well as many people who have, at one time in their lives, experienced life as a newcomer to Canada.
- Immigrant Services Society of BC (ISSBC) Business English, TOEFL, IELTS and CELPIP Preparation, Free English online assessment test, and ESL conversation circles.
- Marpole Oakridge Family Place Offers English conversation circles.
- Meetup.com ESL Groups Listings for ESL conversation circles and groups.
- MOSAIC IELTS and CLB testing, plus general English classes and English conversation circles, with paid classes available for those who cannot qualify for LINC.
- Pacific Immigrant Resources Society (PIRS) Free community English classes for women newcomers.
- Progressive Intercultural Community Services Society (PICS) Offers free English classes for Canadian citizens, permanent residents, work permit holders, and refugees with Court Notice of Decision aged 19+.
- Simon Fraser University Learn English for school, work, or travel.
- S.U.C.C.E.S.S. Filter by immigration status for language program eligibility.
- UBC Learning Exchange Free English language conversation groups in four levels from beginner to intermediate.
- Vancouver Community College ESL and English for careers certificate programs.
- YMCA English Conversation Clubs Build your English skills, meet new friends and learn more about life in Canada. Clubs meet in Burnaby and Vancouver.
Neighbourhood Houses ESL Classes and Services
Neighbourhood houses offering free or low cost ESL programs include:
- Alexandra Neighbourhood House
- Burnaby Neighbourhood House
- Collingwood Neighbourhood House
- Gordon Neighbourhood House
- Kiwassa Neighbourhood House
- Kitsilano Neighbourhood House
- Little Mountain Neighbourhood House.
- Mount Pleasant Neighbourhood House
- South Vancouver Neighbourhood House
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:
- SIIC Guide to CLB
- Centre for Canadian Language Benchmarks and their Guide
- Free online CLB self-assessment and free CLB Bootcamp self-guided course
- These CLB items in our catalogue
