Learning English
Welcome!
We hope you will enjoy reading this page. Do come back often as we will let you know which books are new in our Learning English collection and which databases may be of use to you.
One way of being involved in the library is to pass your feedback on to us. You can also fill in a yellow card at the library (ask a librarian for one if you do not see one) and suggest a book, CD or DVD that you think would be good to have in our collection. (Or, if you prefer, you can also suggest a book online.)
Social English sessions
Improve your social English. Come to our free sessions at Kilbirnie Library. Chat and improve your English conversation skills with other learners. It's informal and fun! Everyone is welcome every Monday morning from 11am — 12 noon.
At Newtown library we are looking at offering "ESOL storytime" once a week. A librarian will read a story which we will then discuss. This will improve your listening, speaking and comprehension skills. Please let us know if you think this might be a good idea!
New Adult Learning Books!
If you're seeing this message for an extended period, javascript is not enabled in your browser. Head over to the libraries' News Blog to view our latest learning english posts.
Our Radio Show -- News Ad Lib
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Searching the catalogue
Catalogue Quicksearch
Search tips:
Finding books in Easyfind
To find Adult Learning books in our Easyfind catalogue, click on Advanced Search and under 'Call number', type in 'Adult Learning'. Once you've done this, you can then limit your search by typing in the subject area what you are looking for, e.g. vocabulary.
If you need a librarian to show you how to do a search, we are here to help!
What can I do if the book I want is out?
Adult Learning material is very popular and often what you want will already be on loan. You can reserve it using the catalogue. A small charge may apply.
About the collection
Where:
Adult Learning Collections can be found at the Central Library, Johnsonville, Karori, Kilbirnie, Miramar and Newtown branches.
In the Central Library, the Adult Learning collection is located on the ground floor next to the escalators (northside).
What:
The Adult Learning Collections have books, cassettes, CDs and CD-ROMs. The collection is divided into three levels of ability. Each level is colour coded - yellow for beginners, blue for intermediate and purple for advanced.
Some of the subjects covered include:
- Grammar, vocabulary, spelling, mathematics, reading and writing
- Pronunciation, speaking, listening and communicating in English
- Studying for English examinations such as IELTS and TOEFL
- Day to day life in New Zealand - for example, using the telephone.
The collection also contains books or books and CD/cassette sets for leisure reading. These books are available both in fiction and non-fiction from beginner to advanced levels.
How long can I take items out for?
Adult Learning books are issued for three weeks and kits are issued for four weeks. All Adult Learning materials is issued free of charge.
Useful websites
General sites:
- Immigration New Zealand Settlement Services
- Multicultural Services Centre
Information about all the multiculural services available at 39 Webb Street, Wellington. - Migrant Community Library Guide
Our Migrant Community Library Guide has library information translated into different languages. - English Language Schools in New Zealand
This site has information for international students who would like to study or learn English in New Zealand at a language school. - The Tertiary Education Commission (TEC)
The Tertiary Education Commission funds a range of programmes for people who are new to New Zealand and need assistance to develop their English language skills. - IELTS (International English Language Testing System)
The IELTS is designed to assess the language ability of students who need to study or work where English is the principal language of communication.
Sites for learning English:
Library Tours
We can arrange tours of the Central Library and Adult Learning collection for tutors with groups of adult literacy or ESOL students. Please contact Ada Nally on 389 2824 or email Ada.Nally@wcc.govt.nz to book or for more information.
Contact us
If you have any feedback about this page or would like to suggest a resource, we'd love to hear from you! You can use the contact details above to get in touch.
