These Library items and helpful Internet sites provide assistance to ESL and English language tutors and the adult learners. These Internet sites are not connected with the Oak Park Public Library. More assistance in finding adult literacy materials and services is available at the Service Desk on the Third Floor of the Main Library.

Easy to read books in English, including fiction and nonfiction, can be found in the special literacy section on the Third Floor of the Main Library. News for You, a weekly newspaper geared toward new readers is a popular new addition. This section is in the first set of tall shelves near the Silent Reading Room. Ask for directions at the Service Desk on the Third Floor.

The Third Floor of the Main Library also has books on becoming a citizen, TOEFL, GED, American government, grammar and spelling, improving vocabulary, health, basic math, employment, the drivers' license exam, etc. Books on citizenship are shelved at 323.6; on English and other languages in the 400s.

The Language subject guide (PDF file) suggests a number of materials, includind DVDs, CDs, books, and online reseources that can help with learning a new language. Unfortunately, Rosetta Stone, an online language program, is no longer being made available in public libraries.

Learning Express Library is a useful online learning tool available with an Oak Park Public Library card. (Available for everyone at any of the Oak Park Public Library locations.) It includes easy access to practice sections for Citizenship and TOEFL exams as well as adult learner skills improvement modules which address spelling, reading comprehension, math, and other skills in Spanish and in English.

For some relaxing and fun reading in one's native language, check out the foreign language book sections on the Second Floor and Third Floor of the Main Library. We have many books in Spanish, French, and German and a few in other languages. If you need help finding these just ask.

Audio materials, books with audio, and some language software are on the First Floor and Second Floor of the Main Library. English instruction CDs and tapes are available for self-instruction and practice; some are specialized, some cover children's topics.

Video materials on learning English are on the Second Floor of the Main Library and include VHS and DVD formats. Again, find these in the 428s on the Second Floor of the Main Library. There are also some geared more for children on the First Floor of the Main Library and many adult learners find these useful, too!

Movies can be helpful and enjoyable learning tools, too. We have over 600 motion pictures in foreign languages in VHS and DVD formats. Watch a movie in one language and read the subtitles in another to enhance learning. Search the Library Catalog with the keywords "foreign films" or look in the subject "motion pictures" by specific country (India for Hindi, Spain or Mexico for Spanish, France for French, China for Chinese, etc.)

Books on tutoring can be found in the 374s on the Third Floor of the Main Library. Some of the general books on the teaching of reading may also be helpful, and are shelved in the 372.2s.

By using the Library Catalog, you can gain a fuller understanding of the Library's relevant offerings for you and for your student. Using the subject browse search button, search for
"Readers for new literates" - books for students to read
"Reading (adult education)" - help books on tutoring and problem areas
"High interest-low vocabulary books" - for new readers
"Adult Education" - for ideas about teaching adult learners

Group Study Rooms at the Main Library are ideal for literacy tutoring and are well-utilized. For reservations and additional information call Adult and Teen Services at 708-452-3480.

Nonfiction Books
Reading the World of Work: a learner-centered approach to workplace literacy and ESL Melina Gallo, 2004, 374.012 GAL
Adult Education @ 21st Century by Peter Kell, 2003, 374 ADU
Adult Learners Welcome Here: a handbook for librarians and literacy teachers by Marguerite Crowley Weibel, 2004. 027.6 WEI
Becoming Adult Learners: principles and practices for effective development by Eleanor Drago-Severson, 2004, 374.012 DRA
Achieving Competency in English: A life skills approach by Planaria J. Price,2005, 428.24 PRI
Multiple Intelligences and Adult Literacy: a sourcebook for practitioners by Julie Viens, 2004,302.2244 VIE
The American Heritage Thesaurus for Learners of English by Joyce LeBaron,2002, 428.1 LEB

The Literacy Volunteers of Western Cook County offers Conversation Café, an opportunity for learners to practice English in discussion with other non-native speakers, on most Saturday mornings from 9:30 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. at their offices at 125 N. Marion, Suite 203 in downtown Oak Park. Coffee is provided! This is a very casual get-together, aimed at having fun and informally practicing the language. Literacy Volunteers of Western Cook County also offers tutor training and links tutors and students. For more information contact them at 708-848-8499 or visit their website.

Bilingual Storytimes are offered at the Library. For more information about these storytimes and to register call 708-452-3420.

And remember: one need not have an Oak Park Public Library card to check items out of the Library. The Oak Park Public Library allows reciprocal borrowing for nonresidents.

Internet Sites
There are many great Internet sites related to adult literacy -- a few are:

Literacy Information and Communication System lists an impressive collection of literacy-related links
Dave's ESL Cafe offers a gathering place for ESL teachers, and a
compendium of resources
Interesting Things for ESL/EFL Students links to ESL puzzles and games
Libraries English and Reading Network links to a number of very useful and entertaining resources
Internet TESL Journal is a journal for teachers of English as a second language, with lots of helpful ideas

ny-e 1/2008