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Newcomers

Vaughan Public Libraries is dedicated to supporting our growing community. Our libraries provide access to materials that reflect the residents of Vaughan. Below is a collection of information and resources that may be helpful to newcomers.

English as a Second Language (ESL) Collection

Our libraries carry a large selection of materials to help you learn the English language. These materials include books, audiobooks, DVDs, and multimedia kits.


Explore our ESL Collection


World Languages Collection

Do you need help?

If you require assistance, you may contact us using a method you prefer.


Ask Us!


Brainfuse HelpNow provides resources for students from kindergarten to grade 12, including access to live tutors, live French and Spanish language help, an online writing lab, LEAP learning platform and more! An Adult Learning Centre is also available. Get help with High School Equivalency preparation, the Canadian Citizenship Exam, Microsoft Office, Career Resources and more! Available Online

Le service Brainfuse HelpNow offre des ressources pour les élèves du préscolaire à la 12e année. Cela inclut du tutorat en direct disponible en français, un service d’aide à la rédaction et bien plus! Un centre de formation pour adulte est aussi disponible. Recevez de l’aide en français ou en anglais pour la préparation à l'équivalence du diplôme d'études secondaires et au test de citoyenneté canadienne. Des ressources professionnelles comme la rédaction de C.V. et l’apprentissage de Microsoft Office sont aussi offertes. Disponible en ligne


Instant access to 4000 newspapers from 100 countries in 60 languages! The newspapers appear in their original format and original languages. Newspapers are often available before they hit the newsstands in their respective countries. PressReader features archived issues up to two weeks, a magnifying lens / zoom option, bookmarks, and full-text search. Newspapers are organized by country, by language, and alphabetically. Note: The Globe and Mail is only accessible from using PressReader mobile app in the library using library WiFi. Mobile users can install the PressReader app, visit the library, connect to library WiFi, and download The Globe and Mail to the app, and then they can read the newspaper at home or on the go.
Available Online

Welcome to Transparent Language Online, radically better language learning in one complete experience. Available Online
Bienvenue chez Transparent Language Online, le meilleur endroit pour apprendre une nouvelle langue. Disponible en ligne


Chat & Learn in Korean: 한국어로 자유롭게 대화하며 배우기

This session will provide information in Korean about services and resources in our community for the Korean community. Offered in Partnership with the Hong Fook Mental Health Association. Register on Eventbrite.


가족과 친구, 그리고 다양한 인간관계를 더 의미있게 유지하게 하는 대화에 대해서 배우고 즐거운 토론 시간을 가져봅니다.



August 23, 2024 10:30 AM to 12:00 PM

Chinese Social Hour / 中文社交活动

Chat in Chinese about books, current events, and life in Canada. Call or visit the Service Desk for more details.

中文社交活动: 用中文聊天, 谈论书籍, 国家时事, 以及在加拿大的生活

August 13, 2024 10:30 AM to 11:30 AM
September 10, 2024 10:30 AM to 11:30 AM
October 8, 2024 10:30 AM to 11:30 AM

Community Resources and Services for Newcomers

Information sessions brought to you in collaboration with Catholic Community Services of York Region and Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada. Please pre-register at lsp@ccsyr.org

Housing for Newcomers
July 18, 2024 6:30 PM to 7:30 PM
1. Hearing Session(关注健康听力讲座)
Detail: How Does the Ear Work & What Causes Hearing Loss ? 耳朵的工作原理及导致听力损失的原因
Tips on how to protect your ears. Styles/Types of Hearing Aids, & How to Buy a Hearing Aid. 如何爱耳护耳. 助听器的款式/类型及如何购买助听器
Date time: September 24th, 10:30 am -12 pm

2. Free Hearing Clinic by the Hearing Care Counsellor (免费听力诊所)
Detail: Book Your Free Senior Hearing Test at the Library! Spots are limited, booking will close once capacity is reached. (预约您在图书馆的长者免费听力测试!名额有限,报满自动截止。)
Date time: October 22, 10:30 am - 3:30 pm
September 24, 2024 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM
October 22, 2024 10:30 AM to 3:30 PM
July 22, 2024 7:00 PM to 8:00 PM
September 9, 2024 7:00 PM to 8:00 PM
October 7, 2024 7:00 PM to 8:00 PM

Cross-Cultural Cooking for Newcomers

Explore the world through food and make a new recipe together every month! Families welcome. In partnership with TCCSA. Registration is through TCCSA.

August 7, 2024 6:15 PM to 7:45 PM
September 4, 2024 6:15 PM to 7:45 PM

ESL Café

Newcomers and ESL learners can meet to practice their English in an informal environment with adult volunteers. In partnership with CCSYR through Library Settlement Partnerships (LSP) in York Region. For registration and information, please contact cel@ccsyr.org or 289-317-3745.

July 23, 2024 7:00 PM to 8:30 PM
August 6, 2024 7:00 PM to 8:30 PM
August 20, 2024 7:00 PM to 8:30 PM
September 3, 2024 to October 29, 2024
Tuesdays 7:00 PM to 8:30 PM

Newcomer Tenant Education Program

Learn about landlord and tenant law with easy-to-follow materials from a legal professional. Come have your questions answered!

Hybrid program
July 10, 2024 6:30 PM to 8:00 PM
August 3, 2024 1:00 PM to 2:30 PM
August 10, 2024 1:00 PM to 2:30 PM
Presented by the Community Legal Clinic of York Region’s Housing Team (Eviction Protection Program).
July 20, 2024 1:00 PM to 2:30 PM
August 17, 2024 1:00 PM to 2:30 PM

Virtual ESL Book Club

Good news for ESL learners! We offer fun and lively book discussions to build your confidence in speaking English. In partnership with CCSYR through Library Settlement Partnerships (LSP) in York Region. Sessions are hosted live on Zoom. For registration and information, please contact LSP@ccsyr.org.

July 11, 2024 7:00 PM to 8:00 PM
August 8, 2024 7:00 PM to 8:00 PM
September 12, 2024 7:00 PM to 8:00 PM
October 10, 2024 7:00 PM to 8:00 PM

Virtual ESL Café

Newcomers and ESL learners can practice their English in an informal environment with adult volunteers. Sessions are hosted live on Zoom. In partnership with CCSYR through Library Settlement Partnerships (LSP) in York Region. For registration and information, please contact LSP@ccsyr.org.

July 16, 2024 1:30 PM to 3:00 PM
August 6, 2024 1:30 PM to 3:00 PM
September 3, 2024 1:30 PM to 3:00 PM
September 17, 2024 1:30 PM to 3:00 PM
October 1, 2024 1:30 PM to 3:00 PM

Borrow a Community Navigator

If you're new to Canada, we can help.

Through the Library Settlement Partnership of York Region (LSPYR), we have partnered with CCSYR to provide Community Navigator services. A Community Navigator is part of a diverse team of people who can speak various languages. They can help you settle into your new environment.

Here is what Community Navigators can help with:

  • Referrals: They can guide you to community resources and services for finding work, a place to live, or registering for school.
  • Government Programs: They can provide information about government programs and applications, such as Child Tax Benefits, OHIP (Ontario Health Insurance Plan), and immigration applications.
  • Digital Skills Coaching: They can help with computers, smart phones, apps or software.
  • Community Events: They can give you information about upcoming events in your community.

To borrow a Community Navigator, visit the CCSYR website using the button below and fill out the web form.


CCSYR Sign Up Form


In partnership with Catholic Community Services of York Region (CCSYR)

CCSYR