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

Quick links

English Language Learning (ELL) & test prep

Library events for newcomers & immigrants

Discover Canada book

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 (in-person) — February 2026

Tuesday, February 24, 2026, 7:00 pm to 8:30 pm

Go to event

Immigrants and newcomers

Canadian culture and language training: Basic

Wednesday, February 25, 2026, 12:00 pm to 2:00 pm

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Immigrants and newcomers

Workplace culture and language training: Intermediate

Thursday, February 26, 2026, 12:45 pm to 2:45 pm

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Immigrants and newcomers

English Corner (virtual) — February 2026

Friday, February 27, 2026, 1:00 pm to 2:30 pm

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Immigrants and newcomers

Beginner English Corner (in-person) — February 2026

Friday, February 27, 2026, 3:30 pm to 4:30 pm

Go to event

Immigrants and newcomers

Canadian culture and language training: Basic

Monday, March 2, 2026, 12:00 pm to 2:00 pm

Go to event

Immigrants and newcomers

Immigrant seniors learning circle (beginner/basic level)

Tuesday, March 3, 2026, 1:00 pm to 2:30 pm

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Immigrants and newcomers

English Corner (in-person) — March 2026

Tuesday, March 3, 2026, 7:00 pm to 8:30 pm

Go to event

Immigrants and newcomers

English Corner (virtual) — March 2026

Friday, March 6, 2026, 1:00 pm to 2:30 pm

Go to event

Immigrants and newcomers

Beginner English Corner (in-person) — March 2026

Friday, March 6, 2026, 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 ELL adult fiction ELL adult non-fiction

Newcomers & immigrants community hub

Quick links

Multilingual collections

Listen and read online

Resources for immigrants & newcomers

Library programs for immigrants and newcomers

ELL & ESL books

NewToBC

NSIIP

Impact North Shore

ISSofBC

Programs and events for immigrants and newcomers

Read, watch, listen

Discover Canada The Rights and Responsibilities of Citizenship : Study Guide

365 Tips for Newcomers Your First Year in Canada

So You Want to Move to Canada, Eh? Stuff to Know Before You Go

We Were Dreamers An Immigrant Superhero Origin Story

You're Hired-- Now What? An Immigrant's Guide to Success in the Canadian Workplace

Chop Suey Nation The Legion Cafe and Other Stories From Canada's Chinese Restaurants

The 2-hour Job Search Using Technology to Get the Right Job Faster

Learn to Drive Smart Your Guide to Driving Safely

Dynamic Cover Letters How to Write the Letter That Gets You the Job

Knock 'em Dead Cover Letters Cover Letter Samples and Strategies You Need to Get the Job You Want

The B-Team The Case of the Angry First Wife

City Library Newsletter

Discover Canada
The Rights and Responsibilities of Citizenship : Study Guide

365 Tips for Newcomers
Your First Year in Canada

So You Want to Move to Canada, Eh?
Stuff to Know Before You Go

We Were Dreamers
An Immigrant Superhero Origin Story

You're Hired-- Now What?
An Immigrant's Guide to Success in the Canadian Workplace

Chop Suey Nation
The Legion Cafe and Other Stories From Canada's Chinese Restaurants

The 2-hour Job Search
Using Technology to Get the Right Job Faster

Learn to Drive Smart
Your Guide to Driving Safely

Dynamic Cover Letters
How to Write the Letter That Gets You the Job

Knock 'em Dead Cover Letters
Cover Letter Samples and Strategies You Need to Get the Job You Want

The B-Team
The Case of the Angry First Wife