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English as a Second Language (ESL)

Are you learning English? Do you know someone who wants to understand, speak, read and write English better? The library can help!

Materials for learning English as a Second Language (ESL) are in the Adult Literacy collection. This collection aims to assist adults achieve their education and/or communication goals.

If you want books written in a language other than English, see the World Languages subject guide.

Databases: Mango Languages & Rosetta Stone®

Databases for learning English include:

• Mango Languages is an online language-learning system teaching actual conversation skills for a wide variety of languages. (iPhone and iPad users please note that the AlexanderStreet, Mango and Tumblebooks databases require Adobe Flash player.) 
• Rosetta Stone®, an interactive language learning program, is available for Library use only on designated computers.
  • Rosetta Stone Version 1: English (US) Level 1, 2 & 3
  • Rosetta Stone Version 3: English (US) Level 1, 2 & 3
  • Rosetta Stone Version 3: Spanish (Latin America) Level 1, 2 & 3

Books & Recordings

The TCPL Adult Literacy and ESL collection has English dictionaries, picture dictionaries, books on using the English language, current and classic fiction in simplified form, and other books written for adults. We also have audio book sets that contain CDs and/or cassettes with matching books for English language practice.

Click here for a list of some of the new books and audio book sets for learning English as a Second Language (ESL) at TCPL!

Searching the Catalog

The Polaris online catalog lets you find books, recordings and other materials at the library. When you search by keyword, you can find the newest materials when you use the "Sort by" menu. Click on the arrow and select "Publication date."

If you search by subject, try these subject headings:

• English language--Conversation and phrase books
• English language--Study and teaching--Foreign speakers
• English language--Textbooks for Foreign speakers
• High interest--Low vocabulary books
• Readers (Adult)
• Readers for new literates

Try these series of books:

• Cambridge English Readers
• Penguin Readers
• True Stories

The library's reference staff can show you how to search the catalog and find materials. Ask us at the Reference Desk or contact us .

Local Resources

• Cornell Campus Club English as a Second Language - The Cornell Campus Club ESL Group's provides information about classes for the Cornell community, links to their newsletter, Ithaca Chatter, ESL practice sites and other local information.
• ESL at Northeast Elementary School - This elementary school in the Ithaca City School District helps newcomers adjust to life in their new country. Although some of the information is specific to this particular school, most will be useful for anyone in the district.
• Family Reading Partnership - " ...a coalition of organizations, individuals, schools, libraries and businesses that is working to create a "culture of literacy" by promoting family reading practices in the community and beyond."
• Information and Referral, Human Services Coalition of Tompkins County - " Information and Referral (I&R) maintains the most comprehensive database of services and organizations in Tompkins County."
• Tompkins Learning Partners, Inc. (formerly Literacy Volunteers of America) - "Since 1976, Tompkins Learning Partners has been providing tutoring services, free of charge, to local residents who need help reading, writing, or speaking English. These services are provided through the many dedicated volunteer tutors who give their time to make a difference in student's lives...."
  Contact TLP
• TST BOCES (Tompkins Seneca Tioga) has ESL classes for adults.

Internet Resources

General Information

• Connect with English
  "This video instructional series in English as a second language for college and high school classrooms and adult learners; 50 fifteen-minute video programs and coordinated books." From Learner.org, funded by the Annenberg Foundation and produced by WGBH Boston. It's free, but you must sign up at: http://learner.org/vod/form.html.
• Information for New Americans
• Live Mocha - Free, online language learning website advertises social networking wtih native speakers around the world to help you learn faster and more naturally. You will need to register for an account. Lessons are available in many languages (including English).
  
• Medline Plus Easy to Read Health Topics - Listen and learn from tutorials and articles from the U.S. National Library of Medicine.
• Tompkins Learning Partners, Inc - Links - TLP's index of favorite websites recommended by staff, students and tutors.
• U.S. Citizenship & Immigration Services - Official U.S. government website.
• Voice of America "Special English" - Read and listen to selected reports in American English read at slower speed.

English Language Practice

• Adult Learning Activities, California Distance Learning Project - Build reading and life skills online.
• Interesting Things for ESL Students - "A fun site for learners of English as a Second Language."
• The Internet Picture Dictionary - Dictionary pairs pictures and words from 5 languages: English, French, German, Italian and Spanish.
• The Tower of English - Internet Guide to about 300 websites for English practice.

This project was made possible by a grant from the Triad Foundation.