This term the College of Dupage has changed the textbook series they use for the Adult ESL program. They are now using the Cambridge University Press series called Ventures. It includes the following levels: Basic, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5. These book levels correspond to the COD class levels from 0/1 to 6.

I just spoke with the representative from Cambridge University Press. She said that students can access the materials for Ventures at the Student Arcade. This includes the audio.

For libraries that still want to purchase print copies for students, she recommends buying the value pack for each level, which should include the student book with CD and the workbook. For the basic level, there is an extra “literacy” workbook which you might want, too.

If there are any libraries in the Chicago area which have the database Mango Languages, please let me know. I am making a list for School on Wheels.

Calvary Lutheran Church, located at 107 N. Wood Dale Road in Wood Dale, is beginning a Conversational English Group in January.  Individuals with a basic understanding of English are invited to come practice and improve their speaking skills.  There is a one-time registration fee of $10, which will cover the cost of materials.

The group will meet every Wednesday morning from 9:30 until 11:00 am, beginning on January 12 and continuing through May 25.  Childcare may be available if needed.  For more information, or to register for the group, please contact the Church Secretary at (630) 766-2838.

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services’ Office of Citizenship has partnered with the National Institute for Literacy to expand America’s Literacy Directory to include listings of local citizenship classes. America’s Literacy Directory, http://www.literacydirectory.org/, is a free website that lists adult literacy class offerings (searchable by zip code) in communities nationwide.

If your organization offers adult citizenship, English as a second language, EL-Civics classes, or other adult education services, please add your program’s information to the America’s Literacy Directory.

The process is simple. You can input your organization’s information directly into the America’s Literacy Directory website through: http://literacydirectory.org/admin. The attached instructions will guide you through this process. You may also call 1-877-810-1826 if you have questions or need technical assistance.

Please input your information by September 30, 2010. Also, please continue to update your program information on a regular basis to ensure users have access to accurate information on classes in their community.

Thank you for your assistance with this important effort to help immigrants find opportunities to prepare for naturalization and citizenship. Please feel free to share this information with your colleagues.

Sincerely,

USCIS Office of Citizenship

Barbara Drai of the Helen Plum Library attended the Outreach Librarians NE Illinois meeting which was held on Friday, August 6, 2010 at
Elmhurst Public Library. She has kindly shared her notes from the meeting.

Emmett Lombard will be one of the guest speaker’s at the next LEARN meeting on Wednesday, Oct. 6, from 1-4 p.m. at Berwyn Public Library.
Emmett Lombard is a Librarian, Webmaster, and English Instructor at Gannon University. He describes his book, Pursuing Information Literacy: Roles and Relationships,  in a youtube video.

Reading his book in advance will help us be ready to participate in our dialogue with him about Information Literacy, public librarianship, and serving the ESL patron.

Thanks,

Esther Chase
Berwyn Library