MGPL supports diversity in our community with ESL and World Language resources.
Languages Collection
Learning English for the first time or new to the United States? Check out our Language Learning corner in the Nonfiction area for books, DVDs, audiobooks, and other helpful resources.
Want to read books in non-English languages? We have titles in Arabic, Chinese, Gujarati, Hindi, Korean, Polish, Russian, Spanish, and Urdu. If you’re looking for materials in a language we do not provide, we can help locate them for you within our consortium.
ESL Events, Services, and Resources
ESL Games & Gab is a monthly event where you can practice your English conversation skills while playing games. View our online calendar to see upcoming events.
Adult ESL Activity Kits are available at the Info Desk on the first of each month (while supplies last). Each kit may contain vocabulary puzzles, idioms, suggested activities, or a short reading exercise, along with the monthly issue of Easy English News newspaper. Suitable for all skill levels.
Our online resources are great learning tools to help with tests preparation, language learning, and more. The following are available with your library card.
Adult Learning Center (Brainfuse) - Includes practice tests for the U.S. Citizenship Test.
Learning Express - Easy-to-use online test preparation that includes U.S. Citizenship tutorials, test practice and review questions for the Civics test portion of the naturalization interview.
Mango Languages - Self-paced language lessons in over 70 languages, including English (for ESL). App available.
PressReader - Over 7,000 magazines and newspapers from around the world in 64 languages. Also has audio option that will narrate in the printed language. App available.
Looking for ESL and Citizenship classes? Oakton College offers both. For more information, class schedules or to register, go to Oakton College.
Citizenship Resources
Taking the U.S. citizenship test? Our Language Learning corner in the Nonfiction area has helpful books, practice tests, and study guides. Other free online resources:
- U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services
- Illinois Coalition for Immigrant And Refugee Rights (ICIRR)
- Immi - Free and simple information for immigrants
- Immigration Legal Resource Center (ILRC)
- National Immigration Justice Center (NIJC)
- Immigration Advocates Network (IAN)
- Preparing for the Oath - online study guide for the civics portion of the U.S. Naturalization Test
- Civics Practice Test (YouTube video series)