Audience

Resources for Newcomers, Immigrants and Refugees

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Physical Resources

• World Language Print Books: The library carries collections of books for adults, teens, and children in many languages, including Arabic, Chinese, French, Korean, German, Punjabi, Russian, Spanish, Ukrainian, Hindi, Italian, Portuguese, Japanese, Farsi and Vietnamese. Check your local library branch for availability.

• World Language DVDs: The library carries collections of DVDs for adults, teens, and children in many languages, including Arabic, Chinese, French, Korean, German, Punjabi, Russian, Spanish, Ukrainian, and Vietnamese. Check your local library branch for availability.

• Adult Literacy Collection: The library’s adult literacy collection contains interesting and informative books in English written at levels intended for readers learning English. Books included adapted classics such as Jane Austen as well as new favourites like the mysteries of Louise Penny. Browse this collection in the online library catalogue here.

Electronic Resources

Children & Teen Learning

• PebbleGo: A digital information and research tool for K-3 students. Two modules are available: Animals (includes Dinosaurs) and Science. Each module features articles, activities, games, maps, videos and engaging read-aloud audio.
• TumbleBook Library: An online collection of animated picture books, audiobooks, graphic novels, children’s classics, early reader chapter books, and National Geographic videos. A great resource to teach kids the joy of reading in a format they’ll love!

Language Learning

• Road to IELTS: General Edition: the official, online IELTS (International English Language Testing System) preparation and practice database prepared by the British Council, for people learning English who need to pass the exam for educational, immigration, and occupational purposes.
• Mango Languages: A language learning database designed to equip you with conversational abilities. Mango immerses you in real, everyday conversations in 45 different language courses.

Film & Television

• Kanopy: A video streaming platform for libraries with one of the largest and most unique collections in the world. It features more than 26,000 movies, documentaries, and indie and foreign films from hundreds of producers, including The Criterion Collection, The Great Courses, Kino Lorber, PBS and thousands of independent filmmakers. Browse by subjects to explore and expand your interests.

Ebooks & Audiobooks

• OverDrive: VIRL’s most popular eBook and eAudiobook platform. It also includes current and back issues of popular magazines. All you need to get started is your library card and an internet connection. Download the Libby App for a simple and easy experience downloading eBooks and eAudiobooks for free.
• OverDrive for Kids: OverDrive is our most popular eBook and eAudiobook platform and we’ve a space just for kids! All you need to get started is your library card and an internet connection.
• OverDrive for Teens: OverDrive is our most popular eBook and eAudiobook platform and we’ve a space just for teens!

Electronic Newspapers 

• Canadian Newsstream: Full text access to over 500 BC and Canadian newspapers. Titles include the Vancouver Sun, The Province, Times Colonist, Globe and Mail, National Post, Toronto Star, Calgary Herald, Montreal Gazette, Ottawa Citizen, and Winnipeg Free Press. Content for some titles starts from the 1970s. Canadian Newsstream is updated daily.
• PressReader: The world’s largest online newspaper and magazine kiosk, where you can browse and read hundreds of full-content premium newspapers and magazines from around the globe. Access is for 30 days after library sign-in. You will need to follow the steps to sign in as a library member after that 30 day period, to re-start another 30 days of access.

Housing

• BC Charms connects refugee claimants to suitable housing opportunities in the province

Employment Help

• LinkedIn Learning: An online learning platform featuring video courses and tutorials. LinkedIn Learning offers courses with a focus on skills for business, creative industries, education, information technology, software, and web development.
• WorkBC: WorkBC is your direct access to the world of work in British Columbia. WorkBC connects job seekers and employers – helping people find jobs and explore career options and improve their skills. Help is available in person at WorkBC centres and online.
• Skilled Immigrant Info Centre: The Skilled Immigrant InfoCentre is an online and in-person resource centre that helps newcomers find the information they need to get a job, explore careers or start a business. In-person services are in Vancouver.

Legal Information

• Clicklaw: Provides legal information, education and help for British Columbians.

Music

• Freegal: Freegal Music offers access to over 15 million songs, including Sony Music’s catalog. In total the collection is comprised of music from over 40,000+ labels with music that originates in over 100 countries. Download up to 5 songs each week – yours to keep for your personal use.
• Naxos Music Library: The world’s largest online classical music library.
• Naxos Music Library – Jazz: From jazz legends to contemporary jazz. Listen online to an entire album or search for your favourite song or performer.
• Naxos Music Library – World: Stream a wide range of world music, from legendary historical musical performances to contemporary world music. Almost 10,000 albums available, representing over 32,000 artists, 1500 cultural groups and 150 countries.

In-Person Resources for General Services for Newcomers

• Central Vancouver Island Multicultural Society: CVIMS is a non-profit settlement organization located in Nanaimo. They offer English language classes, employment help, family services, and direct settlement assistance as well as other related services. 
• Immigrant Welcome Centre: They help newcomers settle, adapt, and thrive in Campbell River, the Comox Valley, and Northern Vancouver Island. They offer settlement support services, nationally-recognized Language Instruction for Newcomers to Canada (LINC), and social groups and programs to help newcomers make connections in their new communities.
• Cowichan Intercultural Society – Helps newcomers with settlement and community services in the Cowichan Valley. CIS is the leading community resource for immigrant settlement services, and for education and awareness in developing welcoming and inclusive communities!