Multicultural Services

Windsor Public Library offers print and audio visual materials in 25 international languages as it serves the fourth most ethnically diverse city in Canada. Additionally, Windsor Public Library has a rich collection of English as a Second Language (ESL) materials, which include dictionaries, dual-language dictionaries, two-language travel kits, and language learning audio resources for your language needs. If you want to learn a new Language, WPL has a selection of language learning materials from Albanian to Zulu.
Also available are two-language (for example, English-Chinese) children's books in the following languages - Albanian, Arabic, Chinese, Hindi, Punjabi, Somali, Spanish and Vietnamese.
Another resource available at Windsor Public Library is access to more than 20 international language magazines and a wide selection of foreign language newspapers which are printed daily in the library. In addition to French our foreign language materials are available in the following languages:

Albanian - Libra në shqip
Arabic
Bosnian - Bosanski
Chinese
Croatian - Hrvatski
German - Deutch
Gujarati
Hindi
Hungarian - Magyar
Italian - Italiano
Persian/Farsi
Punjabi
Polish - Polski
Portuguese - Português
Romanian - Româna
Russian
Serbian
Somali - Soomaliya
Spanish - Español
Tagalog
Urdu
Vietnamese - Tiêng Viêt

We also offer more resources online. These include:

  • Dual language books
  • Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) practice - LearningExpress database
    You will need your library card and a PIN number to use this database
  • You can also check out Electronic language books online by going to NetLibrary
  • WPL provides children's animated talking books in French and Spanish

What other language(s) do you speak?

The Windsor Public Library offers print and audio visual materials in over 25 international languages. Click here to view the world languages offered at Windsor Public Library.

Want to learn more about the library and its services?
Please go to Settlement.org to watch a video in your language .

Looking for newspapers in your language?

For a list of International newspapers offered at WPL, click here.

Frequently Asked Questions

How can I communicate with library staff if I do not speak English?
The Windsor Public Library has a diverse staff who speak different languages and all efforts will be made to help you with language interpretation. If you are looking for information on municipal services, you can call the City of Windsor 311 service and they will connect you with an interpreter in minutes.
A Multilingual Service is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year at 211. You can get information on Language classes, Services for newcomers to Canada, Volunteer opportunities. Please go to www.211windsoressex.ca
or call 519-258-0247

How do I search for Library materials in my Language?
Go to the Orange tab at the WPL Homepage. Click on ‘”Using WPL’ and in the drop down menu, click on ‘Catalogue Help’ then click on Power Searching. Follow the instructions by changing the Language drop down menu to the language of your choice.

What if the material I want is not at my library?
Any materials can be sent to the library of your choice within the Windsor Public Library system. You can also request language books we do not own through the online Interlibrary Loan system. You can do this by going to the Orange tab on our home page and clicking on Interlibrary Loan in the Services drop down menu.

Do you have any Multicultural Programming at the Windsor Public Library?
Yes, one such program is the English as a Second Language Conversation group for New Canadians.
Pleas ask for our monthly programming guide: What’s happening @ your library.

I am an ESL teacher and would like a tour of the Library. How do I go about it?
Please call 519-255-6770 x4402.

Where can I sit for or prepare for the TOEFL and other language examinations in Windsor?
Please contact these local institutions for test preparation and other information. The library is not associated with these institutions.

Where can I enroll for free English as a Second Language (ESL) Classes?

Where can I get housing, ethno-cultural communities, settlement services, immigration and citizenship information?

If you are a newcomer to Canada - or if you are considering Canada as your new home - the Day-Planner, and the newcomers to Canada web site has been designed for you. The goal is to give you quick and easy access to things you need to know as you build your new life here.http://www.cfeedayplanner.com/en

Information for Newcomers to the province of Ontario. Ontario immigration, after arrival, living in Ontario, working, learning English, etc
http://www.ontarioimmigration.ca/index.asp
http://www.hrsdc.gc.ca/en/cs/comm/hrsd/news/2005/050425be.shtml

Where can I get information about my foreign credentials and English evaluated?

• http://www.language.ca/language/assess/on.html, 1410 Ouellette Avenue Windsor, 519-253-2724
• World Education Services: International Academic Credential Evaluation, 45 Charles Street East, Suite 700 Toronto, ON M4Y 1S2, 416-972-0070, Fax: 416-972-9004, Toll free: 1-866-343-0070
• Guide for Foreign-Trained Trades people Ministry of Training, Colleges and Universities
• Centre for Canadian Language Benchmarks, a non-profit organization serving adult ESL community in Canada.
• Canadian Information Centre for international Credentials information and referral
• Click on these two links which are Canadian government recognized foreign credentials referral services http://www.credentials.gc.ca/index.asp and http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/department/media/backgrounders/2007/2007-10-26.asp

These are other English as a Second Language websites with helpful information on international newspapers, grammar, games, vocabulary, translations, etc...

Where can I find general community information, culture, government, volunteer, service

For more information on language resources at Windsor Public Library, please call 519-255-6770 Extension 4402.

Windsor Public Library is not responsible for the content of external sites