Public Library and Library

Chicago Public Library Resource The Chicago Public Library is a great resource for English Language Learners (ELLs) and offers a variety of programs and tools that ELLs can access and utilize to help them become more comfortable with and knowledgeable of the English language. The reason I have chose the Chicago Public Library is precisely because of the wide range of options it provides ELLs -- everything from in-person programs to tools and skill-building resources (such as quizzes, exercises, puzzles and dictionaries) on its website (Learning English, n.d.).

Best of all the Chicago Public Library is free and even offers links and assistance in finding other free resources, programs and classes for ELLs looking to enrich their own learning-language experience. My research into the Chicago Public Library began on the Internet, where I noted a variety of options available to ELLs -- online quizzes, tutorials and links to programs offered by various organizations devoted to assisting ELLs. This information prompted me to visit the library in person.

There are many Chicago branches of the public library and I chose to use the Harold Washington Library Center near Grant Park and the Art Institute of Chicago. This is a centrally located library with a very large collection of resources, computers and working staff to assist all library patrons. In the language department I discussed what I was researching with a library assistant and she very happily informed me of the numerous programs, resources and organizations available for ELLs in Chicago.

These included free English and citizenship courses for Illinois residents and Adult Learning Hotline number that ELLs could call to receive English language assistance. This community resource will connect to my practice in many ways: first it offers ELLs a chance to learn outside the confines of the classroom and take their quest for learning into the real world, where they can interact with library assistants, organizations devoted to ELLs, digital and interactive resources, and communications resources.

Second, it provides ELLs with more ways to develop their language skills and real world applications -- such as citizenship pursuits or job pursuits -- both of which are available at the Chicago Public Library. Thus, the community center expands upon the teaching of my practice by giving students a real and tangible connection to the outside world and firmly placing the knowledge given in my class within a practical, pragmatic context.

Learning is promoted via the Chicago Public Library through diverse methods: there is the direct assistance of library aids, the interactive resources available on the library's computers and website (such as formal measurements of improvement -- quizzes and examinations -- along with tutorials and language aids like dictionaries). The library also offers resources such as Brainfuse: Homework Help -- a program that provides ELLs with homework assistance during designated hours of the day -- or Little Pim, which is a program for children learning English.

Thus, whether one wants to use the library's resources online or in person, these options are all available. Two community resources from my colleagues that will connect to my practice are the ESL.