English as a Second Language
Adult Learning Customer Survey
Have a few minutes? We'd love it if you'd help us improve our Adult Learning/ESOL collections by answering a few questions.
Complete our Adult Learning Customer Survey online, or you can download a Word document copy here and bring it in to any of our branch libraries.
Recent items
Wellington City Libraries has a large collection of material for adults learning English as a second language or who want to improve their English skills. Here are some recent additions:
- Cambridge English for job-hunting
- By Colm Downes. (Book + CD)
- "A short self-study or classroom course (40-60 hours) for professionals and students who need to apply for jobs in English. Cambridge English for Job-hunting is designed to develop the specialist English language knowledge and communication skills that job-seekers need to apply for and secure jobs. Ideal for both working professionals and those new to the world of employment, the course comprises six standalone units covering core areas such as preparing a CV, writing a cover letter, and answering interview questions. Authentic materials such as genuine CVs and cover letters give learners practical experience in understanding and preparing vital documents. In addition, the course also offers valuable advice to help improve job-hunters' confidence, including help with difficult interview questions and how to present yourself effectively." (Amazon)
- Real listening & speaking. 1 : with answers
- By Miles Craven. (Book + 2 CDs)
- "A four-level skills series for adults and young adult learners. [...] Develop the skills you need to use English confidently wherever you are - at home, at work, travelling, studying or just in social situations with English-speaking friends. This edition comes with answers and audio CD." (Amazon)
- Improve your IELTS reading skills
- By Sam McCarter, Norman Whitby.
- "'Improve your IELTS Skills' is aimed at students between bands 4.5 and 7.5. The series has three preparation courses, Academic Reading, Academic Writing, and Listening and Speaking. The courses develop language, skills and test techniques to help students achieve a higher IELTS score." (Amazon)
About the collection
Where:
Adult Learning Collections can be found at the Central Library, Johnsonville, Karori, Kilbirnie, Miramar and Newtown branches.
In the Central Library, the Adult Learning collection is located on the ground floor next to the escalators (northside).
What:
The Adult Learning Collections have books, cassettes, CDs and CD-ROMs. The collection is divided into three levels of ability. Each level is colour coded - yellow for beginners, blue for intermediate and purple for advanced.
Some of the subjects covered include:
- Grammar, vocabulary, spelling, mathematics, reading and writing
- Pronunciation, speaking, listening and communicating in English
- Studying for English examinations such as IELTS and TOEFL
- Day to day life in New Zealand - for example, using the telephone.
The collection also contains books or books and CD/cassette sets for leisure reading. These books are available both in fiction and non-fiction from beginner to advanced levels.
How long can I take items out for?
All Adult Learning material is issued for a four week period and is free of charge.
Searching the catalogue
Catalogue Quicksearch
Search tips:
Another option is to try a subject search for English foreign study - click on the subject headings that look useful and you will see what material the library has on that subject.
What can I do if the book I want is out?
Adult Learning material is very popular and often what you want will already be on loan. You can reserve it using the catalogue. A small charge may apply.
Useful websites
- Multicultural Services Centre
- Information about all the multiculural services available at 39 Webb Street, Wellington.
- Migrant Community Library Guide
- Our Migrant Community Library Guide has library information translated into different languages.
- English Language Schools in New Zealand
- This site has information for international students who would like to study or learn English in New Zealand at a language school.
- The Tertiary Education Commission (TEC)
- The Tertiary Education Commission funds a range of programmes for people who are new to New Zealand and need assistance to develop their English language skills.
- IELTS (International English Language Testing System)
- The IELTS is designed to assess the language ability of students who need to study or work where English is the principal language of communication.
Library Tours
We can arrange tours of the Library and Adult Learning collection for tutors with groups of adult literacy or ESOL students. Please contact Ada Nally on 389 2824 or email Ada.Nally@wcc.govt.nz to book or for more information.
Contact us
If you have any feedback about this page or would like to suggest a resource, we'd love to hear from you! You can use the contact details above to get in touch.
