Resources for New Canadians

The Library is a safe place for you to learn, connect, and grow. With many affordable services available online and in person, our spaces are free to use. Visit your closest branch to sign up for a library card.

Your free membership will give you access to programs for newcomers, as well as books and other language resources available in our catalogue. You can also explore our multilingual digital collection on our website. 

Read the website in your language. Click on the orange person icon on the bottom left corner of this webpage. Once a black menu bar appears at the top of your screen, click on the icon beside the pause button (fifth from the left) to translate the webpage. 

Learn a new language, prepare for your driver's test and connect with the community through programs and services. Yes, at the library. Read through the information below to help you get started or connect with us by phone, email or chat.

Get a Free Library Membership Card

If you live, work or go to school in York Region, you are eligible for a library card. You can also receive a temporary membership (Visitor Card) if you’re staying in Richmond Hill for a few months.

You’ll need a library card to check out materials from our branches, borrow digital resources, or use the computers in our branches. You don’t need to have a library card to enter our branches, access study space, or use our free wireless internet. Learn More

Prepare for your Citizenship Test

Study and take practice tests with Brainfuse, an online resource available with your RHPL card. Click on the link to connect to Brainfuse and log in with your library membership. Once you're logged in, click on "Adult Learning" and then click on "Prepare for the Canadian Citizenship Test." Access Brainfuse

Meet Community Members at a Library Program

Our programs for both adults and kids are a great way to make new friends, develop a new skill or language. or learn a new skill. The library also offers programs specifically for new Canadian immigrants.  

View upcoming programs in our program calendar.

Discover English as a Second Language (ESL) Books and More

Access the library's collection of ESL books and materials, including ESL test books (IELTS, TOEFL, TOEIC and CELPIP) here.

Road to IELTS
Are you learning English as a second language? Road to IELTS is the official preparation course for the International English Language Testing System (IELTS), one of the most popular ESL tests in Canada. You’ll find interactive activities, practice tests with answers, study guides and more to help you prepare for the IELTS Academic Test, which is meant for ESL learners applying for higher education or professional registration. Access Road to IELTS

Learn English or French with Mango Languages

Mango

More than 70 world languages and dialects, English language learning, and assorted specialty courses to meet specific subject matter interests. Learn English, French, or any other language online or through the Mango app. Mango teaches practical conversation and cultural awareness for the world’s most popular languages. Users need to create an individual account to use this resource. Access Mango

Little Pim

Language learning for 0-6 years, this resource introduces children to foreign languages in a way they can understand and enjoy. Access Little Pim

Find Business and Professional Resources

Looking to start a new business or upgrade your skills through online courses? The library offer services for professionals, including free small business consultations, a business plan builder, and on-demand professional development opportunities that are free with your RHPL card. Find out more.

LinkedIn Learning

Learn a new skill or expand your job resume with professional video tutorials. Explore 160,000 videos in a variety of languages and topics (including business, design, web development and multimedia skills) and softwares (Microsoft Office, Adobe Creative Suite and open source applications).  Access LinkedIn Learning

Borrow Books, DVDs, Magazines, and Newspapers in Your Language

Browse our multilingual collection containing books, DVDs or magazines in French, Arabic, Chinese, German, Greek, Gujarati, Hebrew, Hindi, Italian, Korean, Punjabi, Persian, Romanian, Russian, Spanish, Tamil, Ukrainian, Urdu languages. 

Visit our online catalogue to browse our adult and kids multilingual collection, or visit our website to learn more.

PressReader (Digital Resource)

Get access to more than 7,000 of the world's top publications as soon as they're available on shelves. PressReader features magazines and newspapers in over 60 languages from more than 120 countries, and is available through the PressReader app or website. Go to PressReader using the link below. Click Sign In and then click on Library or Group. In the search bar, type in Richmond Hill Public Library, and click on it. Enter your RHPL card number and PIN, then Log In. Access PressReader

Prepare for your G1 Driver’s License Test 

Take the first step to becoming a new driver in Ontario. Learn the rules of the road and traffic signs and prepare for your G1 license test with G1.ca, which offers 15 practice tests and a G1 Test Simulator. Note: G1.ca is not affiliated with Drive Test and the Ministry of Transportation. Access G1

• Dopomoha.ca web portal provides resettlement information in Toronto and the surrounding area for persons displaced by the war in Ukraine. Supported by the Toronto Branch of the Ukrainian Canadian Congress.

• Afghan Women’s Organization works with refugees and immigrants, particularly those who have experienced wars and persecution, with a special focus on women and their families.

Multilingual collections provide reading and learning opportunities in people’s preferred languages.  These collections are an important part of the library's mission to offer equitable service to our members and help us to connect with the communities we serve. See the list below for some of the languages of multilingual books available. 

Chinese | Russian | Persian | Gujarati | Korean | Spanish | Hebrew | Urdu