ELA, Literacy, & Citizenship Help

Library Databases | ELA & Literacy Groups & Tutors | ELA & Literacy Websites | Citizenship/Immigration Resources | Digital Literacy

ela

If you're trying to learn English or improve your reading skills, Bloomingdale Public Library is a great place to start. We have books, CDs, online databases, and DVDs that will help you improve your reading and writing skills.

Our reference staff can help with your questions! You can:

  • Stop by the Reference Desk
  • Call us at (630) 924-2730
  • Email us at bdref@mybpl.org
  • Text mybpl to 833-445-8848
  • Chat with us by clicking the Ask a Librarian box to the left


ELA (English Language Acquisition) Clases/Clases de ingles
Mondays & Wednesdays, 9:30 a.m. -12:30 p.m.
Free English classes offered by the College of DuPage. Testing and registration is January 24 & 26; first day of class is January 31. For class registration and information/questions, please call the College of DuPage at 630-942-3697.




Library Databases

Pronunciator
English language learners can use Pronunciator with 50 non-English languages. Also includes downloadable phrasebooks for travel. Download the app for mobile use.

ProCitizen
Prepare for the U.S. Citizenship Test with over 100 videos, drills, and quizzes. Covers the civics, reading, and writing portions of the exam.

Learning Express Library
Learning Express Library includes several sections that can help you improve your reading, writing, and computer skills. It also includes practice exams for the U.S. Citizenship Test.

Gale Courses
Gale's Online Learning Courses offers a variety of ESL/ELA courses that cover writing, reading, grammar, and more.

TumbleBookCloud
An online collection of ebooks and read-along chapter books, YA/teen novels, classic literature, graphic novels, educational videos, and audio books. Books are always available with unlimited access from any device with an internet connection. Features adjustable online text and complete audio narration. Read-alongs are an excellent tool for ELA students.



ELA & Literacy Groups and Tutors

College of DuPage English Language Acquisition (ELA) Office
Phone: (630) 942-3697
Email: jonusait@cod.edu
The College of DuPage ELA office helps adults learn English and civics, improve literacy, reading, writing, and math skills, prepare to pass high school equivalency exams, and prepare for the U.S. citizenship exam.

Literacy DuPage
Phone: (630) 942-5210
Email: info@literacydupage.org
Literacy DuPage offers free English tutoring for adults. They also help with GED preparation, including reading and writing. Tutoring occurs in one-on-one or small group settings at a mutually convenient time and location for both tutors and students.

People's Resource Center
Phone: (630) 682-5402, extension 331
Email: nvanbuskirk@peoplesrc.org
The Adult Learning and Literacy program offers instruction in English, math, reading skills, GED preparation, and citizenship test preparation. Learning occurs in classrooms, small groups, and one-on-one sessions with volunteer tutors. PRC also offers drop-in tutoring sessions open to students at any level of learning.

TEACH (Tutoring English to Advance Change)
Phone: (630) 217-0396
Email: teach@teachempowers.org
TEACH (formerly School and Tutors on Wheels) is a free adult literacy program sponsored by a ministry of the Congregation of St. Joseph. Tutors meet in several locations including Addison, Bloomingdale, Downers Grove, Lombard, Naperville, and Woodridge.

World Relief Chicagoland
Phone: (630) 888-0023
Free English classes are offered online. Classes are taught by professional English teachers with assistance from volunteer classroom aides.



ELA & Literacy Online Resources

College of DuPage English Language Learning
A collection of sites for students and instructors that contains resources designed to improve grammar, vocabulary, reading, pronunciation, listening, and comprehension skills via exercises, games, puzzles, tests, and quizzes.

Duolingo
Duolingo provides written lessons and dictation for multiple languages with speaking practice for more advanced users.

Literacy Information & Communication System (LINCS)
LINCS offers self-paced online courses for adult education practitioners. These courses are available for use anytime, anywhere on the LINCS Learning Portal. Courses cover many subjects including English language, science, technology, and more.

National Literacy Directory
Search listings for Early Childhood, Family Literacy, High School Equivalency/Adult Basic Education, English Language Learning, and Citizenship Classes.

USA Learns
USA Learns is a free website that helps adults learn English, gain job skills, and prepare for U.S. citizenship online.



Citizenship/Immigration Resources

ProCitizen
Prepare for the U.S. Citizenship Test with over 100 videos, drills, and quizzes. Covers the civics, reading, and writing portions of the exam.

U.S. Citizenship Resource Center
Provides learners with a one-stop resource for locating citizenship preparation materials and activities.

Application Form for U.S. Naturalization (N-400)
Online application for the N-400, Application for Naturalization.

Citizenship and Naturalization
A federal website detailing the steps and necessary requirements for applying for naturalization.

American Immigration Lawyers Association
AILA Immigration Lawyer Search allows you to search for a lawyer by location, languages spoken, and type of lawyer.

US Department of Justice Recognition and Accreditation (R&A) Program
Provides a list of organizations and accredited representatives who can provide legal immigration help.



Digital Literacy

Digital Literacy is a person's ability to effectively use technology, such as navigating the internet and developing basic computer skills.

Bloomingdale Public Library Computer Classes
The Bloomingdale Public Library offers computer classes for beginners. To view the class schedule and how to register visit our Computer Classes page.

Chicago Digital Learn
The Chicago Public Library created a free-to-use online tool for teaching digital literacy basics. The site is public and free for everyone, and only requires individuals to create an account. All courses have audio, video, and assessment components and is available in Spanish.

LinkedIn Learning
Video tutorials on computer literacy and skills ranging from beginner to advanced.

TechBoomers
TechBoomers is a free educational website that teaches older adults and others with basic computer skills how to use popular websites and apps.