Toronto Public Library News Release

Library helps new Canadian children learn English. Summer program helps kids learn English, get ready for school in September.

TORONTO (May 26): Seventy-five percent of newcomers to Canada under the age of 14 need help learning English, according to a 2002 Citizenship and Immigration Canada report.

Toronto Public Library's annual summer program, English Can Be Fun, gives kids a chance to interact under the direction of certified teachers who guide the children through games and activities that help them learn English.

"It's a great way to get children started learning English and at the same time help them make friends in their new home." according to multicultural services specialist Kelly Yuen. "This program can help children who don't speak English get ready for the 2005/2006 school year."

The program, available at 25 library locations across the city, will run from July 11 to August. Interested parents are invited to contact the Library to get more information and find out how to register.

- Call Answerline 416-393-7131
- Visit the Library website http://www.torontopubliclibrary.ca
- Visit any of Toronto Public Library's 99 branches

Toronto Public Library is North America's busiest public library system. Every week over 300,000 people visit its 99 branches, and borrow more than half a million items. To learn more about Toronto Public Library, visit our website at http://www.torontopubliclibrary.ca or call Answerline at 416-393-7131.