ESL/Literacy Resources

ESL/Literacy Resources

If you are 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 24/7! Librarians are available to answer your questions 24 hours a day.

You can:

Stop by the Reference Desk
Call us at (630)924-2730
Email us at bdref@mybpl.org
IM us at

Chat with a librarian 24/7 using AskAway Virtual Reference Service

Online Databases

Mango Languages
Mango Languages is an online self-paced language-learning system that teaches conversation skills for English for Polish Speakers, English for Spanish Speakers, and English for Brazilian Portuguese Speakers.

Learning Express Library
Learning Express Library helps you improve your reading and writing skills. Visit the Skill Building for Adults section to find Writing and Grammar Skills Improvement, Reading Skills Improvement, Vocabulary Building and Math and Reasoning Skills Improvement. There is also a U.S. Citizenship Preparation Exam available.

Tumblereadables is an online collection of read-along titles for elementary, middle school, and high school students which features adjustable online text and complete audio narration. Sentences are highlighted as they are being read and the pages turn automatically.

The collection features chapter books, early readers, YA/Teen Novels, high interest/low level books for both middle school and high school students, plus classics of American and English literature. Read-Alongs are an excellent tool for students of English as a Second Language.

Library Materials literacy

The Library has cds, cd-roms, dvds and books that will help you improve your reading and writing skills. We also have books for new readers to help you practice your reading skills. Ask a Reference Librarian to show you where the materials are located.

English Conversation Group
Meets on the second and fourth Wednesday of the month
10:00 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.
Library Conference Room

This drop-in conversation group is designed to give adult English-as-a-second language learners practice speaking English in an informal, relaxed atmosphere. Individuals are welcome to attend whenever they can. All adult English learners are welcome. Registration is not necessary for this free program held in the Library Conference Room. The program is co-sponsored by Literacy DuPage and Bloomingdale Public Library. Contact Julie Keating for more information at 630-924-2733.

ESL/Literacy Groups and Tutoring Information

College of DuPage Adult Basic Education Office
The Adult Basic Education (ABE)/English as a Second Language (ESL) office helps adults develop or improve literacy, reading, writing, math, decision-making and problem-solving skills.

ABE offers programs for adults that help them with basic skills or prepares them for GED (General Education Development) testing. ESL offers a wide variety of programs, including those for families, professionals, and the English Language Institute (ELI). The Citizenship program prepares adults to take the test for U.S. Citizenship.

Literacy DuPage
Established in 1972, Literacy DuPage, formerly known as Literacy Volunteers of DuPage, is a nonprofit, community-based organization. Their mission is to help adult learners achieve sufficient skills in English literacy so they may function independently in our communities. The organization serves over 30 communities in DuPage County. Literacy DuPage trains volunteer tutors to provide customized, learner-centered English language instruction. Tutoring occurs in one-on-one or small group settings at a mutually convenient time and location for both tutors and students. Tutors incorporate everyday materials such as newspapers, maps, or job applications into their lessons.

People's Resource Center
People's Resource Center offers people a chance to learn English in a small group setting or one-on-one with a volunteer tutor, at no cost. ESL classes are only one of the complimentary services the Literacy Program provides. Clients also have the choice of learning basic academic skills, having GED or citizenship test preparation, and more. The Literacy program is flexible, providing free classes, small groups, and one-on-one instruction at locations and times convenient for students and volunteers. Students also have the opportunity of being connected to other social services and educational opportunities within the PRC and in the wider community.

World Relief DuPage
The World Relief Education Program DuPage/Aurora serves approximately 900 immigrants and refugees from over 60 different countries.Their ESL program provides 25 day and evening classes with an annual enrollment of over 900 students from over 60 countries. Classes are held in local churches in Wheaton, Aurora, West Chicago, and Warrenville. The program goal is to give our adult learners the language skills they need to become independent and productive members of their community.

Tutors on Wheels
Tutors on Wheels (TOW) is an adult literacy program that offers free ESL classes to low-income minority immigrants living and working in several suburban communities in DuPage County, Illinois: Naperville, Wheaton, Glendale Heights, and Addison. Sponsored by the Sisters of St. Joseph, students receive one-on-one tutoring right in their own neighborhoods, job sites, or local churches.

Helpful Web Links for ESL/Literacy Resources

Literacy DuPage Tutoring Resources
A list of web sites that provide free resources for tutors and students on reading and math skills.

College of Dupage ESL Internet Sites
A collection of sites for ESL students and instructors that contains resources designed to improve grammar, vocabulary, reading, pronunciation, listening, and comprehension skills via exercises, games, puzzles, tests, and quizzes.

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