Immigrant Hub
Programs, Services & Resources
The Simcoe County Libraries’ Immigrant Hub provides resources and services that are inclusive and mindful of Simcoe County’s changing demographic.
You can do many exciting things at a public library in Simcoe County. Public library staff are trained to assist you to connect with service providers who will help you and your family to feel at home in your community. They can recommend programs, services and resources for you. They can help you find materials that you might be interested in such as books, DVDs, magazines, audiobooks and newspapers. Many of these items are available in multiple languages. Library staff can tell you how to find services in your community such as applying or renewing your health card or getting a pass to a cultural attraction.
Library staff are happy to take you on a tour of the Library and to register you for a library membership card. You will need to show ID to register for your card but personal information will never be shared with anyone or any other organization. During your visit to the Library ask staff to tell you about the various programs offered. Most programs are free and open to everyone.
If you would like to read the content for this section, or the entire website, in your language, please click the Google Translate button below.
If you are new to the Library, to Simcoe County, or to Canada, your public library will help you feel welcome and at home.
Immigration Assistance
If you live in Barrie, Innisfil, Midland, or Orillia the YMCA can help you to access employment, language, and settlement support services. More information is available here: https://ymcaofsimcoemuskoka.ca
The Welcome Centre Mobile Unit provides settlement to newcomers in all other communities throughout the County. Regular service delivery sites are located in Alliston, Collingwood, Wasaga Beach, and Orillia. However, if you live in another community, the Mobile Unit can meet you at a more convenient location.
If you are interested in information on having your international education, work experience and skills recognized by local employers, you may benefit from an appointment with the Mobile Unit’s Accreditation and Qualification Information Service. This service is available anywhere in Simcoe County. More information is available here:
https://immigration.simcoe.ca/working/evaluating-credentials
Or you can visit any of the following libraries and use the secure web-based video connection, Click, Connect Immigration Assistance to access services. Click, Connect Immigration Assistance is a new service that is being delivered in libraries through a partnership between the Simcoe County Library Cooperative and the Welcome Centre’s Settlement Services. It uses video technology to immediately access an expert who can assist you with your immigration, accreditation, employment, and language needs.
Click, Connect can connect you with a translator, if you need one, in order to be able to discuss your immigration needs with a specialist. The internet connection is safe and secure. Library staff will help you to find a quiet, private space where you can speak with a service expert securely and without interruptions.
Focus on Language
If you are interested in learning English, French or another language, these resources can help you:
Tansparent Languages Online empowers you to learn anywhere, anytime, for any language goal — in 100+ languages.
Simcoe Muskoka SkillForce –
Skillforce enhances workforce and literacy services in our community by coordinating planning, research, and innovation among our partners.
Next Step Literacy Council of South Simcoe assigns you to experienced staff who will provide free literacy, numeracy, and computer training.
Barrie Literacy Council provides literacy, numeracy, and English as a Second Language (ESL) training.
YMCA of Simcoe-Muskoka provides employment, literacy, and newcomer services such as English as a Second Language (ESL) classes, assistance in completing forms, arranging for interpreters and translators, and information on community services.
Conversation Circles: If you would like to join one, speak with a member of the library staff.
Immigration Simcoe
This link will take you to the Immigration Simcoe site: http://immigration.simcoe.ca.
It is an online resource for newcomers in Simcoe County where you can learn about local community and immigration services; finding work and doing business; and how to make connections with local agencies.
Multilingual Library Materials
Libraries in Simcoe County have Books, DVDs, Audiobooks, Tablets, Views, Magazines and Newspapers in the following languages.
| تحتوي المكتبات في مقاطعة Simcoe على كتب وأقراص DVD وكتب مسموعة وأجهزة لوحية وآراء ومجلات وصحف بلغتك. |
| Simcoe县的图书馆提供以下语言的书籍，DVD，有声读物，平板电脑，视图，杂志和报纸 |
| Bibliotheken in Simcoe County hebben boeken, dvd’s, audioboeken, tablets, views, tijdschriften en kranten in de volgende talen. |
| Bibliotheken in Simcoe County bieten Bücher, DVDs, Hörbücher, Tablets, Ansichten, Zeitschriften und Zeitungen in den folgenden Sprachen an. |
| As bibliotecas no Condado de Simcoe têm livros, DVDs, audiolivros, tablets, visualizações, revistas e jornais nos seguintes idiomas. |
| В библиотеках округа Симко есть книги, DVD, аудиокниги, планшеты, обзоры, журналы и газеты на следующих языках. |
| Las bibliotecas del condado de Simcoe tienen libros, DVD, audiolibros, tabletas, vistas, revistas y periódicos en los siguientes idiomas. |
| Ang mga aklatan sa Simcoe County ay mayroong Mga Libro, DVD, Audiobook, Tablet, View, Magazines at Pahayagan sa mga sumusunod na wika. |
| سمکوئ کاؤنٹی میں کتب خانوں میں درج ذیل زبانوں میں |
| کتابیں ، DVDs ، آڈیو بُکس ، گولیاں ، مناظر ، رسالے اور اخبارات موجود ہیں۔ |
| Các thư viện ở Simcoe County có Sách, DVD, Sách nói, Máy tính bảng, Chế độ xem, Tạp chí và Báo bằng các ngôn ngữ sau. |
The material is available for both adults and children but not all languages are available in all formats. Ask a New Tecumseth Public Library staff member which formats are available.
Multilingual Electronic Resources
Libby OverDrive, one of the two ebook and eaudiobook platforms available through NTPL, supports 10 languages. The list of supported languages can be found at: https://www.libbylife.com/2023-05-18-5-new-language-options-in-the-libby-app-how-to-adjust-your-settings. Instructions for changing the app language can be found at: https://help.libbyapp.com/en-us/6116.htm.
cloudLibrary, our second ebook and eaudiobook platform, also supports multiple languages.
PressReader provides online access to 7,000+ newspapers and magazines. Read instantly, or download for later. Translation available into up to 60 languages.
Most of our online resources have built-in language support. Explore all of our resources at: https://ntpl.ca/online-resources/a-to-z-listings/.
Ask a library staff member if you need assistance accessing any of our online resources from home.
Settlement Workers in Schools (SWIS)
The Settlement Worker in Schools (SWIS) program can provide service for new Canadian children and youth throughout all local schools in the County of Simcoe. The main objective of the program is to assist the child, youth and family to integrate into their school and community.