The Basic Skills Collection at the Downers Grove Public Library is made up of books, audiotapes, videotapes, and CD-ROMs. It can be used by adult basic learners, adults learning English as a Second Language, and tutors.

Materials help with:
• learning English vocabulary, grammar, and American idiom
• building reading, writing, and conversation skills
• understanding basic English as a consumer and on the job

Other materials in the collection include:
• easy to read adult fiction
• materials about American customs
• citizenship information
• easy to read current events

Basic Skills CD-ROMs can help improve pronunciation and grammar, listening skills, vocabulary, and skills for taking the U.S. citizenship and TOEFL tests. CD-ROMs are for check-out only, and may not be used in the library.

Where Are the Basic Skills Materials?
Basic Skills materials are located in the Reference Department on the library’s second floor. Books and audio materials begin with the call number 428.24. Basic Skills videotapes and CD-ROMs are shelved separately in the Reference Department. All Basic Skills materials have a blue and white sticker on the spine.

Checking Out Basic Skills Materials
Books, videos and audio materials that are part of the Basic Skills collection can be checked out for three weeks. They can be renewed for three more weeks. You may renew in person at the library, over the phone at 960-1200, or by clicking “Check Your Record” at our library website. CD-ROMs can be checked out for two weeks and cannot be renewed.

Other Library Services for Adult Learners of English
Those learning English may find these library services helpful:

• Reference service in person, by telephone, and by email
• Internet computers for public use
• Classes for learning how to use computers and the Internet
• Word processing computers and a typewriter for the public
• Online test practice for U.S. Citizenship, GED, and language skills available from home to Downers Grove cardholders
• Reading programs for adults and children
• Story times for children
• Audio listening stations
• Community information bulletin boards
• Photocopy machines
• Voter registration
• Tax forms
• Adaptive viewing and listening machines for those with disabilities

Click here for information about local Conversation Groups (then scroll down to the middle of the page).

Information for Tutors
The Basic Skills Collection offers materials to help teach Literacy or ESL students. Many student books have accompanying tutor manuals.

Private study rooms are available for tutoring and can be booked ahead of time by calling the library’s Reference Desk at (630) 960-1200. A video or DVD viewer may also be booked ahead for tutoring.

Tutors may contact the Reference Desk at any time for assistance or to offer suggestions for the collection. We are eager for your input.


Language Skills and General Literacy Sites
Boggles World ESL for Adults
This site includes many exercises and games for improving English language skills.

Illinois Literacy LINCS
Developed by the Illinois State Library, this easy to navigate site offers adult learners information about current events, employment, and life skills.

Interesting Things for ESL Students
This large site links to lots of word games, puzzles quizzes, slang, proverbs and much more.

Learning Resources
Provided by CNN, adults can read, view, or listen to current news stories. Reading and vocabulary activities are included with each story.

Literacy List
This site for teachers and adult learners offers links to easy-to-read sites for reading, math, science, health, jobs, and more.

Self Study Quizzes for ESL Students
This collection of quizzes for English study includes grammar, idiom, vocabulary building, holiday quizzes, and more.

Sites for Life Skills
All About Work: How to Find a Job
Includes getting ready for interviews, what to do at an interview, filling out a job application, and more.

Health Topics
An online magazine from the Beehive, here’s where to find out about nutrition, injuries, parenting, health insurance options, and more.

Contacting the Congress
This site makes your congress members easy to find, and allows you to email them directly.

GED Preparation
For students and teachers, this site includes many practice tests and lesson plans for teaching the GED.

Local Literacy Organizations
College of DuPage ABE/ESL Programs
425 Fawell Blvd., Glen Ellyn, IL 60137
(630) 942-2551

Indian Prairie Public Library District Life Skills Collection and Programs
401 Plainfield Rd., Darien, IL 60561
(630) 887-8760

Lisle Public Library District Literacy Collection and Programs
777 Front St., Lisle, IL 60532
(630 )971-1675

Literacy Volunteers of DuPage
(630) 416-6699

Woodridge Public Library ESL and Literacy Resources
3 Plaza Drive, Woodridge, IL 60517
(630) 964-7899

School on Wheels Literacy Program
Sponsored by the Sisters of St. Joseph of LaGrange
(708) 354-9200