Find resources to gain citizenship, improve literacy, and learn English.
Table of contents
Citizenship
Library Citizenship Resources
The Library’s Adult Basic Education collection has Citizenship materials.
Practice Citizenship Tests
Citizenship Test – Catholic Legal Immigration Network
A study guide for the U.S. citizenship test. Explains the naturalization testing requirements and contains study units on U.S. history and civics.
USCIS – United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (también en Español) USCIS is the government agency that oversees lawful immigration to the United States. USCIS offers a civics practice test to help you test your knowledge of U.S. history and government:
Community Organizations
Goodwill Job Training and Education Center
English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) classes are available for people who want to develop basic English literacy or improve their English language skills. Computer labs are open at specific times for students who want to come in and use a computer program called Rosetta Stone to work independently on their English skills.
Whatcom Literacy Council
Helps adults in Whatcom County improve their literacy skills, learn English, and acquire critical skills needed to become more self-sufficient. The Literacy Council offers free, confidential, one-on-one or group tutoring for adults in reading, writing and speaking English, and civics for students learning English.
Learn or Improve Your English
Library Language Learning Resources
Mango Languages
Use Mango online with your library card or through a public computer at your library. Self-paced instruction for 70+ languages, including courses for ESL learners. Lessons contain reading, writing and listening components.
The Library’s Adult Basic Education collection includes stories and nonfiction, written for all levels of adult English learners, in a variety of subjects:
- Citizenship
- Daily Living
- Dictionaries
- Grammar
- Health
- Jobs
- Learning English
- Teaching English
- Math
- People
- Pre-GED
- Stories (fiction)
- Writing
RapidReads – Library card holders can stream or download ebooks using Washington Anytime Library. Rapid Reads is a series written between a 2.0 and 6.0 reading level. The plots are contemporary and entertaining, with adult language and themes. If you need help with ebooks, visit the Libby help page for tips or Ask Us.
Free English Learning websites
Basic ESL – Learn English Online
Improves an individual’s listening, speaking, reading and writing skills through a simple to follow, proven curriculum. Students learn English quickly and effectively on relevant topics including: family, home, school and many other topics.
GCFGlobal
The Goodwill Community Foundation offers an online English as a Second Language program to help students practice their English vocabulary. Learn new words and practice reading and listening.
U.S.A. Learns
Improve English speaking, pronunciation, listening, reading, spelling, writing and grammar. Watch interesting videos and complete educational activities. U.S.A. Learns is an outgrowth of a project that was conceived by the U.S. Department of Education.
VOA English
Voice of America has free English lessions created by certified English teachers. Lessons are taught with videos and include instruction in speaking, writing, and vocabulary for multiple skill levels. There is a sperate section on American history which is helpful for the Citizenship exam.