English Language Learning
Learning English is hard, but we're here to help—for free.
When you sign up for our English Language Learning (ELL) sessions, we match you with a volunteer tutor who can help you practice your conversation skills and learn about the local community.
Once a week, you'll meet your tutor or tutors for an informal 1-on-1 or small group session that usually lasts 2 hours. The times and locations are listed below.
Who can take ELL classes?
Our English Language Learning sessions are sponsored by Halifax Public Libraries and the Nova Scotia Office of Immigration and Population Growth. You can participate, if you are a:
- Permanent resident of Canada
- Canadian citizen born outside of Canada (recent immigrants to Nova Scotia are given priority)
- Protected person as defined in Section 95 of the Immigration & Refugee Protection Act
- Asylum seekers and refugee claimants
- Foreign national or their dependent who has been nominated under the Nova Scotia Nominee Program, but have not yet received permanent resident status
- Individual with a work permit who has submitted an application for permanent resident status to the Nova Scotia Nominee Program or to Citizenship and Immigration Canada, and has received approval in principal from IRCC (Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada)
- Atlantic Immigrant Pilot PA High-Skilled
- Atlantic Immigrant Pilot PA Intermediate-Skilled
- Atlantic Immigrant Pilot PA International Graduate
- Atlantic Immigrant Pilot Dependent (for family members)
- Canada-Ukraine Authorization for Emergency Travel (CUAET)
If you're not eligible for the ELL sessions, you may want to consider joining one of our English Language Conversation Groups—they're open to everyone.
Where and when
All sessions are now full. Please check back in the Fall for the next session.
Alderney Gate Public Library
Tuesdays, 5:30 - 7:30 PM
Bedford Public Library
Mondays, 9:30 - 11:30 AM
Mondays, 1:00 - 3:00 PM
Tuesdays, 3:00 - 5:00 PM
Tuesdays, 5:30-7:30 PM
Captain William Spry Public Library
Wednesdays, 1:00 - 3:00 PM
Wednesdays, 6:00 - 8:00 PM
Dartmouth North Public Library
Wednesdays, 9:30 AM -11:30 AM
Halifax Central Library
Mondays, 1:00 - 3:00 PM
Mondays, 3:30 - 5:30 PM
Wednesdays, 4:00 - 6:00 PM
Halifax North Memorial Public Library
Tuesdays, 6:00 - 8:00 PM
Thursdays, 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Saturdays, 9:30 - 11:30 AM
Keshen Goodman Public Library
Wednesdays, 1:00 - 3:00 PM
Thursdays, 12:00 - 2:00 PM (Mosaic Church Upstairs)
Thursdays, 12:00 - 2:00 PM (Mosaic Church Basement)
Fridays, 1:00 - 3:00 PM
Sackville Public Library
Mondays, 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Woodlawn Public Library
Mondays, 6:00 - 8:00 PM
Sundays, 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Zoom Programs
Mondays, 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM
Tuesdays, 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Wednesdays, 1:00 PM - 3:00 PM
Wednesdays, 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM
Fridays, 1:00 PM - 3:00 PM
Sign up
If you're interested in participating in the ELL sessions, please complete our application form. If you're eligible, we'll sign you up and help you get started.
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Volunteers needed
We are always looking for English Language Learning volunteer tutors. Learn more about volunteering with this program.
