Multicultural Services

The Georges River Council area is one of the most diverse communities in Australia. The 2021 Census revealed that 53.2% of the population spoke a language other than English at home. Georges River Libraries has a substantial collection of resources and a variety of programs to service this important part of the community.

Community Languages Collection
English Learning Support
Friendship Groups
Children's Story Time
eLibrary Help Guides
Useful Links

Books, Audiobooks and Magazines

Browse the following language collections in our catalogue: Arabic, Chinese, Greek, Indonesian, Italian, Nepali, and Spanish.

It may be possible to obtain material not listed in our catalogue through our Inter-Library Resources Sharing Scheme (including Language Bulk Loans). Visit our Inter-Library Loans page for more details.

Newspapers

Read community language newspapers in the library.

Hurstville Library: Australian Chinese Daily (Saturday)
Clive James Library, Kogarah: Australian Chinese Daily (Saturday), An Nahar (Tuesday and Thursday), El Telegraph (Monday, Wednesday and Friday), Greek Herald (Monday to Saturday), and Kosmos (Friday)
Penshurst Library: Australian Chinese Daily (Saturday)
South Hurstville Library: Australian Chinese Daily (Saturday)

eBooks and eAudiobooks

Read in your language on OverDrive (Libby app) with our Community Languages eCollection. The collection contains titles in Arabic, Chinese (Youth/Children, Adult), Greek, Italian, Nepali, and Spanish.

As a library member, you also have access to a wide range of eBooks on indyreads. Languages include Chinese, French, German, Italian, Polish, Portuguese, Romanian, Russian, Spanish, and Vietnamese.

Digital Magazines and Newspapers

Access PressReader, a digital newsstand featuring 7,000+ newspaper and magazine titles from over 120 countries, in 60 different languages.

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English Conversation Classes

Learn reading, writing, speaking, and listening skills in these informal classes that are designed to suit your skill level.

Visit our Adult Programs - Develop Your English Skills page for more details.

Online Courses

The International English Language Testing System, or IELTS, is an international standardised test of English language proficiency for those who have learned English as a second language.

The Clarity English online modules allow you to practice your English skills at your own pace.

Courses include:

eAudiobooks

To support your learning, download a Pimsleur English Learning eAudiobook from indyreads and the accompanying user guide and reading booklet from Pimsleur. Each book has instructions in a specific language including Arabic, Cantonese, Italian, Mandarin, and Spanish.

Learning Resources in the Library

Discover a large range of resources in our catalogue to help with English Learning and IELTS (International English Language Testing System).

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Greek Friendship Groups

Meet and socialise with other Greek speaking people in our community over some morning tea.

Visit our Adult Programs - Community and Craft page for more details.

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Mandarin Story Time

Join us for Mandarin Story Time with stories, songs, rhymes and craft activities in Mandarin and Enlish. For children aged 3-5 years and their carers.

Visit our Children’s Programs - Children And Family page for more details.

Cantonese Story Time

Join us for Cantonese Story Time with stories, songs, rhymes and craft activities in Cantonese and English. For children aged 3-5 years and their carers.

Visit our Children’s Programs - Children And Family page for more details.