This library guide will help you find services and resources available to help you improve your English. In order to learn English, it is important you put time and effort to expand your reading, writing, listening, and speaking skills.
Nothing better than reading to broaden your vocabulary and make you feel more confident when communicating in a new language. Whether you want to learn more about the American culture, world history, find an English grammar, read a fiction book, or explore databases and websites, we have what you need.
This guide has been created to provide links to books, databases, websites and electronic resources specifically geared to ESL students. Please click on the above tabs to explore each of the different resources.
Library Vocabulary for ESL Classes
Learn basic vocabulary words to better communicate at the library.
Reference Desk: Area where librarians work.
Librarian: The professional who answers questions in the library.
Library Catalog: Catalog where you find library books and other materials.
Reference materials: Books and other materials that can be used only inside the library. Example: encyclopedias, almanacs, atlases, etc.
Circulation Desk: Department where you go to borrow library materials or pay fines.
Reserves: Materials that can only be checked-out for a short period of time.
Borrow or Check Out: To take home library materials for a short time. Example: I would like to check out a book.
Due Date: The date your book needs to be returned.
Fine: Money you have to pay to the library if you return materials late.
Renew (materials): To extend loan period of your library materials. Generally, for 2 more weeks.
Card Vending Machine: Machine where you buy copy cards or add money to your school I.D.
Periodicals Desk: Department where you can borrow newspapers and magazines to be used inside the library only.
Book Stacks: Area in the library where books are located.
Call Numbers: Unique sequence of letters and numbers that can usually be found on the book spine.
Spine (book spine): Side of the book. It usually has unique numbers called “call numbers”.
ESL material: Material to help you learn English.
eBooks: Books that can be read online and on other media devices (example: ebook readers and mobile phones).
Fiction (books): Stories and novels (not real).
Non-Fiction (books): True stories or facts.
Study carrel: Desk in the library used for private study.
Need Help 
The Cerritos College Librarians can help you with your research in a variety of ways:
Librarians are available during library hours to answer your questions by phone or chat.
(562) 860-2451 x2425
If you are a student at Cerritos College you can borrow books for free at CSULB and Cerritos Public Library!