ESL - English as a Second Language: Find Books

When looking for a book at your reading level, use the Five Finger Rule. 

Here is how it works: 

1) Find a book and read the first page or two.

2) Put one finger up for every word you don't know.

3) If five of your fingers go up while reading, find another book.

If less than five fingers go up, then you found a book at your reading level.

Find a book today and go to the Circulation desk to check it out!

Happy reading!

If we don't have what you need try one of the libraries below. Public libraries have a lot more popular items as well as audio books and movies.

Ever wonder how books are shelved?

In this library we use The Library of Congress Classification System to organize books on the shelves. The LC SYSTEM organizes material in libraries according to twenty-one branches of knowledge called classes. The system uses letters to represent the twenty-one broad branches of knowledge. The letters I, O, W, X AND Y are not used.

 The twenty-one classes are:

A – GENERAL WORKS

B – PHILOSOPHY, PSYCHOLOGY, RELIGION

C – AUXILIARY SCIENCES OF HISTORY

D – HISTORY: GENERAL & OUTSIDE THE AMERICAS

E – HISTORY: UNITED STATES

F – HISTORY: UNITED STATES LOCAL & AMERICAS

G – GEOGRAPHY, ANTHROPOLOGY, RECREATION

H – SOCIAL SCIENCE

J – POLITICAL SCIENCE

K – LAW

L – EDUCATION

M – MUSIC & BOOKS ON MUSIC

N – FINE ARTS

P – LANGUAGE & LITERATURE

Q – SCIENCE

R – MEDICINE

S – AGRICULTURE

T – TECHNOLOGY

U – MILITARY SCIENCE

V – NAVAL SCIENCE

Z – BIBLIOGRAPHY, LIBRARY SCIENCE & INFORMATION RESOURCES

These twenty-one broad subject areas are further divided into more specific subject areas by adding one or two additional letters as well as some numbers. For a more detailed breakdown of any subject, go to the Library of Congress web page. 

So, How Do I Find a Book on the Shelf?

Try this exercise, which was put together by the librarians at Kent State University, to see if you have figured out the Library of Congress system!

Finding Books  

BROWSING: The ESL Collection is located in between the main stacks right in front of the Children’s Literature Collection.

Many of the books indicate the reading level, but it is a good idea to look through the book to make sure it is the right level for you. Your instructor wants you to find books that are not too easy, but not too difficult either. Pick out several books in case one or two are not at the best reading level for you.

SEARCHING: You can also use the Library Catalog to search books by author, title or keyword.

Start: at the Library Catalog and type in your search term, then click "search". (example: dogs)

Then: In the left hand column under "Shelf Location" check the box for "ESL Collection" and click "Include".

Some ESL students may want to read children’s or young adult literature. These books are at various reading levels.

Ideas of topics to search on the Library Catalog:

ESL

Immigration

Migration

Culture Shock

Depression

Children of Immigrants

Language Acquisition

Would you like to read inspirational stories? The library offers a variety of books that will motivate you to learn English. Below are some books on individuals who has caused a significant impact in our society.

The library subscribes to many Electronic Book Collections. Search the resources below for topics that interest you.  Some Electronic books have the option to LISTEN to the book!

The general call numbers for books relating to English language grammar, reading, and writing are PE1112 through PE1413. They are located in the South Stacks.

Below are just a few books available: