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Learning English and Basic Skills in Kirklees libraries
Kirklees Culture and Leisure Services
kinfo@kirklees.gov.uk
Every library in Kirklees has access to basic skills and ESOL (English for Speakers of Other Languages) material. The collections include books on grammar, citizenship, life skills and study skills as well as dictionaries, grammar and spelling practice books, and books which encourage reading for pleasure.
Download the Not just Books leaflet pdf(155Kb)
Stock
The "First Choice" Collection
The "First Choice" collection includes fiction and non-fiction and is aimed at readers with basic skills. The books in the collection have been specially written, or selected, to allow adults with basic skills to enjoy reading. The books feature
- clear typeface
- contemporary subject matter
- an attractive cover
- sentences, paragraphs and chapters which are not too long.
The "First Choice" collection is promoted in Kirklees libraries as "Quick Reads For Busy People." Library staff often select mainstream stock and add it to the "Quick Reads " collection.
It is a well used collection and appeals to a broad range of library users (not only those with basic skills)
"First Choice" collections are at Huddersfield, Dewsbury, Batley and on the mobile libraries.
Some examples of stock in the collection are listed
| The Comedian |
By Joseph O'Connor |
Set in Dublin in the 1970s, a young boy describes his father who dreams of becoming a comedian. |
| All we know of heaven |
By Peter Crowther |
With his mum in intensive care after a car crash Adam and his father prepare for a sad and lonely Xmas. Adam tries to find the strength to help his father and himself. |
| The dogs |
By Mark Morris |
Alice describes the scary happenings at her Aunt's house. |
| Stalker |
By Anthony Masters |
Sarah feels she can't trust anyone. She feels someone is watching her, following her. Running away seems the only answer. |
| No stone unturned |
By Brian Keaney |
The day Lisa walks out on her husband sees the start of a series of tragic events. |
The wedding present
|
By Adele Geras |
The wedding weekend draws nearer and Jane finds herself becoming increasingly jealous of her sister's happiness. |
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Circulating collection
A collection of basic skills books covering a variety of themes (life skills, citizenship, study skills, literacy and numeracy skills) is currently circulating and will visit all Kirklees libraries. The books in the collection have been specially written or selected to be suitable for basic skills learners. The books are deliberately not labeled as a basic skills collection and should therefore appeal to a wide range of library users.
Some examples of stock in the collection are listed.
| The Locked Room |
By Brandon Robshaw |
Why has no one been able to stay a single night in the haunted house? A meeting in a pub leads to one man finding out. Part of the Livewire Chillers series. Part of the Livewire Chillers series. |
| The Museum |
By Brandon Robshaw |
A Stone Age exhibit in a museum has a dark secret. One member of the museum's staff finds out more than he bargained for. |
| The Black Veil - from the Charles Dickens story |
By Peter Leigh |
A mysterious woman with a black veil visits a young doctor. Who is she? What does she want and how can he help? Part of the Livewire Classics series. |
| The Half Brothers - from the Mrs. Gaskell story |
By Peter Leigh |
A snowstorm on the moors tests the strength of two half brothers. Part of the Livewire Classic series. |
| Tidal Waves |
By Sandra Woodcock |
Tidal waves destroy everything in their path. What causes them and where do they occur? Part of the Livewire Investigates series |
Feel the heat! Volcanoes |
By Sandra Woodcock |
What would it be like to live by a volcano? Is there any warning before an eruption? Part of the Livewire Investigates series
|
| Mahatma Gandhi |
By Mike Wilson |
Read about the amazing life of this world-famous holy man. Part of the Livewire Real Lives series
|
| Shakespeare |
By Brandon Bradshaw and Rochelle Scholar |
This book tells the story of his life and describes some of his most famous plays. Part of the Livewire Real Lives Series
|
| Folens Spellchecker with rules |
By Edwin Rankin |
Lists commonly misspelled words and provides spelling rules for each of these words. |
| Put It Right - Spelling Made Easy |
By Violet Brand |
Proof reading passages to assess spelling difficulties. |
| Basic English Dictionary |
Peter Collins Publishing |
Example sentences, clear definitions and pronunciation guides. |
| Elementary Learner's Dictionary |
Published by Oxford |
Specially developed as a practical first dictionary for learners of English. |
| English Language Skills |
By Vera Hughes |
Help to remember the basic rules of spelling, grammar and punctuation. |
| Vocabulary in practice 1 |
By Glennis Pye |
30 units of self-study vocabulary exercises with tests. |
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Sound and vision
Kirklees libraries stock a wide range of audio-visual material suitable for anyone with basic skills. Talking books, videos and DVDs can be used to promote and support reading.
Gate House packs include a story and cassette. The dual language packs cover a range of familiar situations or traditional stories and are free of charge. Titles include:
- First day at college
- The best of both worlds
- New home, hard work.
The stories are in Gujerati, Punjabi, Hindi, Bengali or Bangladeshi.
All audio-visual material is discounted for Kirklees Passport holders.
Online
Learndirect basic skills online courses can be accessed at the Dewsbury Learning Exchange in Dewsbury library.
Information for tutors
If you are a basic skills tutor and you would like to arrange a tour of any Kirklees library, please get in touch. This can be an opportunity for students to join the library and browse the stock. Tutors may also be interested in some of the reader development and I.T. activities which can be arranged for basic skills groups.
For more details contact judith.robinson@kirklees.gov.uk
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