Educator Resources for English Language Learners (ELL)
Read-along Books
These resources allow kids to hear stories along with seeing text. While meant for everyone, these books can be especially helpful with English Language Learners.
- VOX Books titles in our catalog
- Wonderbook titles in our catalog
- All juvenile read-along titles in our catalog
- Our OverDrive/Libby collection: OverDrive Read-along titles or search Libby for “read-along”
High/Low Books
These books feature simpler sentence structures, frequent word repetition and commonly used vocabulary, and address mature, age-appropriate themes that resonate with older youth, teens, and adults. High/low books are engaging, motivating, and support English Language Learners in building confidence and fluency, while providing dignified, age-respectful reading options that avoid stigmatization.
- Lexile Measure 540L (around 3rd grade reading level) or lower
- Lexile Measure 770L (around 4th grade reading level) or lower
Exam Preparation Books
The Buffalo & Erie County Public Library has books to help patrons prepare for various English proficiency exams. Through NOVELny we also have access to Peterson’s Test & Career Prep, available from our Database page (same material. You will need to enter your Library card number at Peterson’s Test & Career Prep in order to access this database.
Events and Resources
Subject Guide
The Immigrants, Refugees and Non-native Speakers library subject guide has many websites, local nonprofits and databases that can help English Language Learners. These resources have been vetted by librarians on staff.
English Language Learner Events
Some Library locations have special events for English Language Learners where they can practice using English. Other events that may help are book clubs and social events that are held throughout the system.
Library Card Applications
Buffalo & Erie County Public Library has card applications in various languages. These can be printed out and shared.