Language, Culture, and Community
For Language Learners and new friends from distant places
Brooks Memorial Library celebrates the many cultures that enrich our community. We collaborate with cultural, educational, and service agencies in Brattleboro and throughout Vermont. Here are some of our resources.
Start with a library card
You don’t need a card to visit the library. People come to read, ask questions, attend programs, use computers, and much more.
But with a library card, you can borrow things like books, kitchen tools, and free passes to museums and parks. You can also use the special online and mobile resources on this page. The services that require a library card are marked with an asterisk. *
Language learning and practice
Lessons in 70+ languages, accessible on a computer or through the Mango mobile app. Mango is especially strong in English and Spanish. Free with a library card.
Mango Tip: for Spanish speakers learning English, Mango has a special set of lessons focused on job applications and business.
*Kanopy Movie Database
Practice language skills with movies! Enjoy free films from many countries. Includes Kanopy Kids for children’s movies. Kanopy lets you search by language. Kanopy Tips
Career skills and exam practice: video courses
Free classes: core skills, resumes, and exams
Self-paced instruction in core skills, including preparation for the TOEFL, IELTS, and many other exams. Includes easy online tools for writing resumes and preparing for job interviews. Free with a library card.
Free classes: sharpen your career and tech skills
Video instruction to explore and expand your knowledge in many career fields. Prepare for exams, including detailed courses for the TOEFL and IELTS (International English Language Testing System). Free with a library card.
Udemy is funded with support from the federal Institute for Museum and Library Services
Living in Vermont/USA: free resources
Vermont Language Justice Project
VLJP “allows people with language access needs the ability to make informed decisions about their health and safety as well as navigating everyday life in the USA. We do this by creating public service videos in 19 of the languages spoken here in Vermont. ” including a selection of legal and rights-based resources.
The Immigrant Legal Resource Center is a national organization based in California that maintains a Know Your Rights Toolkit to help community members stay safe under the law.
Library services and programs for all ages
The Children’s Room
All families are welcome in the Children’s Room!
Here are some things you can do:
- Read, play, and enjoy the library space.
- Meet our librarians, who will help you find what you need.
- *Borrow books, movies, and CDs.
- Browse the Welcoming Library shelves, which have picture books in many languages.
- Attend events for children and families, like Rhyme Time, Sing & Dance with Robin, Legopalooza, and many more all through the year.
- Take home a craft bag with materials to make a craft at home.
International Community in Brattleboro
Supporting refugee families in Southern Vermont https://ecdcvt.org/
“We provide comprehensive support to help refugees build stable, independent lives in their new communities. Our services include housing assistance, access to medical care, referrals for employment support, English language (ELL) classes, Cultural Orientation (CO), and connections to essential community partners and resources. Through these programs, we empower individuals and families to navigate their new environment, integrate into the community, and achieve long-term self-sufficiency.”
VAL offers FREE individualized instruction via classroom, small group and 1:1 tutoring in the following areas:
- English Language Learning (ELL)
- Essential Skills (Reading, Writing, Grammar, Math, Digital Literacy)
- High School Completion
- General Equivalency Diploma (GED)
- Workforce Readiness and Development
- Transition to College and Career Readiness
(802) 257-9449
info@vtadultlearning.org
Text VAL to 33-900-0907
- Monday-Thursday, 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
- Friday: By Appointment
Questions? We’re happy to help.
