Multicultural Services at the Library

Holroyd Library has special services available for people who speak languages other than English.

Non-English Language Collection

There is a range of resources in Arabic, Chinese and Vietnamese available at all libraries, including books, magazines, videos and CDs.

You can borrow an unlimited number of books and up to 10 magazines, 5 CDs and 5 DVDs at a time for four weeks (except videos which must be returned after two weeks). Before they are due you can renew your items providing they are not overdue or on reserve for another borrower.

Library staff can help you borrow a box of books from the State Library in one of more than 40 languages. You may place a request for books in your language by completing a form at any of the three libraries.

Books normally take about three weeks to arrive and you can collect them at your nearest library. You may borrow a total of five items, for a period of four weeks. Renewals are allowed, providing the items are not due for return to the State Library, overdue or reserved for another borrower.

Newspapers

Newspapers are available in a number of non-English languages at Merrylands Central Library. Languages available include Chinese, Vietnamese, Arabic, Maltese, Italian and Spanish.

These are not for loan and are for use inside Merrylands Library only.

Basic English Collection

This collection consists of books, kits, videos and readers in basic, intermediate and advanced levels for adults who are learning to speak, read and write English.There are also kits available to practice English exams. Kits include workbooks and either cassettes or videos.

Resources are also available for English language tutors. Most Basic English and literacy items may be borrowed for 4 weeks and may be renewed for a further 4 weeks, providing the items are not overdue or on reserve for another borrower. You may borrow as many Basic English and literacy items as you wish.

Basic English videos are available for a 2 week loan period and may also be renewed, providing the video is not overdue or on reserve.

English Conversation Classes

The library offers free English conversation classes on a weekly basis, during school term, at Merrylands Central Library.

These classes are aimed at persons from a non-English speaking background who wish to improve and develop their English language skills. There is no cost and bookings are not required.

Classes are held at Merrylands Central Library at the following times:

Monday 2pm - 4pm
Tuesday 10am - 12 noon
Wednesday 10am –12 noon
Wednesday 6pm – 8pm
Thursday 10am – 12 noon

Other Services

Information on other services that Holroyd Library provides is available in other languages.