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ESL: Find Books

A guide to English as a Second Language (ESL) materials and resources in the Library.

Search for Books in the Library

Use the library catalog to find materials that the library owns.

Try using the search terms below to find ESL materials in the library. You may also enter the search terms in any other database of your choosing. Try different combinations of these terms to find more results or to narrow in on your topic.

  • English language
  • English language--Conversation and phrase books
  • English language--Examinations--Study guides
  • English language--Grammar--Handbooks, manuals, etc.
  • English language--Grammar--Problems and exercises, etc.
  • English language--Idioms--Problems, exercises, etc.
  • English Language--Study and teaching--Foreign speakers
  • English language--Textbooks for foreign speakers
  • English language--Usage--Handbooks, manuals, etc.
  • Language and languages
  • Language and languages—Dictionaries
  • Language and languages--Foreign words and phrases
  • Test of English as a Foreign Language Study guides
  • Vocabulary
  • Basic English
Search Tips:
* Use the search options to your advantage! If you are searching for an ESL book on idioms you can search for "English language--Idioms," change the drop down from "keyword" to "subject." This way you will get results that include idioms as a subject.

* Use the options on the left of the search box the same way. Perhaps you want a book written by Charles Dickens.  In the search box line, change "keyword" to "Author" and type Charles Dickens into the search box.

​​​​​​​* Choose books available only at Harper College or broaden your search to “All I-Share Libraries” in the location section.

 

I-Share and Interlibrary Loan

Not finding what you're looking for in the Library catalog, or is the book you want already checked out? Repeat your search in the I-Share Libraries catalog by selecting "All I-SHARE LIBRARIES SEARCH" at the top of your screen

Screenshot of navigation on library catalog with a red arrow pointing to "All I-Share Libraries Search."

When you find what you're looking for, click on the item title and "Request First Available" in the catalog record. Note: You will need to create a free account with your Harper College ID the first time you use I-Share.

ESL Books in the Library

For general books about ESL, browse the shelves at the following Library of Congress call numbers:

  • PE1 - PE3729 in for English Language
  • PE1001-1693  for Modern English
  • PE1700-3602 for Dialects
  • PE3701-3729 for Slang etc.

Below are just a few of the hundreds of ESL books in the Library's collection: