Learn Guitar, Final Cut Pro, Project Management Online Courses Offered Free Through the Boston Public Library

Today, the Boston Public Library announced that all BPL card holders now have access to more than 300 free online learning classes. The web-based, instructor-led courses from Gale Courses, are six-week classes for personal and professional development, some with accreditation, and covering topics ranging from project management to guitar from grant writing to programs like Excel and cutting-edge video editing software Final Cut Pro X.

“The Boston Public Library was founded on the principle of ‘Free to All, and to serve the advancement of learning,’” said David Leonard, Interim President of the Boston Public Library. “These high-quality courses explore a breadth of topics for both professional and personal development. This is the next stage in the evolution of our educational and innovation mission, and also puts often out of reach skills in the hands of the many job seekers who use the library today.”

“Gale Courses are a great complement to our existing resources offered online and in person, and are a perfect fit for those passionate about acquiring new skills that can enrich their lives,” said Gianna Gifford, Manager of Reference and Instruction Services.

Boston Public Library card and eCard holders can access these free courses online instantly at any time and from anywhere. Each course runs for six weeks with a new set of sessions beginning every month. Two lessons are released each week, and students will complete 20 to 24 course-hours over the six-week period. A professional instructor coordinates every course by pacing participants, answering questions, providing feedback, facilitating discussions, and assigning quizzes and coursework. At the end of each class, students can download a record of completion. Nineteen of the available courses offer accredited continuing education courses.

Card holders can use their account numbers to log in and sign up for classes via http://education.gale.com/l-bostonpl/. The next set of classes start November 11, 2015. To learn how to sign up for a Boston Public Library card or eCard, visit http://bit.ly/BPLgetcarded.

Course Highlights include:

• Accounting and Finance
  • Introduction to Microsoft Excel 2013
  • Keyboarding
  • Blogging and podcasting for beginners
  • Introduction to Programming
• Business
  • Business Communication
  • Nonprofit Fundraising Essentials
  • Grant Writing
• Computer Applications
  • Introduction to Photoshop CS6
  • Introduction to Illustrator CS6
• Design and Composition
  • Creating WordPress Websites
  • Intermediate Flash CS6
• Healthcare & Medical
  • Certificate in Meditation
  • Certificate in Stress Management
• Language and Arts
  • Digital Photography
  • Sign Language
  • Magazine Writing
• Law and Legal
  • Employment Law Fundamentals
  • LSAT Preparation
• Personal Development
  • Digital Photography
  • Real Estate Investing
• Teaching and Education
  • Common Core Standards for ELA K-5
  • Introduction to Algebra
• Technology
  • Microsoft Access 2007
  • Intermediate Oracle
• Writing and Publishing
  • How to Make Money from Writing
  • Mystery Writing

About BOSTON PUBLIC LIBRARY

Boston Public Library has a Central Library, twenty-four branches, map center, business library, and a website filled with digital content and services. Established in 1848, the Boston Public Library has pioneered public library service in America. It was the first large free municipal library in the United States, the first public library to lend books, the first to have a branch library, and the first to have a children’s room. Each year, the Boston Public Library hosts thousands of programs and serves millions of people. All of its programs and exhibitions are free and open to the public. At the Boston Public Library, books are just the beginning. To learn more, visit bpl.org.