The library has so much more to offer than just books, especially given that there are a bunch of fun courses you can take — and they’re free!
There are tons of interactive and instructor-led online Gale courses available, from lessons in accounting and finance to language and arts.
Whether you’re looking to start a new career or want to pick up some new general knowledge, there is something for everyone.
Here are five of the best courses available for free with your Calgary Library card.
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With Canada’s cost-of-living crisis, having a side hustle doesn’t hurt. Well, you can make your small business dreams come true with the Gale course at the CPL. You’ll learn everything you need to know, from picking the right opportunities to learning marketing techniques and different ways to finance your business.
Duration: Six weeks
Hours: 24 hours
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If you’ve always wanted to learn how to play an instrument but don’t yet have the funds to pay for lessons, you can start with the CPL’s introductory guitar course. In these lessons, you’ll learn how to build your guitar skills with a series of hands-on exercises, audio and video recordings, and detailed illustrations.
Duration: Six weeks
Hours: 24 hours
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Use your library card to learn a rewarding new communication skill: American Sign Language (ASL). In this course, students will learn how to fingerspell the alphabet and sign colours, numbers, objects, and family members, which will “enable them to engage in meaningful conversations with members of the Deaf community.”
Duration: Six weeks
Hours: 24 hours
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Learning how to become better with money is an invaluable skill, and the Gale course on stocks, bonds, and investing is here to help. This course will act as a beginner’s guide in preparing students for financial tasks, such as saving for retirement, paying for college, or managing personal finances. It might sound daunting, but this course has so many benefits that it’s worth the learning curve!
Duration: Six weeks
Hours: 24 hours
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If you’re struggling with writing succinct business emails without using our AI friend ChatGPT, it could be worth taking the writing essentials course at the CPL. This course will help you master the essentials of writing and improve your literary talents so you can better express yourself with your words, both personally and professionally.
Duration: Six weeks
Hours: 24 hours