Explore 6 Free Courses at Calgary Public Library This Winter

The Calgary Public Library is providing residents with the opportunity to enhance their skills this winter through a range of free courses. Accessible at all of its 22 branches, anyone with a library card can participate in these interactive, instructor-led sessions. The courses run for six weeks, catering to both beginners and those looking to refine their existing skills.

Course Offerings for Diverse Learners

Among the various courses available, participants can choose from several topics designed to engage and educate.

Accounting Fundamentals teaches the essentials of double-entry bookkeeping, guiding learners on how to analyze and record financial transactions. The curriculum covers important areas such as accounts receivable, accounts payable, payroll procedures, sales taxes, and common banking activities. This course is ideal for individuals interested in gaining foundational knowledge in financial management.

Another valuable offering is the Discover Sign Language course, which introduces participants to American Sign Language (ASL). Students will learn to finger spell the alphabet, sign various colors, numbers, objects, and family members. This course is designed to facilitate communication with the Deaf community and enrich participants’ vocabulary for everyday conversations.

For those interested in finance, the Stocks, Bonds, and Investing: Oh, My! course provides insights into the fundamentals of investing. Participants will explore stock markets, 401(k) plans, and retirement strategies, while also addressing common personal finance issues that often go unnoticed.

Enhancing Communication and Technical Skills

Writers looking to develop their craft can enroll in the Beginning Writer’s Workshop. This course helps aspiring authors create their own pieces, offering guidance on literary techniques, peer review processes, and constructive criticism. Participants will navigate the journey from the prewriting stage through to editing and final revisions.

Another noteworthy course is Mastering Public Speaking, which equips participants with the skills to speak confidently and persuasively in front of both small and large audiences. The curriculum includes strategies for planning and delivering presentations, managing anxiety, and effectively utilizing both verbal and nonverbal communication.

Lastly, the Introduction to Microsoft Excel 365 course provides a robust foundation in navigating Excel’s features. Participants will learn to organize data, create professional spreadsheets, and generate insightful visualizations, all aimed at maximizing efficiency in their work.

The Calgary Public Library also offers access to all courses available on LinkedIn Learning, free of charge for library cardholders.

Those interested can obtain a library card online or at any Calgary Public Library branch. With these courses, the library continues to serve as a vital educational resource for the community, encouraging lifelong learning and personal development.