Free online courses open to library card holders

By Eileen Persike

Editor

A free library card from the Rhinelander District Library has always represented opportunity to explore, learn, and be entertained. Available now with that same card are interactive instructor-led online courses, free to library card holders in good standing.

Called Gale Courses, they are offered through the Wisconsin Valley Library Service for anyone who wishes to learn or brush up on skills, explore an area of interest, or even earn a certification in a particular career field.

“There are so many interesting classes, but I would recommend committing to just one class,” said Rhinelander District Library Director Virginia Roberts. “You have to have regular access to a computer and be disciplined to make it work.”

Roberts said funding for the Gale Courses is made possible by an increase in the 2017 Department of Public Instruction budget, to further the WVLS partnership with the Department of Workforce Development.

“We already provide workforce development,” Roberts said. “The state-provided database Badgerlink is available through our website, which provides resources such as magazines, testing materials and newspapers. The Gale Courses will enhance those efforts.”

There are over 375 classes available online, including topics such as writing and publishing, accounting and finance, language and arts, law and legal and personal development. The courses run for six weeks and new sessions begin every month. For more information and to look at classes visit www.rhinelanderlibrary.org and click on the “Lifelong Learning” widget on the bottom of the homepage.