I was thinking of the best way to start the year is to invest on personal growth through constant learning.
Then I remember what Paulo Coelho wrote in the book Alchemist.
And, when you want something, all the universe conspires in helping you to achieve it.
True enough. Lynda.com and the Calgary Public Library have made the Calgarians dream come true.
You can access free online courses on Lynda.com if you are a member of Calgary Public Library.
I was so ecstatic when I learned the news on social media though I can’t remember whether it’s on Twitter or Facebook. (That’s the perks of following organizations promoting constant learning, so flood your feeds with brilliant ideas.)
I’ve been wanting to try Lynda.com but haven’t done so since I also have course-to-take lists on Coursera, Udacity, and Udemy.
In spite of amazement with doubt if it’s really happening, I gave it a try.
Before I knew it, I have a playlist of courses I want to take. My favourite so far is the Learning Paths: Become a Photographer.
What can I say other than THANK YOU to the Calgary Public Library and Lynda.com, I can use my time wisely and so are you.
In this post I’ll show you how to learn from free online courses on Lynda with your CPL card.
How to Get a Free Membership on Calgary Public Library
You can apply for a Calgary Public Library card if you are a resident of Calgary.
If you have a card already then move on to the next topic. Otherwise choose ANY from the following options on how to get a CPL card:
- Register online for a Calgary Public Library membership
- Visit any Calgary Public Library. Make sure to bring a photo ID. The most accessible library, I would suggest to anyone is the Central Library located at the City Hall Station. (FYI: The New Central Library is being built across the Central Library.)
You will get to choose the design of the library card that you want. Choose wisely because you’ll own it for eternity unless it got lost.
Tip: Take a photograph of the back of the card and use the Calgary Public Library app (iOS and Android) by BiblioCommons. You can use both in borrowing items in the library while the card is stashed somewhere in your house.
How to Access Lynda.com with Calgary Public Library Card
Now that you have the card let’s get started. (Don’t forget to live in the comment what are the courses that interest you the most.)
Go to Lynda.com and login using your CPL card.
Note: You have to use the link above to access Lynda.com for free. Otherwise, you’ll have to sign up as a paid member.
Save the link on your mobile phone, tablet, and desktop so you can learn anytime and anywhere . . . as long as your online.
Other Free Courses for CPL Member
Before you go and get confused on which course to take first on Lynda.com, I have to let you know that there are still MORE free online courses as a member of Calgary Public Library such as the following:
- Gale Courses (two courses a year)
- Rosetta Stone
- Mango Languages
- My Canada
- Road to IELTS
The list of courses may add up later on so keep on checking.
I’ve taken a couple of Gale courses and I’m looking forward to review for the Citizenship exam through My Canada. And I’m saving Rosetta Stone in learning Spanish other than watching Dora the Explorer.
As you can see, I’m taking advantage of my Calgary Public Library membership. I love all the free stuff from the library.
I wonder what are the future free online courses that a CPL member will have access to? (Suggestion: Coursera, Treehouse etc.)
Let me know which courses on Lynda.com you like the most in the comment.
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