The Jackson County Public Library now offers Gale Courses, which are free online classes from Gale, a Cengage company.

Through this unique program, library district residents can access instructor-led online courses through an Evergreen Indiana opt-in purchase.

“The mission at Jackson County Public Library is to help the community connect, learn and grow,” Library Director Julia Aker said in a news release. “With Gale Courses, many Jackson County residents can brush up on key workplace skills desired by employers but also expand their own personal development and enrichment. The course catalog offers something for everyone.”

Gale Courses offer library customers access to more than 350 instructor-led online courses, covering everything from health and wellness to creative writing, computer programming, business management, GED test preparation and more.

Library cardholders can enroll at no cost. Courses run for six weeks with two new lessons released weekly (12 lessons in total) and new classes beginning every month. The courses are entirely web-based with comprehensive lessons, quizzes and assignments. A dedicated college-level instructor coordinates every course by pacing learners, answering questions, giving feedback and facilitating discussions.

Jackson County Public Library district residents can enroll and participate in courses from home or use the library’s public computers if they don’t have access to one. For information about the catalog of courses offered or to enroll in a course, visit myjclibrary.org.

The direct link for Evergreen Indiana participating libraries is education.gale.com/l-evergreenin. A short video tutorial is available at support.gale.com/doc/courses-video1.

For information, contact Information Services Manager Janet Hensen at [email protected] or 812-405-1833.