Learn Something New in 2016

by April Everett Rowan Public Library

The early Roman calendar designated March 1 as the “New Year”.  In fact, the month of January did not exist until around 700 B.C., and the first time the new year was celebrated on January 1 was in 153 B.C.  It is believed the Babylonians were the first to make New Year’s resolutions.  Early Christians believed the first day of year should be spent reflecting on past mistakes and resolving to make improvements in the coming year.  

Whether your resolution is to eat healthier, learn to play the guitar, or try your hand at web design, Rowan Public Library has a course for you!  We offer more than 300 courses that are accessible anywhere online, 24/7 through our subscription to Gale Courses, a premium online learning program with well-crafted lessons and expert online instruction--free to anyone with a library card!       

Gain valuable knowledge you can immediately apply to your life or on the job.  There are hundreds of courses designed to improve skills in the workplace including:

· Computer Skills for the Workplace

· Introduction to Microsoft Word, Excel... (intermediate courses available)

· Project Management Fundamentals

· Effective Business Writing

· Administrative Assistant Fundamentals

· Fundamentals of Supervision and Management

· Introduction to Windows 7

· Keys to Effective Communication

· Mastering Public Speaking

· Creating Web Pages

There are also a number of courses for personal enrichment including:

· Luscious, Low-Fat, Lightning-Quick Meals

· Secrets of Better Photography

· Write Your Life Story (memoir writing)

· Marriage and Relationships: Keys to Success

· Assisting Aging Parents

· Introduction to Photoshop

· Drawing for the Absolute Beginner

· Start Your Own Edible Garden

· Introduction to Guitar

· Discover Sign Language

To get started visit www.rowanpubliclibrary.org and click on Gale Courses. You will need your Rowan Public Library card and PIN to register.  If you don’t know your PIN, call or stop by your local library branch and we can reset it for you.

RPL Headquarters, 201 W. Fisher St, Salisbury

704-216-8228

South Rowan Regional, 920 Kimball Rd, China Grove

704-216-7727

RPL East Branch, 110 Broad St, Rockwell

704-216-7838

Fast Facts about Gale Courses

·         Each course lasts six weeks and has twelve lessons total 

·         Two lessons are released each week, and you have two weeks to complete each one

·         Courses are asynchronous, meaning that you can complete lessons on your own time at your own pace

·         If you complete the test at the end of the course, you will receive a certificate of completion certifying that you completed 24.0 contact hours of continuing education

·         There is no formal college credit for taking a course

·         You may take multiple courses at one time

·         You may demo any course before enrolling, which will allow you to see the online classroom and sample the first lesson.

·         Instructors are professionals working in the field, and are responsive to students.

Upcoming course start dates:

January 13

February 10

March 16

April 13