If you’ve been thinking about starting college, going back to school, or simply exercising your intellect with some higher learning, the Louisville Free Public Library has a new program to help you make up (and bulk up) your mind. MyLibraryU features free college-level and college prep courses that allow adults and high school students to explore the world of post-secondary education. Three types of courses are offered: Library Short Courses, Massive Open Online Courses, and ACT/SAT Prep Courses.
The Library Short Courses are non-credit, college-level classes that meet at the Main Library one evening a week for four to five weeks. The local professors teaching the courses will provide a syllabus with suggested readings and assignments, but won’t require any testing or evaluation. The courses are open to all regardless of academic background.
Three Library Short Courses are currently scheduled:
The Known Universe, taught by Jefferson Community and Technical College instructor Christopher M. Graney, meeting September 12, 19, 26 and October 3, 10 from 5:45 to 7:15 pm.
Music in the Black Church, taught by Bellarmine University music professor Dr. A.T. Simpson, Jr., meeting October 9, 16, 23, 30 from 5:45 to 7:15 pm.
The U.S. Constitution, taught by University of Louisville political science professor Dr. Jasmine Farrier, meeting October 17, 22, 29 and November 7 from 5:45 to 7:00 pm.
MyLibraryU also provides access to free Massive Open Online Courses (MOOCs). These digital courses are not necessarily for credit but offer the opportunity to study under respected instructors at distinguished universities including MIT, Stanford and Harvard. They can be accessed from home or the library. The Main library will be offering on-site classes to demonstrate how to enroll and participate in the MOOCs. These classes will be held: September 12, 6:00-7:00 pm; September 26, 9:30-10:30 am; October 10, 6:00-7:00 pm; and October 31, 9:30-10:30 am.
Finally, for those hoping to apply to college in the near future, MyLibraryU offers free ACT and SAT Prep Courses. The classes include testing strategies and tips sessions, online practice tools and a full ACT paper practice test.
For more information on any of these courses, visit www.lfpl.org/MyLibraryU.
Personally, I’m going to start small and just try to comprehend The Known Universe.
Photo: Courtesy of Louisville Free Public Library
