Adult learners can now access more than 100 free online classes through Austin Public Library.

The library is working with a company called Gale, which provides classes and books to libraries. Library Director Ann Hokanson said the library has had a longstanding relationship with Gale and organizers were excited to start the courses.

“This is something new that they were offering to libraries,” Hokanson said. “And we are always interested in reaching people where they live and work, because it’s an added convenience for people.”

The free classes are based for adult learners and include courses in computer fundamentals, database management, grant writing, personal finance, writing and publishing, business, technology, teaching and education, personal development, law and legal, design and composition, healthcare and medical, and language and arts.

“It’s more ongoing professional development and personal enrichment,” Hokanson said. “So that ongoing, lifelong learning that is an important part of what public libraries do for their communities.”

Hokanson said the program has only been available for a few weeks, and while she hasn’t heard much feedback yet, she is excited to see where the program will lead.

“I’m really excited,” she said. “I’m dying to hear a success story, but it’s so new that we just don’t have that yet.”

Anyone with an Austin Public Library card can access the classes either at the library or through the library’s website, www.austinpubliclibrary.org.

Participants can sign up for a class whenever they like, though there are specific start dates. The courses are self-directed and users have six weeks to complete a course, after which they will get an award of completion.

“I think it’s the future,” Hokanson said. “I think that libraries have always been and will always be a resource for people to continue to learn and this is just the next format, the next way that we can complete our mission.”

Though the courses are designed with adult learners in mind, and Hokanson noted there are many courses available that would be more appealing for children and teens. Hokanson hopes the classes will help people be more successful in their daily lives.

“I think that Austin needs to stay current with new technologies and new resources,” Hokanson said. “Because it’s a global economy, and we need to be as competitive and as prepared as we can be.”