County Library System Announces the PGCMLS Academy

The PG County Memorial Library System recently announced its PGCMLS Academy, an online format for developing job skills including basic computer, CISCO networking, Microsoft Office basics, and information literacy.

Libraries were created to provide open access to knowledge. For years, the PGCMLS has provided tutors, homework help, and courses. Too often it is underutilized; walk through any branch after school hours and note the number of games and music videos displayed on the computer screens or the number of students focused on socializing.

Consider the amount of resources available there that can have a young person on the way to a viable career before graduating from high school! For those who are under- or un-employed, or for those who simply want to learn something new, the County library's website is an inexpensive, readily accessible option.

For example, Lynda.com (a leading online learning company) is generally offered through an employer or purchased by an individual through a system such as LinkedIn Learning. But at the library, it's free. All that's needed is a library card. And that's also free.

Other assistance available with a card: live tutoring, online high school, college prep, language courses, and skill builders. Access to encyclopedic and magazine databases usually only accessed by subscription are also available at no cost.

Libraries of the 21st century do more than hold books and film, they ride the technology wave, making knowledge, information, and recreation easily accessible to County residents. Public libraries - a wise use of tax dollars. www.pgcmls.info