Join a Study Group and Take an Online Course

Attention: This post is over 2 years old and the information may be out of date.Attention: This post is over 2 years old and the information may be out of date.

Join our study groups to gain new skills and connect with others in your community while learning something together in the library.

We’re partnering with Peer 2 Peer University to host study groups to support learners who want to complete online courses together, in-person at the library. Each course lasts about six weeks.

Register online for the following courses:

Beginner's Guide to Academic Writing

Learn how to develop your writing skills, vocabulary and grammar.

  • Roosevelt: 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Mondays; May 9 to June 13

Career Edge: Resume, Networking and Interview Skills

Get the job you want with compelling resume writing and focused interview preparation.

  • Coleman: 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Tuesdays; April 26 to May 31
  • Douglass: 1 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. Mondays; April 4 to May 9
  • Thurgood Marshall: 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. Fridays; April 8 to May 13

Finance for Everyone: Smart Tools for Decision Making

In this introduction to finance, learn to apply smart tools for understanding and making everyday decisions.

  • Back of the Yards: 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Wednesdays; April 6 to May 11
  • Harold Washington Library Center: 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Tuesdays; April 5 to May 10

Introduction to Public Speaking

Learn the principles of public speaking by critically examining your own and others’ speeches through interactive practice.

  • Toman: 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Mondays; April 4 to May 9
  • Woodson Regional Library: 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Thursdays; April 7 to May 12

Make a Website

Learn how to convert digital design mockups into static webpages. You’ll also learn how to approach page layout and how to break down a design mockup into page elements.

  • Greater Grand Crossing: 4:30 p.m. to 6 p.m. Mondays; April 11 to May 16
  • Walker: 1 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. Tuesdays; April 12 to May 10

Pre-College English

Learn skills for active reading and analytic writing. Get an introduction to expository essays and a review of the rules and conventions of standard written English.

  • Albany Park: 5 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. Tuesdays; April 19 to May 24
  • Daley, Richard M.-W Humboldt: 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Wednesdays; April 6 to May 18

Start Writing Fiction

Learn how to get started with your own fiction writing, focusing on the central skill of creating characters.

  • Vodak-East Side: 4 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. Tuesdays; April 5 to May 24
  • West Town: 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Tuesdays; April 5 to May 10

Try College 101

Develop basic academic, professional and personal skills you'll need to be successful in college.

  • Harold Washington Library Center: 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. Thursdays; April 21 to May 26

Additional Information

We’ve designed the course time so you gain experience giving and receiving feedback, working in groups and feeling comfortable working online.

  • The courses will run for about six weeks.
  • We’ll provide computers and all necessary course materials.
  • A library facilitator will guide your study group through the materials.
  • You can always slow down or speed up your own pace, as all materials are online throughout the course.
  • Most courses are designed so you can complete the work during each week’s meeting. But we encourage you to stay engaged during the rest of the week. See individual course listings for more details.
  • You’ll receive a certificate from P2PU and CPL at the end of the course.