Universal Class

Over 500 Continuing Education Courses - Universal Class Learn skills for business and life!

Universal Class offers more than 600 lifelong-learning courses in 35 subject areas—many of which offer continuing education units (CEUs) accredited by International Accreditors for Continuing Education and Training (IACET). Courses are designed and led by professional instructors through a variety of mediums including videos, assignments, quizzes, tests, and interactive opportunities with other learners. Real, human instructors grade assignments and provide feedback to build deeper understanding and mastery of the subject matter.

With subject areas like Arts & Music, Cooking, Computers & Technology, Exercise & Fitness, Entrepreneurship, Health & Medicine, Home & Garden, Homeschooling, Job Assistance, Law & Legal, Parenting & Family, Pet & Animal Care, and more, Universal Class is a great choice for both serious students and casual learners. You can take multiple classes and learn at your own pace. Simply register once with your BCPL library card, then continue to access Universal Class over and over with the e-mail and password you use to set up your account.

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A wide variety of courses span everything from homeschool courses for the kids (and parents) to business and accounting to dozens of cooking, baking, arts & crafts, and gardening courses. Examples include:

  • Advanced Dog Training
    AREAS OF STUDYclick to enlarge
  • Building Self-Esteem
  • Buying & Selling Antiques & Collectibles
  • Debt Reduction
  • Dream Interpretation
  • Gender Sensitivity Training
  • Haunted Places
  • Interview Skills
  • Introduction to Six Sigma
  • Memory Improvement
  • Retirement Planning
  • Single Parenting 101
  • Solving Classroom Discipline Problems
  • UFO Studies
  • US Citizenship Test Preparation
  • Weight Loss Management
  • Hundreds more!

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New York Times Digital

New York Times devices Understand the world. Navigate life.
Access The New York Times here.

Whether you’re managing finances, tackling tough parenting problems, or simply looking to make sense of this moment, rely on original, quality journalism from The New York Times to lead the way. It’s an essential source for fearless reporting, varied perspectives, and practical advice on nearly every topic—from the vital issues shaping our world to the simple pleasures that make everyday life better.

  • The New York Times Digital subscription provides unlimited access to current New York Times articles but does not include New York Times Cooking or Crosswords.
  • Selected articles are also available in Spanish and Chinese.

ACCESS INSTRUCTIONS
*Please note, the READ ON link on NYTimes.com leads to a newsletter subscription page. However, you can bypass or navigate away to explore all that the New York Times Digital subscription has to offer!

Inside the library:

  1. Use a BCPL computer or connect your device to our Wi-Fi.
  2. Register or log in at nytimes.com/register.
  3. You can now enjoy unlimited access to NYTimes.com on any device during your visit.

Outside the library:

Claim your digital access code for full, 24-hour access to unlimited articles on NYTimes.com or in the New York Times app.

AtoZdatabases

AtoZdatabases is a premier online reference and research tool providing library cardholders instant, up-to-date information on US businesses and residents, including marketing and sales leads; mailing lists; employment opportunities; background searches; and profiles on companies, executives, and healthcare professionals. Database search results and lists can be easily and conveniently downloaded, printed, or e-mailed in Excel, CSV, or PDF formats.

Plus, use Platinum Search to find or search by historical addresses, attend live training webinars with AtoZ University, or send your own marketing e-mails for free with pre-designed templates for events like family reunions, youth sports, or wedding announcements.

For Business:

  • Access profiles on over 30 million companies and executives
  • Perform industry research, find competitor information, and more with the US Business database
  • Search over 240 million residents to compile mailing lists or perform market research including income, household, and lifestyle data
  • Discover over 12 million new movers or 2 million new homeowners

For Job Seekers:

  • Search the database of over 7 million real-time job listings, powered by Indeed
  • Discover full-time, part-time, internship, temporary, and contract opportunities
  • Find resumé and cover letter templates and examples
  • Get interview tips, including how-to videos
  • Pinpoint local companies in your desired industry
  • Do your research; access company and executive profiles to identify human resources contacts and prepare for interviews

Plus:

  • Locate friends and family, including addresses and phone numbers
  • Research home market values and neighbors in the US Residents database before buying or selling a home
  • Perform background and criminal checks
  • Search for and view profiles for over 12 million healthcare professionals
  • Send free group e-mails using pre-designed templates
  • And more!

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Legal Information Source

Image who's a man an woman in business suits looking at legal documents. Text reads "EBSCO Legal Information Source" Legal Information Reference Center is an EBSCOhost database specifically geared to help everyday citizens understand the complex world of law, providing the necessary tools and detailed how-to instructions to navigate wide range of legal issues. A majority of the full-text legal reference books are provided through Nolo, the nation’s oldest and most respected provider of legal information for consumers and small businesses. Plus, with the Legal Forms by U.S. State feature, you can search state-specific legal forms by top subject areas.

Covered legal topics include:

  • Adoption
  • Bankruptcy
  • Businesses & corporations
  • Child custody
  • Criminal law
  • Divorce
  • Estate planning
  • Family law
  • Immigration
  • Name changes
  • Patents, copyrights & trademarks
  • Property and real estate
  • Rights and disputes
  • Small claims court
  • And more

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Auto Repair Source

Auto Repair Source square Powered by the automotive experts at MOTOR, Auto Repair Source provides the most accurate, authoritative and up-to-date service and repair information for thousands of domestic and imported vehicles. All content comes from the Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEM) and includes step-by-step repair information, diagrams, maintenance schedules, parts and labor estimates, service bulletins, and recalls. A valid library card is required for use outside a BCPL library location. Get started with Auto Repair Source now »

Small Engine Repair Source

Image shows someone working on a lawnmower repair

Offers assistance in providing routine maintenance (tune-ups, brake service) as well as extensive repairs (engine and transmission disassembly) for small engines such as those for boats, chainsaws, lawnmowers, and tractors. Search by product type, brand, model/engine type, specific area of model/engine type, and model numbers. A valid library card is required for use outside a BCPL library location.

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Consumer Health Complete

Consumer Health Complete

Searches the latest evidence-based reports, encyclopedias, reference books, and medical research. Provides content covering all areas of health and wellness from mainstream to holistic and integrated medicine. Use the EBSCOhost—Home Access portal for remote access; a valid library card is required for use outside a BCPL library location.

Explore Consumer Health Complete