The Toronto Public Library has joined library systems in Winnipeg, Hamilton, Edmonton, Vancouver, and elsewhere in offering free access to online tutorials via Lynda.com to library cardholders.

The California-based education tool offers thousands of  video tutorials by industry experts on topics varying from photography and graphic design to business, computer skills, and more. Joanne Bar, the TPL’s senior collections specialist, says the partnership is part of the library’s ongoing commitment to provide access to a variety of online resources.

“We see online learning as an increasingly important service for libraries to provide equitable access to education and upgrading skills,” Bar says. “It’s a great tool that has access to over 3,500 tutorials. You can take just a little snippet or take an entire course.”

To access, TPL patrons can visit the library’s Lynda.com page and log in with their library card number and PIN. The program forms an account for each user that tracks progress and awards certificates of completion.

“It’s very exciting and easy to use, so we hope it will be popular. Customers have been asking for this type of online resource,” Bar says. “It’s great to be able to offer it and support lifelong learning.”