Gain job-relevant skills through Brooklyn Public Library’s comprehensive professional certification programs like AI Essentials, Cybersecurity, UX Design and more.
With dedicated BPL staff guiding every step, you’ll have the support you need to earn industry-recognized credentials.
Attend an Info Session for more information. See dates here!
Enroll in a Digital Literacy Course
Brooklyn Public Library's free and Digital Skills and AI Literacy Program is designed to help Brooklyn residents build the technical and professional skills needed for career growth, financial stability, and long-term success. Receive industry recognized credentials through our Grow with Google Initiative.
- AI Essentials
5 Course Series | 4 hrs to Complete | Taught in English, 18 Languages Available
What You’ll Learn:
- Use generative Al tools to help develop ideas and content, make more informed decisions, and speed up daily work tasks
- Write clear and specific prompts to get the output you want. You'll apply prompting techniques to help summarize, create tag lines, and more
- Use Al responsibly by identifying AI's potential biases and avoiding harm
- Develop strategies to stay up-to-date in the emerging Landscape of Al
Careers Linked to AI:
- Cybersecurity analyst
- IT security analyst
- Data analyst
- Digital marketing specialist
- IT support technician
- Help desk technician
- Project manager
- UX designer
Earn a Career Certificate/College Credit:
Add this credential to your Professional Profile, resume, or CV. Share it on social media and in your performance review.
College credit not available at this time
- Cybersecurity
9 Course Series | ~6 months to Complete | Taught in English, 6 Languages Available
What You’ll Learn:
- Understand the importance of cybersecurity practices and their impact for organizations.
- Protect networks, devices, people, and data from unauthorized access and cyberattacks using Security Information and Event Management (SIEM) tools.
- Identify common risks, threats, and vulnerabilities, as well as techniques to mitigate them.
- Gain hands-on experience with Python, Linux, and SQL.
Careers Linked to Cybersecurity:
- Information Security Analyst
- Security Analyst
- Cyber Security Analyst
Earn a Career Certificate/College Credit:
Add this credential to your Professional Profile, resume, or CV. Share it on social media and in your performance review.
College credit available at participating schools like: Heriot-Watt University, Illinois Tech, Birla Institute of Technology & Science, Pilani, University of North Texas.
- UX Design
8 Course Series | ~6 months to Complete | Taught in English, 6 Languages Available
What You’ll Learn:
- Follow the design process: empathize with users, define pain points, ideate solutions, create wireframes and prototypes, test and iterate on designs
- Apply foundational UX concepts, like user-centered design, accessibility, and equity-focused design
- Understand the basics of UX research, like planning research studies, conducting interviews and usability studies, and synthesizing research results
- Create a professional UX portfolio, including end-to-end projects, so that you're ready to apply for jobs
Careers Linked to UX Design:
- UX Designer
- UI Developer
- UI/UX Designer
Earn a Career Certificate/College Credit:
Add this credential to your Professional Profile, resume, or CV. Share it on social media and in your performance review.
College credit available at participating schools like: Heriot-Watt University, Illinois Tech, O.P. Jindal Global University, Pilani, University of North Texas.
- Digital Marketing & E-commerce
8 Course Series | ~6 months to Complete | Taught in English, 6 Languages Available
What You’ll Learn:
- Learn the fundamentals of digital marketing and e-commerce to gain the skills needed to land an entry-level job
- Measure marketing performance through analytics and present insights
- Attract and engage customers through digital marketing channels like search and email
- Build e-commerce stores, analyze online performance, and grow customer loyalty
Careers Linked to Digital Marketing and E-Commerce:
- Marketing Coordinator
- Digital Marketing Specialist
- Marketing Associate
Earn a Career Certificate/College Credit:
Add this credential to your Professional Profile, resume, or CV. Share it on social media and in your performance review.
College credit available at participating schools like: Illinois Tech, University of London, University of Huddersfield
- IT Support
6 Course Series | ~3 months to Complete | Taught in English, 6 Languages Available
What You’ll Learn:
- Gain skills required to succeed in an entry-level IT job
- Learn how to provide end-to-end customer support, ranging from identifying problems to troubleshooting and debugging
- Learn to perform day-to-day IT support tasks including computer assembly, wireless networking, installing programs, and customer service
- Learn to use systems including Linux, Domain Name Systems, Command-Line Interface, and Binary Code
Careers Linked to IT Support:
- IT Support Specialist
- Help Desk Technician
- IT Support Technician
Earn a Career Certificate/College Credit:
Add this credential to your Professional Profile, resume, or CV. Share it on social media and in your performance review.
College credit available at participating schools like: Illinois Tech, University of North Texas., University of London
- Project Management
7 Course Series | ~6 months to Complete | Taught in English, 6 Languages Available
What You’ll Learn:
- Gain an immersive understanding of the practices and skills needed to succeed in an entry-level project management role
- Learn the foundations of Agile project management, with a focus on implementing Scrum events, building Scrum artifacts, and understanding Scrum roles
- Learn how to create effective project documentation and artifacts throughout the various phases of a project
- Practice strategic communication, problem-solving, and stakeholder management through real-world scenarios
Careers Linked to Project Management:
- Project Manager
- Project Director
- Implementation Manager
Earn a Career Certificate/College Credit:
Add this credential to your Professional Profile, resume, or CV. Share it on social media and in your performance review.
College credit available at participating schools like: Illinois Tech, University of North Texas., University of London, University of Huddersfield
- Data Analytics
9 Course Series | ~6 months to Complete | Taught in English, Video Subtitles Available
What You’ll Learn:
- Gain an immersive understanding of the practices and processes used by a junior or associate data analyst in their day-to-day job
- Understand how to clean and organize data for analysis, and complete analysis and calculations using spreadsheets, SQL and Python
- Learn key analytical skills (data cleaning, analysis, & visualization) and tools (spreadsheets, SQL, Python, Tableau)
- Learn how to visualize and present data findings in dashboards, presentations and commonly used visualization platforms
Careers Linked to Data Analytics:
- Data Analyst
- Business Systems Analyst
- Operations Analyst
Earn a Career Certificate/College Credit:
Add this credential to your Professional Profile, resume, or CV. Share it on social media and in your performance review.
College credit available at participating schools like: University of Leeds, Ball State University, Illinois Tech, O.P. Jindal Global University, University of North Texas, Heriot-Watt University
Additional Support
DSAIL CAREER MEET UPS: Hear insights from industry experts and peers. Study Hall sessions will be available for students to meet and study while currently enrolled in any Digital Literacy course. Take a look at our Upcoming Events below for more information.
COMPUTERS AVAILABLE! Dedicated, on-site technology provided to enrolled students to access and complete coursework while visiting the Bedford, Central and Sunset Library Branches.
1-ON-1 APPLICATION SUPPORT: Book a specialist for technology questions about the application process.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What certificate programs are available?
We offer access to Google Career Certificates in areas such as IT Support, Data Analytics, Project Management, UX Design, Cybersecurity, Digital Marketing & E-commerce, and AI Essentials.
These professional certificates are developed by Google and delivered through the Coursera online learning platform.
- Who can apply?
Brooklyn residents are eligible to apply.
- I do not live in Brooklyn. Am I still eligible?
At this time, the program is only open to Brooklyn residents.
- Do I need a library card to participate?
No, a library card is not required to join the program. However, we strongly encourage all participants to get a library card as part of the program. Having a card gives you access to additional library resources and services that can support your learning, professional development, and job search.
- Is the program free?
Yes. Certificate courses are fully funded for approved participants. There is no cost to enroll.
- Is this a job placement program?
No. This program provides professional training and skill development. While employment is not guaranteed, library staff offer job search support, resume assistance, and career resources to help participants pursue new opportunities.
- Do I need prior experience?
No prior experience is required. The certificates are designed for beginners as well as those looking to build new skills or transition careers.
- Is the program virtual or in person?
The certificate courses are fully online and self-paced, allowing you to complete them on your own schedule.
Optional in-person support is available at select library branches.
- How long does it take to complete a certificate?
Most certificates can be completed in approximately 3–6 months, depending on your pace and schedule. The AI Essentials course is shorter and can be completed in approximately 4–5 hours total.
- How many hours per week should I expect to commit?
We recommend dedicating approximately 5–10 hours per week to stay on track.
- Can I apply for more than one certificate?
Yes. Participants may apply for and complete more than one certificate course.
- I don’t have a device. Can I still participate?
Yes. You can still participate even without a device. Computers and laptops will be available at select branches soon, so stay tuned for updates on locations where you can use them to take the courses.
In the meantime, library staff at the Business & Career Center at Central can help you access Wi-Fi and other technology resources to get started.
- Is one-on-one support available?
Yes. Participants may request one-on-one support for:
- Getting started on the learning platform
- Technical assistance
- Choosing a certificate pathway
- Staying on track
Support sessions are optional and designed to help you succeed.
- Will the courses be offered in other languages?
Many of the certificate courses are available in multiple languages. Language availability varies by course. Please review the course description or contact us for more information.
- How do I get started?
Submit an application through our online form.
We also offer optional monthly Info Sessions where you can learn more about the certificates and ask questions.
If you have questions at any time, contact us at digitalskills@bklynlibrary.org.
- What happens after I apply?
After submitting your application, you will receive a follow-up email with next steps. Approved participants will be given access to the learning platform and instructions for getting started.
- What is the deadline to apply?
Applications are accepted on a rolling basis. While we currently have capacity to support many learners, enrollment is limited by available licenses. We encourage you to apply early to secure your spot.
- I already have a Coursera account. Can I still participate?
Yes. Apply as normal with this link. Approved participants will receive an invitation to join our Coursera program. You will not have to create a new account.
- Do I receive a certificate upon completion?
Yes. Participants who successfully complete all course requirements will earn a professional certificate.
- What if I’m unable to finish the course?
Participants can learn at their own pace. If you need additional time or support, library staff can help you stay on track and explore options.
- What happens after I complete the program?
Library staff can connect participants to job search resources, resume support, and additional career services to help you take the next step toward your career goals.
Upcoming Events
Digital Skills & AI Literacy: Info…
Tue, Jun 23 6:00pm
Bedford Library, Auditorium
Digital Skills & AI Literacy: Info…
Thu, Jun 25 3:00pm
Central Library, Business & Career Center, Event Room
Digital Skills & AI Literacy: Info…
Tue, Jul 28 6:00pm
Bedford Library, Auditorium