Want to learn new stuff but no money? No problem!

This may apply to people in a big city like Toronto. But there are quite a lot of people not utilizing the public libraries, so I’m going to share my experience.

While trying to figure out basic systems administration skills years ago, I thought I need to only purchase books, courses then write exams to earn certifications like CCNA or RHCSA. When I shared this thought with my co-op friend, he asked whether I have a Toronto Public Library card and if I cheched their online materials.

I always thought libraries have books only. I have never paid attention what kind of other materials they have. So I went to the library site, entered IT certification names, then I could find a lot of video courses and e-books that I did not have to pay(I paid taxes but let’s ignore that).

Not only do they have video courses and e-books, big city libraries have more stuff. For example, Toronto Public Library provides O’Reilly Learning(previously Safari) and LinkedIn Learning(previously Lynda) for all kinds of skill development, Hoopla, Kanopy for streaming, Overdrive for ebooks, Naxos music library for, of course, music streaming and many more. As long as you have internet connection, there is no excuse why you can’t learn stuff and enjoy your life for free.

Some branches have more things than others, like 3D printers, sewing machines, musical instruments for hobbies, practices too. Toronto Public Library used to have chroma key rooms for films, music record studios, DJ booth, even grand piano rooms, tools to rent before pandamic. I do hope they come back.

Toronto Public Library also has multiple programs for all ages, offers tutoring for all kinds of subjects, helps new immigrants, homeless people to start their lives. Just go and talk to the librarians, you may be surprised what you can get from it.

You know what’s the best part for Toronto Public Library? You don’t have to live in Toronto but still can be eligible to get a card. So why don’t you get one and learn something?

Free piano lessons

https://app.hoffmanacademy.com/lessons

Mr. Joseph Hoffman is being generous to provide all his lessons for free on youtube for all level learners and I’ve shared this to everyone I know who wants to introduce their kids to some music lessons.

I remember showing his Hot Cross Buns video to my younger child when she was only 4, she was interested in learning music. His videos for beginners are very easy to follow for even parents without interest in music, experience with musical instruments or any idea where to start. The video lessons include correct posture, learning about keys, rhythms, listening practices, music theory, some games.

Once signing up for your free account as a parent/mentor, then you can add a student. Once logged as a student with free account, there is no difference between using the lesson plans without logging in. The free plan offers progress tracking but you can just use a calendar, notepad, whiteboard or anything to have your own progress tracker since they don’t check how good the practices go, you will be the teaching assistance to check.

https://www.hoffmanacademy.com/premium/

The premium includes games, support, sheets and some more, and there are multiple plans, monthly, yearly and lifetime with refunds within 30 days. I personally didn’t sign up for premium yet because I want to see if my younger one would like to put more time on piano. The games look fun!! Note reading can be boring or some kids don’t want to learn it, but I’m sure they would love to do it if it’s fun.