If you've ever wanted to take a continuing education course but couldn't make the time or money commitment, the Bethel Park Public Library may be able to help.

The library has subscribed to a service offered by Recorded Books and Universal Class that offers 500 continuing education classes in nearly four dozen categories, ranging from academics and computers to yoga and pet care.

Library director Christine McIntosh said her library is the first in Allegheny County to offer the service.

"We thought this was something our patrons would really find useful," Ms. McIntosh said.

The courses are free to any Bethel Park resident who has a library card and can be taken from home computers via the library website, www.bethelparklibrary.org.

For those who are not Bethel Park residents, the courses can be taken for free on the public access computers located within the library.

Each course has a syllabus and instructor and the opportunity via discussion boards to converse with the instructor or other classmates. The classes are recorded, not offered live, which means they can be taken at any hour of the day.

Upon successful completion of a course, the student will receive a certificate of achievement with a final grade. While the courses won't transfer for college credit, they can be included with job resumes or school applications as proof of proficiency in particular areas, according to the Universal Class website.

Individuals can enroll in up to five classes at a time and have six months to complete them. However, if a library patron can't complete the course in six months, they can re-enroll for another six months and pick up where they left off.

Classes can be taken at each individual's pace and schedule. According to the service's website, most of the courses can be completed in 10-20 hours and within 30 days. More advanced courses may take longer.

The website also indicated most of the courses will provide the materials needed though optional additional reading materials may be recommended. But for some courses, such as algebra and geometry, textbooks are required.

The courses can be useful for students who may want to prepare for challenging high school or college courses by taking an online course in the same subject first.

They can also be helpful to people who want to learn a particular skill such as computer operation, web design or Photoshop, or who want to start their own business.

Among the courses offered are those on bookkeeping, accounts payable and receivable and how to build your own business.

There are also courses with content to help teachers enhance their curriculum, including a series of courses on special education and a section on home schooling.

Ms. McIntosh said the service became available last week and she is trying to educate patrons about its availability. She has signed up for a public relations course, because she believes it will help her improve her skills in communicating library information with the public. She said several other library staff members are taking courses as well.

The library paid $3,000 for a one-year subscription to the service. Ms. McIntosh said if it's heavily used, the library will continue to subscribe.

Bethel Park library patrons who have a library card can access the service and the list of courses by going to the library website and clicking on the Universal Class box on the right side of the page.

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