Gale partners with GetSetUp to equip U.S. and Canada public libraries with live and on-demand classes for adults

Gale, part of education technology provider Cengage Group, has teamed up with learning platform GetSetUp to offer classes for adults at public libraries across the U.S. and Canada.

The partnership aims to support public libraries to deliver high-impact courses for adults aged over 55. 

Gale says projections from the Population Reference Bureau show that 23 percent of the U.S. population will be aged over 65 by 2050. Public libraries are likely to serve a growing population of older adults, often with limited access to resources, in the coming years.

Gale Presents: GetSetUp allows libraries to offer a range of live and on-demand classes, short videos and articles on subjects including technology, wellness, hobbies, travel, cooking, retirement planning and more.

Up to 300 classes will be available at any time, with new ones added monthly. Gale says libraries will not need additional staff or complex planning to offer the courses.

GetSetUp also includes courses aimed at closing the digital divide, such as ‘Online safety: Protect your personal information’ and ‘Using your Android Smartphone’. Other courses explore wellness, such as ‘Gentle Stretches for Back Pain’. 

“Gale is deeply committed to supporting lifelong learning and community engagement, and our partnership with GetSetUp aims to ensure that libraries of all sizes, in all types of communities—especially those in resource-constrained environments—can easily deliver engaging live and on-demand classes to adults aged 55 and up,” said Brian Risse, Vice President for Gale and Thorndike Sales. 

“Together with existing resources that help adults earn a high school diploma, build new skills, and prepare for college or careers, this partnership ensures that learners at every stage of adulthood have access to flexible, online, self-paced opportunities that support real-life advancement and community connection.”

"We are thrilled to partner with Gale to bring GetSetUp to public library patrons,” adds Lawrence Kosick, President and Co-founder at GetSetUp. “Together, we can make a significant impact on the lives of older adults. By providing easily accessible opportunities for physical, mental, and social growth, we deliver the skills and knowledge that older adults need to participate in their communities with a renewed sense of joy, purpose, and fulfillment.”