Previously, Lynda was where the world turned when it wanted to, say, learn about a new Autodesk program or how to use Excel. LinkedIn acquired Lynda back in 2015, but many of the services that it offered previously are still available.

LinkedIn Learning carries the torch of knowledge forward, upholding Lynda's reputation for representing only the best of the best. The re-vamped site is home to thousands of hours of professional-level educational content covering pretty much every topic imaginable.

Have we piqued your interest? Believe it or not, you can access everything available on LinkedIn Learning free with an eligible library card. Here's how.

Does Your Public Library Offer Free LinkedIn Learning Access?

To find out if your library participates in LinkedIn Learning for Library, a quick Google search is never a bad place to start. If you live in a small town and that approach yields nothing, making a quick appearance in person to ask (or a phone call) is also an option.

You'll Need to Get a Library Card

Once you've found a library near you that supports free access to LinkedIn Learning, you'll need to officially affiliate yourself with a library to continue. If you don't already have a library card, you should make this your next to-do task.

In the United States, all that you need to sign up for a library card is a government-issued photo ID. If your ID does not include your current address, you will also need some way of proving your residential status.

For a photo ID, you can submit any of the following:

  • State driver’s license
  • State identification card
  • Expired driver’s license (With address verification if the address is not up-to-date)
  • Passport
  • State ID
  • Military-Issued ID
  • Work ID
  • Student ID
  • Work Visa

A few documents that you can use to verify your address:

  • Some Postmarked Mail
  • Bank Statement or a Checkbook
  • Lease Agreement or Mortgage Paperwork
  • Current Class Schedule or Report Card
  • Voter's Registration Card
  • Utility Bill​​​​

Related: How to Use LinkedIn as a Research Tool

Once you've gathered everything required, head on over to the library to make things official. You'll work with either a librarian or a clerk when you do so. Be sure to bring up any questions that you have about getting access to LinkedIn Learning for free.

You should leave the conversation with two key things. Aside from the new library card itself, you should leave with your library's LinkedIn Learning code, and your personal PIN number, which you'll need to log in to LinkedIn Learning.

How to Sign Up for LinkedIn Learning With Your Library Card

After obtaining a library card, a LinkedIn Learning library code, and your PIN number, you're ready to log into LinkedIn Learning, free of charge.

My local LinkedIn Learning Library ID code. LinkedIn Learning for free has never been easier to sign up for.

The LinkedIn Learning for Library login splash page can be found either through a Google search or through LinkedIn itself. You'll be asked to enter your library's LinkedIn Learning Library ID. The next page will ask you for your library card number and your personal PIN number.

LinkedIn Learning for Library grants you access to all of LinkedIn's professional resources.

If this is your first time signing in to LinkedIn Learning, you'll have a chance to narrow down your areas of interest. There are plenty of different categories to choose from; their offerings in terms of soft skill development for professionals is shown above.

You can also learn technical skills like programming and web development and creative skills like photography, design, and video editing.

Free LinkedIn Learning is but a trip to the library away. You should probably be reading more, anyway.

Another fun feature of LinkedIn Learning is the goal-setting option that they offer. Sixty minutes of learning a week? I can do that, and so can you.

With a free LinkedIn Learning subscription comes access to more than 16,000 individual courses that cover everything from 2D animation to Python, all brought to you by industry leaders with plenty of real-world experience to share.

It's the best way to get started if you're interested in learning a new trade or pastime. After creating your free LinkedIn Learning account, the entire collection is at your fingertips.

Related: How Has the Pandemic Changed Online Learning?

Free LinkedIn Learning for Library: The Great Academic Equalizer

Are you ready to get started? If hitting the books has always been a struggle for you, this interactive library might be the answer. If you're working with media or in tech, this resource will be indispensable for you.

For those looking to get involved with a new hobby, LinkedIn Learning delivers the best of what we loved about Lynda. Now, thanks to LinkedIn Learning for Library, you can dive right in without dropping a single dime.