Brooklyn Public Library Digital Skills and AI Literacy (free Google AI Essentials)
Go to the official page ↗Direct official link
What you'll learn
NYC residents get funded Coursera access to Google AI Essentials, about four hours on using generative AI tools for ideas and tasks, writing effective prompts and spotting AI bias, plus Google Career Certificates with optional library help sessions.
- Generative AI tools
- Writing effective prompts
- Spotting AI bias
- Responsible AI use
Source: the provider's official page ↗
Is this right for you?
- Level
- Beginner People new to this. You can start today with no experience.
- What you get
- A certificate from a name employers know, ready to add to LinkedIn and your résumé the day you finish. It costs nothing to take.
- How you learn
- Online, self paced, about 4 to 5 hrs.
- How to use it
- Add it to LinkedIn under Licenses and certifications, post it with one thing you learned, and name the exact skills on your résumé. Then bring it up in interviews and show how you use AI to get more done.
- Why it's worth it
- Fast, practical proof that you are ahead on AI. It shows initiative, gives you skills you can use the same day, and hands you something concrete to talk about with every hiring manager.
What you will payFree if you qualifyFree for people who meet this program's eligibility rules. See Before you start below.
- Time
- AI Essentials about 4 to 5 hours; Google career certificates about 3 to 6 months
- Before you start
- New York City residents (not open outside NYC); no prior experience. A library card is encouraged but not required. Submit the online application; acceptance depends on available licenses.
- How you are tested
- Online, self paced (Coursera), with optional library info sessions
- Renewal
- None stated
- Full cost details
- Free; certificate courses are fully funded for approved participants.
- Where it applies
- New York City residents only
Checked at the source Oct 19, 2026
Sources and what we verified
Brooklyn Public Library Digital Skills and AI Literacy page (applications open, NYC residents) ↗Queens Public Library post on the Google.org AI literacy grant to BPL, NYPL and QPL, May 27, 2026 ↗What we verified: Page states applications are open on a rolling basis, limited by licenses; info sessions scheduled October 22 to December 22, 2026. Completion earns the Google certificate through Coursera.
Fees and eligibility can change. Confirm current terms with the issuer before you pay.
Also listed for: AI Specialist, AI for Small Business