Gale Presents: GetSetUp is a ready-made online solution that enables libraries to prioritize digital inclusion and instantly expand lifelong learning opportunities for a growing demographic
American Library Association (ALA) Conference - To help public libraries across the U.S. and Canada deliver consistent, high-impact programming for older adults and meet their strategic priorities, Gale, part of Cengage Group, has partnered with GetSetUp as an exclusive provider for libraries. GetSetUp is a frictionless platform offering live and on-demand classes that improve wellness, teach digital literacy, and foster social connections. Gale Presents: GetSetUp—which empowers aging adults through engaging, peer-led learning experiences—is the latest addition to Gale's Adult Online Learning Suite, a collection of resources that help public libraries bring education to everyone.
With the Population Reference Bureau projecting that 23% of the U.S. population will be over 65 years of age by 2050, public libraries are facing the challenge of serving a rapidly growing population of older adults—often with limited resources. Gale Presents: GetSetUp offers a turnkey solution that enables libraries to better serve their older population within the library and at home without the need for additional staff or complex planning. Through this collaboration, libraries can offer a rotating catalog of live and on-demand classes, short videos, and articles spanning technology use, wellness, hobbies, travel, cooking, retirement planning, and more. Up to 300 classes are available at any time, with new offerings added monthly. Topics from “Better Balance in Minutes” to “Watercolor Studio: Basics 101” meet the diverse interests and needs of libraries’ older patrons.
“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.”
For adults over 55, GetSetUp bridges the digital divide with practical, tech-focused classes like “Online Safety: Protect Your Personal Information” and “Using Your Android Smartphone” empowering seniors to confidently navigate today’s digital world. At the same time, wellness and creativity are front and center, with courses such as “Ease the Ache with Gentle Stretches for Back Pain” and “Brain Boost: Keeping Young with Music” helping older adults stay mentally sharp, physically active, and creatively inspired—all while connecting with peers who share their interests and experiences.
"We are thrilled to partner with Gale to bring GetSetUp to public library patrons,” said Lawrence Kosick, president and co-founder of 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.”
Key features of Gale Presents: GetSetUp include:
- Live and on-demand classes: Users can visit the platform on any schedule, engage person-to-person, and repeatedly view lessons to reinforce learning.
- Peer Guides: Classes are led by older adults who understand the needs and interests of their learners, creating a welcoming and relatable environment.
- Community: Gale Presents: GetSetUp provides a place for older adults to socialize and make meaningful connections. This is especially important for those in rural areas or those with barriers to mobility or transportation.
- Programming: Libraries can use Gale Presents: GetSetUp to augment their programming and bring expertise through their doors. For example, a library could use a meeting room to host a Tai Chi class by logging in to a live or on-demand GetSetUp class, without needing to locate or pay an instructor.
- Accessibility: The platform includes closed captioning on live and recorded classes, screen reader compatibility, adjustable text size, and downloadable subtitles. Classes are available in English, Spanish, Mandarin, and Hindi, and users have 24/7 access to support via email, phone, or chat.
“GetSetUp supports our health literacy initiatives and helps us address the epidemic of loneliness among older adults,” said Suzy Murray, Electronic Resources Selection Specialist at Sacramento Public Library. “The live classes are fantastic, and the instructors are experts in their fields, often in the same age range as our patrons, which makes the experience even more relatable. The breadth of content—from health topics to technology help to the arts—means there’s always something new for our community and opportunities for social engagement. It’s a unique resource that truly helps us connect with older adults in meaningful ways.”
“GetSetUp really complements your experience at the library,” said Kathy, a retired engineer and GetSetUp user from Cupertino, Calif. “It’s a very special community where people can communicate with each other based on shared passions. Plus, it has people all the same age as me, which is really good for me to relate to.”
For more information, visit Gale.com/GetSetUp. Attendees at the American Library Association Conference in Philadelphia can experience Gale Presents: GetSetUp in person at booth 905.
About Cengage Group and Gale
Cengage Group, an education technology company serving millions of learners in 165 countries, advances the way students learn through quality, digital experiences. The company currently serves the K-12, higher education, professional, library, English language teaching and workforce training markets worldwide. Gale, part of Cengage Group, provides libraries with original and curated content, as well as the modern research tools and technology that are crucial in connecting libraries to learning, and learners to libraries. For more than 70 years, Gale has partnered with libraries around the world to empower the discovery of knowledge and insights—where, when and how people need it. Gale has 400 employees globally with its main operations in Farmington Hills, Michigan. For more information, please visit www.gale.com.
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“Gale is deeply committed to supporting lifelong learning & community engagement, & our partnership with GetSetUp aims to ensure that libraries can easily deliver engaging live & on-demand classes to adults," said Brian Risse, VP for Gale & Thorndike Sales
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Emily Featherson, Vice President, Corporate Communications
Email: emily.featherston@cengage.com
