All LA County Library locations will be closed on Thursday, November 28 and Friday, November 29 in observance of Thanksgiving. Our digital library is open 24/7.
No high school diploma? Get a second chance to finish what you started. You can earn an accredited high school diploma for free online in just 18 months or less through LA County Library and the Career Online High School program. You’ll also receive a career certificate and personalized online career coaching.
This self-paced adult high school diploma program is free to those who fit our program requirements and allows you to do all your studying online, to fit your busy life. It is a fully accredited education that will allow you to pursue your educational, career, and personal goals. You can even transfer credits from eligible high school or GED courses that you have successfully completed.
How to Get Started
Take the quick Are You Ready Surveyto determine that you meet the program requirements.
Complete a prerequisite course in 2 weeks or less.
Participate in an interview with library staff.
Attend a Virtual Orientation to prepare you for program success.
Congratulations! You have been admitted into the program. You must complete two courses in the 30-day probationary period in order to keep your seat.
Program Requirements
Be an adult age 19 and older
Be a resident of the LA County Library service area
Have a library account in good standing, or sign up for one
Unlike some other free online diploma programs, Career Online High School is fully accredited as an online school district by COGNIA, A global network of educators dedicated to your priorities. COGNIA provides nationally recognized accreditation for 36,000 institutions across the United States and in 85 countries worldwide. This means that Career Online High School is recognized across the nation as a quality school system, delivering an accredited online high school diploma.
Course Catalog
Language Arts Credits (4):
Grammar and Composition
Introduction to Literature
World Literature
American Literature
Social Studies Credits (4):
World History
American History
American Government & Economics
Health & Personal Fitness
Mathematics Credits (3):
General Math
Consumer Math
Algebra
Science Credits (3):
Earth & Space Science
Physical Science
Biology
Career Elective Credits (4):
In the student’s chosen career focus
Career Certificate & Coaching
In addition to earning a free online diploma, you will also receive a career certificate in your desired field of study, in 1 of 10 high-demand fields.
Childcare & Education
Commercial Driving
Food & Hospitality
General Career Preparation
Home Care Professional
Hospitality & Leisure
Intro to Manufacturing
Office Management
Retail Customer Service
Security Professional
Career Online High School offers a supportive community of certified instructors, academic coaches, and career mentors who care about your success and are there for you every step of the way. Each student is assigned an academic coach who offers ongoing support and connects you with additional instructional help when needed. In addition to your accredited diploma and career certificate, you’ll get help creating your cover letter and resumé, and researching, locating, and contacting potential employers.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is Career Online High School (COHS)?
COHS is a free online high school diploma and career certificate program for adults, available through LA County Library.
2. How do I get started?
Complete an Are You Ready Survey. You will be invited to take the 2-week prerequisite course. Upon successful completion of the course, you will be contacted by the Library within 5 business days to schedule an interview and discuss your admission into the program.
3. Who can apply to COHS?
Adult residents 19 or older living within the LA County Library service area. Minors should pursue their high school education through existing high school programs. Program applicants must have an LA County Library card or be willing to apply for one.
4. Will COHS students receive their General Educational Development (GED)? What is the difference between a GED and high school diploma?
No, this is not a GED program. Successful graduates will earn an accredited high school diploma and a career certificate. While both the GED and high school diploma are important, some colleges, institutions, and organizations require a high school diploma and may not accept the GED. Additionally, COHS gives students the benefit of earning a career certificate and completing additional job preparation documents and training, which GED programs typically do not provide. However, if you have already earned GED course credits, you may be able to transfer them for COHS credits.
5. How long will it take for students to complete the program? Can I transfer high school or GED credits?
Students will be given up to 18 months to complete the program, which will consist of 18 credits, each designed to be completed over the course of a month. Students accepted into the program may transfer up to 14 credits from their former high school or from GED courses successfully passed at Performance Level 2 or higher (145+). Depending on how many credits the student is able to transfer, the program can be completed in as few as 5 months. The program is self-paced, but plan to devote at least 8 – 10 hours each week to coursework.
6. Is all coursework web-based?
Yes. You can access it online, 24/7.
7. Is COHS staff credentialed? When are they available to assist students?
Yes, all COHS instructors are state certified. Most of the academic coaches and academic instructors are located in Florida, so office hours are 6 am – 3 pm PST; however, coaches also have evening hours twice a week. Your COHS academic coach will welcome you initially, and then reach out at least once every 2 weeks, or more often for students needing additional assistance.
8. What device(s) can I use to access my coursework?
Learners can complete coursework using a desktop computer, laptop, tablets, Xbox, and mobile devices. Visit the Technology Requirements page for more details. If you have any concerns about your technology not meeting these requirements, please contact your local library, who may be able to provide options, including using in-library computers, or checking out a Chromebook and WiFi hotspot to complete the program.
9. What if I don't have a computer or tablet to use?
LA County Library provides resources to help you complete the program. Customers can borrow a Chromebook and WiFi hotspot to access the internet based on equipment availability during enrollment. Please contact your local library or email diploma@library.lacounty.gov for more information.
10. Is all coursework in English?
Yes. At this time, all coursework is available in English only.
11. Will I need to purchase textbooks?
No, you will not; however, the Language Arts classes may require novels, which you can check out from the Library.
12. Will my local community colleges and universities accept a Career Online High School (COHS) diploma?
The prevalence of online diploma mills and counterfeit degrees has unfortunately created some skepticism around the legitimacy of diplomas from online institutions. COHS is accredited by the COGNIA. While COHS is a new institution and may not immediately be familiar by name, it is easy to demonstrate that the school is recognized across the nation as a quality school system, delivering a COGNIA accredited online high school diploma. It is important to understand that a high school diploma alone (from any type of accredited high school) is not enough to guarantee a student admission into a college or university, as each postsecondary institution has its own minimum standards including admissions exams, standardized test scores, and other criteria.
13. Does the Library offer other resources for education and job preparation?
LA County Library is committed to helping people meet their education and job preparation needs. We encourage you to visit our job search page or your local library, where staff may be able to help you find a local agency or resource that will best fit your needs.
This project was supported in whole or in part by funding provided by the State of California, administered by the California State Library.
Many of our libraries offer enhanced resources, computers, and online services to support your homework needs. Check with your local library!
Kindle Paperwhite eReader
Welcome to a New Way to Read...
Have you walked into a library and wished you could check out more books than you could possibly carry? Check out a Kindle Paperwhite at participating libraries with a collection of titles that you are sure to enjoy. Each Kindle has been loaded with expert-selected books.
You don’t need internet access - all the books are pre-loaded onto the Kindle so you are ready to read.
Three week checkout
Renew up to 3 times, as long as no one else is waiting
Must be 18 or older (or under 18 with parent permission)
eBooks cannot be added to this device by user
How do I get one?
Visit a participating library to check out or place a hold on a Kindle Paperwhite. Kindles are not sent to other libraries for pick up.
Note: Selection of genres varies per library. Click on a library below to see the list of genres.
Library Locations with eReaders
Click on the library to view list of genres available.
Terms of Service and Laptop Library Locations
Laptops in this kiosk can be checked out by customers with a LA County Library card in good standing. The laptop is due back in the kiosk before the library closes on the same day it is checked out.
If you do not return the laptop to the kiosk on the same day you check it out, your library account will be charged the full replacement cost of the laptop.
When you check out a laptop from this kiosk, you agree to use it within the library only. If you remove the laptop from the library, you may held criminally responsible for theft of the laptop and/or be charged the full replacement cost of the laptop.
You are responsible for the laptop and you agree that you will reimburse the LA County Library for any damages if the laptop is damaged, lost or stolen while checked out to you.
If you check out a laptop and it is damaged, you will give it to library staff immediately.
You must save to a removable storage device (such as a USB drive) since your work will not be saved to the laptop beyond your current checkout.
LA County Library will not be held responsible for any damage or loss of data or media due to any cause while you are using a laptop from this kiosk.
By using this laptop, you must adhere to the Library’s Acceptable Use Policy. Laptops are available at the following libraries:
With your LA County Library card, you can download or stream eBooks, eAudiobooks, magazines, music, and movies on your computer, tablet, or phone. It's free and you'll never have to worry about overdue fines!
You'll need a library card in good standing and a PIN to access most downloadable & streaming content.
Consumer Health Information Program
The Consumer Health Information Program assists the public with medical research by providing information from reliable sources. Customers are invited to use the Norwalk Library collection which consists of books, magazines, videos, and online databases related to health topics. We also provide individualized research services.
Please be aware, we do not provide medical advice, nor are the materials we provide a substitute for a professional medical opinion.
What Can We Do for You?
We can provide you with information on topics such as:
Medical conditions or diseases
Prescription medications
Surgical procedures
General physician and hospital information
Book and website recommendations for further reading
A Family Place Library is a center for early childhood information, parent education, emergent literacy, socialization, and family support. Family Place builds on the knowledge that good health, early learning, parent involvement, and supportive communities play a critical role in young children's growth and development. Each Family Place Library features the following core elements:
A bright, colorful, and welcoming space for young children and their parents.
A collection of books, toys, videos, music, and other materials for babies, toddlers, parents, and service providers
Access to resources that emphasize emergent literacy, reading readiness, and parent education.
Developmentally appropriate programming, such as baby and toddler storytimes for younger children and their parents.
Outreach to new and underserved populations.
The Parent-Child Workshop is a five-week workshop featuring local professionals, such as nutritionists, speech and language therapists, and child development experts, who serve as resources for parents.
The first three years of a child's life lay the foundation for learning. Get the tools and resources you need to give your child the best possible start.
Great! Thank you for sharing your photos with Catalina PhotoShare, a community history project of LA County Library.
Your photos will be reviewed and if they meet the criteria, they will be added to the Catalina PhotoShare online collection.
If you have any questions, please contact: digitalprojects@library.lacounty.gov
LA County Library Californiana Collection
Accessing the Collection
The Californiana Collection is in closed stacks at the Norwalk Library located at 12350 Imperial Hwy, Norwalk, CA 90650.
About the Collection
The Californiana Collection consists of over 24,000 books and over 200 magazine and newspaper titles in paper and on microfilm as well as a collection of state documents including state and county budgets. The goal of this collection is to present a complete picture of the history, culture, environment and artistic expression of the people of California and to some extent, the western United States.
Collection Highlights
California Census Schedules from 1850 to 1910
Copies of The Alta California newspaper 1849-1891, as well as dozens of other 19th century newspapers from Gold Rush boomtowns, the Owens Valley and San Francisco
Official city and county histories from the 19th and 20th centuries
Materials on the Donner Party, California water projects, famous California crimes, Hollywood culture, biographies of Californians, pioneer narratives of the early days of California, and histories of the state written over the course of 150 years
