Public Libraries Help Get People Back to Work

More Important Than Ever

With high unemployment and many people cutting back on expenses, the role of our public library is more important than ever.

•U.S. unemployment numbers have doubled since the start of the recession in 2007.

•Many people can no longer afford the luxury of high-speed Internet access or any access at all.

•People are seeking personal connections and resources that can help them in the daunting task of looking for employment.

•For most, the library is the only place that provides job-related services and materials for free.

Job Seekers Need Internet Access

The days of looking for and finding a job in the newspaper and sending a resumé by mail are gone.

•Most businesses have moved their job application process online, and applicants are expected to retrieve information and complete forms via the Internet or via e-mail.

•An effective job search must include online resources. Many employers do not advertise positions in newspapers and rely solely online job databases.

•Our public library offers an effective and free alternative for using computers accessing the Internet.

Job Seekers Need Computer Support

People who have been in one job for many years or older people reentering the workforce lack basic computer skills.

•The absence of basic computer skills can halt the job-searching process.

•Our public library provides personal assistance, whenever possible, to people who need it.

•Our public library offers free computer training and guidance to important job search resources.

When the Unemployment Rate Rises, Libraries Fill Up

The need for job-related resources and materials, free computer and Internet access, and basic computer training and support is at an all-time high.

•Our library is experiencing record levels of usage.

•A large percentage of people are coming in specifically for job-related resources.

Critical Support

What we do directly affects how many people in our community are able to get back to work.

We provide:

•A dependable and effective option for job seekers.

•Free job-related materials, resources and support.

•Fast Internet connections.

•Entrepreneurship, retraining and continued education support.

Job Seekers Depend on Us

Without our library, many patrons tell us that looking for and finding employment would be much more difficult—if not impossible.

We Depend on You

We provide tremendous value for a relatively small investment. But without support, we cannot maintain or enhance the critical services we provide.

Help us get our community back to work!

2008 MediaQuestions and Comments