Spencer County opens Public Library Workforce Center

Spencer County Public Library now offers more computer stations, employment workshops

FRANKFORT, Ky. (April 27, 2012) – Spencer County residents seeking employment opportunities now have more computer access, training and job workshops at the new Public Library Workforce Center (PLWC). The Spencer County Public Library is one of 46 public libraries in the state that will have a PLWC.

The centers house computers and software that will be used to provide training in a formal workshop setting to Kentucky residents seeking employment opportunities.

“The new centers will help Kentuckians who do not have access to computers and broadband service to use 21^st century technology to access training, jobs and economic opportunities,” said Gov. Steve Beshear. “Our local public libraries have become an important community access point for people to search for jobs, write resumes and learn computer skills. These centers will provide a direct link to help for people in areas with high unemployment levels.”

The centers are made possible by a $1.3 million American Reinvestment and Recovery Act (ARRA) Broadband Technology Opportunities Program (BTOP) grant provided through the U.S. Department of Commerce National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA). The project is supported by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation and administered by the Kentucky Department for Libraries and Archives (KDLA). The grant targets counties with high unemployment.

"We are pleased to use these grant funds to create Public Library Workforce Centers in 46 Kentucky public libraries. The centers will assist their communities in the economic recovery and provide lasting benefits in education and economic development. We are proud to be working with the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation and partners across the Commonwealth to bring technology and training to so many Kentuckians at their public libraries," said Wayne Onkst, Kentucky’s state librarian and commissioner of KDLA.

“There are many residents in Spencer County whose former employers did not provide computer training and there have been few places in Spencer County where adults could boost their computer knowledge,” said Spencer County Public Library Director Debra Lawson. “We are so happy to be able to offer computer classes relevant to people’s day-to-day lives. Many employers and government agencies require email accounts of individuals who apply for jobs or benefits. The Public Library Workforce Center is a place where Kentucky residents can learn to set up the accounts they need, search for available jobs, and write a resume that gets them an interview that, hopefully, gets them the job.”

To create its PLWC, the Spencer County Public Library installed 13 laptop computers and 10 desktop computers with funds from the BTOP grant. All of the computers have Office 2010. The library has also purchased a laser printer, a digital projector and a subscription for a career database for the center’s use. Additionally, the library purchased computer tables and chairs. The library used more than $31,000 in grant funds to purchase the equipment, furniture and software.

The Spencer County PLWC will offer monthly in-house workshops to serve residents who are either seeking employment or looking for a better job. Classes include Internet Basics and E-mail Accounts, Easy Resumes & Job Searching, and Microsoft Word and Excel Basics.

KDLA provides equitable access to quality library and information resources and services, as well as helps public agencies ensure that legislatively mandated documentation of government programs is created, efficiently maintained, and made accessible. For more information on KDLA resources, programs and services visit www.kdla.ky.gov or call 502-564-8300 ext. 315.