Did you know that unemployment in Plainfield has been in double digits since January of 2009, and as high as 14.3% early in 2012? The Library is acutely aware of it, because for years our librarians have been helping job seekers learn how to use computers for their job searching. In comparison to the 2,900 computer user sessions in June of 2011, computer-use soared to 4,500 user sessions in June of 2012.
With a significant digital divide in Plainfield, there has been a pressing need for the unemployed to learn job-related computer skills. Although the library has had 19 public-access computers, lines would form at peak periods, many wanting to send out resumes or waiting to see if they had an email response from an application.
This summer the library finally had a chance to create a permanent computer lab, thanks to a HUD grant of $10,000 and private donations of $20,000. A 14-foot glass wall was erected to create a room with 18 wired computer stations, an instructor station, and a built-in digital projector.
Completed in August, the Job Assistance Computer Center will focus on training the unemployed and under-employed, providing instruction on developing résumés, conducting online jobsite searches, and submitting applications online. The new space is large enough to hold thirty people for presentations on employment issues and training workshops. The library is working with community and county agencies to bring in speakers and advisors on job re-training and re-entry services.
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