In a time when many people are on a continuous job search, one free resource is often forgotten: your local public library.
Most public libraries offer job search books, computers, resume help, information on civil service exams and how to prepare for them, computer training for those wishing to upgrade skills and Wi-Fi access for those who want to use the Internet on their own laptops or phones to search for jobs online.
In an article by Newsday, Arthur Maass, career center coordinator at the West Islip Library, said some job seekers look at the library as an office. Many libraries offer private rooms or other areas where job seekers can focus on their search alone. Library staff are usually willing to help job seekers prepare their resumes and find other social services resources.
"If we don't have a service, we can direct them to it," Maria Pontillo, community service department manager at the Plainview-Old Bethpage Public Library, said in the article.
Some libraries, including several on Long Island, offer part-time career counseling for district patrons. These libraries include Patchogue-Medford Library, Freeport Memorial Library and Mastics-Moriches-Shirley Community Library.
The public library is a welcome free resource during a time when there are many job seekers. According to the United States Department of Labor Bureau of Labor Statistics, the country as a whole saw its total non-farm employment drop by 524,000 jobs during December 2008. The nation's unemployment rate increased from 6.8 during October 2008 percent to 7.2 percent.
During the last four months, the country has lost 1.9 million jobs. From December 2007, the number of unemployed people has increased by 3.6 million, while the unemployment rate has increased by 2.3 percent.
