SOUTH BRUNSWICK: Library offers assistance to job hunters

By Davy James, Staff Writer
   With numerous people throughout the country still trying to cope with the recession, the South Brunswick Public Library is offering a helping hand to get the unemployed back to work.
   In addition to a large section of books on everything from writing an effective resume to finding the right career, the SBPL also offers job search help to supplement its career section.
   ”For people who don’t have computer skills, we offer the option of help to get started,” said Mary Donne, head of information services. “Some people can do it by themselves but some need to sit at a desk with someone and get help navigating the Internet and finding job applications.”
   The library also offers referrals to Workforce NJ, which offers numerous services for everything from career assistance and job fairs to general equivalency diploma preparation and housing and rental assistance.
   ”They offer heavy duty training and employment search support which is a big help,” Ms. Donne said. “We help to point people in the right direction to links on our web site and books to help them find a job.”
   Library users can also sign up for basic computer skills classes to learn the basics of sending emails and applying online. The library also allows job seekers to get career guidance, test preparation and listings of employers in their chosen field and in their geographic area 24-hours-a-day through the library web site.
   ”Some people are astounded that there is something like this available,” Ms. Donne said. “People come in here all the time just looking for some one on one help getting started and finding the skills they need to get a job.”
   Ms. Donne said five to 10 people each day come in for job help, but she doesn’t hear a lot of griping or complaining about their individuals situations. They just want help to get back to work.
   ”We don’t hear them complain about how difficult it is to find a job right now,” she said. “They just say this book, or help with this web site. They’re just working at the job of finding a job.”
   For more information on the library’s job search help and resources, visit www.sbpl.info.