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Adair County opens Public Library Workforce Center


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

By Paige Sexton
News from the Kentucky Dept. for Libraries and Archives

FRANKFORT, KY (April 24, 2012) - Adair County residents seeking employment opportunities now have more computer access, training and job workshops at the new Public Library Workforce Center (PLWC). The Adair County Public Library, 307 Greensburg Street, Columibia, KY, 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 21st 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.

"The Adair County Public Library is very excited to offer classes to our patrons that will help our entire community," said library director Lee Ann Jessee. "What we mean by that is the better educated and skilled our Adair County workforce is, then the better prepared our community is to face what the next ten years will bring us in opportunities for new employment that will benefit our county."

To create its PLWC, the Adair County Public Library installed eight laptop computers and nine desktop computers with funds from the BTOP grant. All of the computers have Office 2010 software. The library has also purchased four laser jet printers and a digital projector for the center's use. Additionally, the library purchased a large key keyboard, a 22-inch monitor, a trackball mouse and Zoom Text with speech capability software so individuals with disabilities can participate in workshops. The library used more than $32,900 in grant funds to purchase the equipment, computer furniture and software.

The Adair County PLWC will offer monthly in-house workshops to serve residents who are either seeking employment or looking for a better job. Classes include Basic Internet, Navigating Websites, Email, Microsoft Word, Resumes, On-Line Job Searching and Applying Online for Employment.

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.


This story was posted on 2012-04-25 05:09:39
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