Partners sought for library’s Laptop aid plan
BEDFORD — The Bedford Public Library is adding another spoke to its information hub.
With an increasing number of patrons seeking help finding jobs, legal aid, insurance, home foreclosure resources and continuing education, library staff are working this month to implement a plan to better direct people to the help they need.
“We underestimated how many people come to us for assistance,” said Library Director Susan Miller. “We spend quite a bit of time one-on-one.”
So, in addition to that one-on-one time, the library is seeking community partners — agencies and, eventually, volunteers — who can provide workshops, materials, Web links or other partnerships.
Miller said several local agencies have expressed interest, but she was waiting to hear back from key people before making specific plans public.
“We don’t want to become Ivy Tech or Workforce Development,” Miller said.
“We’re not doing it all, but trying to have information to direct people to.”
Help for job-seekers
The key issue is connecting job-seekers with employment — a process, says Library Adult Services Manager Mary Hall, that’s often derailed because of lack of computer skills. Many employers — even locally — require applications to be submitted online.
“So many, when they need to send a resume, and it says they have to attach it, walk over with a piece of paper to the computer,” Hall said. “The level is so high to get to from where they are.”
The plan calls for providing resume coaching and information on interviewing to patrons, and more training for library staff in navigating state and federal government job sites.
Ideally, Miller said, the downstairs program room will be set up as a job-seeker computer lab, outfitted with laptops and staff to answer questions. Having laptop computers there will allow the room to still be used for other programming.
The terminals in the current computer lab, Hall said, are often full.
“We had three waiting today at 10 a.m.,” she said Monday.
Network of answers
The second part of the plan is to update the library’s Web site with community aid resources — such as food banks, domestic violence services or small business development; and to host workshops on health and consumer issues.
A free program on home foreclosure last month drew 33 people, several of whom met with a housing counselor or housing attorney afterward, Miller said.
Other workshop topics could include nutrition, food preparation, shopping tips or home improvement.
Directing patrons to free legal aid, credit counseling, money management, subsidized child care and low-cost health insurance options also is part of the plan.
Living well on less
The plan also includes an aspect of “living on less and liking it,” Miller said.
Staff hope to offer workshops on recycling and refurbishing, “garage sale chic,” crafts for low-cost gifts and how to use online discounts and bartering.
And, as always, free programming will be available for families, with an added emphasis on intergenerational programs.
“People are already used to coming here for other things. This is just one more step,” Miller said.
“I can’t really think of anything we could do in the community that would be of better service.”
