Career services available Tuesdays at Milton library

The Delaware Department of Labor has begun providing career and other labor assistance from 1 to 4 p.m., Tuesdays, at Milton Public Library.

The Delaware Division of Libraries and Delaware Department of Labor rolled out the pilot program in all three counties in February to be able to reach out to more residents who may be in need of services but can’t travel to Department of Labor locations. With the many computers available at libraries, a staff member can offer residents help.

Department of Labor Employment and Training staff will be at the libraries to assist with career needs, such as searching for jobs and exploring career paths, helping jobseekers develop resumes that meet employer needs, learning about federal and state-funded employment and training programs, assisting residents as they navigate the online unemployment insurance claims application, and discovering apprenticeship programs and other services.

Public libraries are an ideal setting for the delivery of career services, as centers for community engagement and accessible technology. People in need of assistance in many cases are already library patrons.

“This partnership enables libraries to leverage Department of Labor expertise in assisting library patrons with meeting their needs,” said Jeffrey Bullock, secretary of state. “Our libraries have evolved into force-multipliers for community outreach, and adding Department of Labor to the complement of resources available through our libraries is a perfect fit.”

“Every day, in all Delaware public libraries, people come through the doors seeking assistance on a variety of topics, including employment,” said State Librarian Dr. Annie Norman. “This pilot project reflects the reality that critical needs have become more pronounced.”

“Helping people discover services and opportunities as easily and efficiently as possible is our goal, and this program is a great example of that,” said Cerron Cade, secretary of the Department of Labor. “Library patrons will receive assistance with an employment and training specialist who can help them at a place that is location friendly.”

Currently, more than 200 agencies and nonprofits are collaborating with Delaware libraries to provide services to patrons across the state.