New York State’s 23 public library systems will offer expanded access to literacy services through the State’s Adult Literacy Library Services Program, “Workforce Development at New York Libraries through Public Library Systems.”
State Librarian and Assistant Commissioner for Libraries Bernard A. Margolis, announced approval of the 2016-2019 projects – one for each public library system. Visit http://www.nysl.nysed.gov/libdev/literacy/16litawd.htm for a summary of each project.
CLRC regional public library systems – Onondaga County Public Library and Mid-York Library System – are recipients of the program funding.
Mid-York Library System
“Adult Literacy and Access to Technology” Lack of access to high-speed Internet and personal computers, and the skills needed to use these resources, creates an obstacle for adults seeking employment throughout the area served by MYLS. This project will help start a laptop and hotspot lending program to reach residents of high need communities. Individual public libraries will partner with local organizations to target users and provide necessary instruction.
Onondaga County Public Library
“Workforce Development at the Library” Onondaga County Public Library will partner with Visions for Change to address the needs of job seekers through staff training, targeted workshops and materials, and access to High School Equivalency, TABE, and digital literacy training. The jobs drop-in program at the Central Library will be expanded and will add access to educational resources through online preparatory programs. Professional development for library staff will include a poverty simulation and training in creative job seeking and resume development to help better serve our diverse patron base. Targeted job search workshops and materials will address the differing needs of patrons. Access to online study will be available to patrons of all libraries in the system, to project partner members, and through patron loan of mobile hotspots and Chromebooks.
For more information about the New York State Adult Literacy Library Services Program, please visit the State Library’s website at http://www.nysl.nysed.gov/libdev/literacy/ or contact Karen Balsen, Program Manager, Division of Library Development, New York State Library or call (518) 486-2194.
