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Glasgow News 1
KDLA, Lexington Public Library join together to host statewide job fair to support continuing
education, lifelong learning and workforce development across Kentucky
To celebrate National Library Week from April 7-13, 2024, the Kentucky Department for Libraries and Archives (KDLA) and its partner, the Lexington Public Library, are offering a statewide job fair for all Kentuckians, including people in Barren County. Job seekers can visit their local library in person or online to explore and use free library services and programs during this event.
During National Library Week, on Friday, April 12, Mary Wood Weldon Memorial Library will be hosting two career-related workshops. At 9:30 a.m., the library will teach Email Basics (with Gmail), a 90-minute class to help participants create a free Gmail email account and learn how to use it, a must-have for any current job seeker. This will be followed at noon with a resume workshop and introduction to the Kentucky Career EDGE website with Shannon Gottke of the Kentucky Career Center. Career EDGE offers built-in virtual coaching including a job interview simulator, resume and job application builder, guidance in developing a personal brand, and essential life skills curriculum to support career seekers in preparation for finding a job or advance in employment. Call the library at 270-651-2824 to register.
Public libraries are an important free community resource where people can connect to technology using their library’s complimentary high-speed internet, and computers, as well as media, programs, classes and books, either in person or online. In addition, public libraries connect job seekers to career opportunities and other resources and are an important component of the state’s broader workforce system. Kentuckians can also access job preparation databases and other career development materials, locate GED classes and testing sites, and get assistance with online job applications and resume preparation through their local library.
“Public libraries promote lifelong learning, increase public access to information, resources and technology, and provide a welcoming place to gather in the community, all free of charge,” said Gov. Andy Beshear. “Our libraries are continually expanding access to technology and resources to meet the needs of their communities, and I hope people will take advantage of National Library Week to support our local public libraries and learn more about all they have to offer.”
“The opportunity to partner for a statewide job fair is very exciting and we appreciate the Lexington Public Library taking the lead to connect libraries across the Commonwealth in sharing opportunities around workforce development,” said Denise Lyons, Kentucky Department for Libraries and Archives commissioner and state librarian. “The 2024 theme for National Library Week is Ready, Set, Library, and this statewide job fair is an excellent way for participating libraries to increase connections in their local communities. We look forward to supporting this effort and helping highlight the value of our public libraries.”
“National library week is the time to celebrate the impact public libraries have on our communities,” said Ami Sandell, Director, Mary Wood Weldon Memorial Library. “What better way to do that than to help everyone discover what the library has to offer and assist them in obtaining the resources needed to succeed in every aspect of their lives? By offering workforce centered programs, we can do our part to help our patrons find quality employment.
During National Library Week, you can show your appreciation and support for your local library by visiting in person or online at www.weldonpubliclibrary.org, following them on social media, and using the hashtag #NationalLibraryWeek.
For more information about Kentucky’s public libraries, visit the Kentucky Public Library Directory.
First sponsored in 1958, National Library Week is a national observance held each April and sponsored by the American Library Association and libraries of all types across the country.
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