Economic & Workforce Development

Libraries have a vital role in supporting workforce, economic and entrepreneurial development through the materials they provide as well as training and educational services. Throughout the global recession, libraries have emerged as a critical partner in local efforts to support job seekers and accelerate local economic recovery.

This category recognizes innovations in providing resources and training for job seekers and career changers as well as support for small businesses and entrepreneurs.

Economic and Workforce Development

Workforce 1 Expansion Centers

To help meet the increased need for job placement services, New York City’s three library systems have partnered with the City’s Department of Small Business Services to launch Workforce1 Career Centers within branch library locations. Since opening last fall, three library-based Workforce1 Centers have made 742 job placements. Read More ›

Economic and Workforce Development

El Paso’s Virtual Village: Your Pathway to Success

The Virtual Village is a community-wide workforce training and technological infrastructure improvement initiative organized and led by the El Paso Public Library. It provides free computer training from basic to advanced skills and computer based training and support for job skills improvement, continuing education, small business development and personal growth. Read More ›

Economic and Workforce Development

Eskills Library and Job Placement Center

The eSkills Library and Job Center opened in 2011 to serve as an express library and job center. In response to a growing need, the library, in conjunction with several community partners, strives to assist those in need of workforce development skills by providing computer resources along with structured training. Read More ›

Money Tip$ Make it Work! - Financial Literacy Workshops ›
Orange County Library System, FL

Recareering @ 50+ Expo ›
Pierce County Library System, WA

Preparing Discharged Soldiers for the Job Market ›
Pierce County Library System, WA

An Economic Rescue Mission ›
Jacksonville Public Library, FL

Enhanced Help for Job Seekers ›
Calgary Public Library, AL

Smart Business @ Your Library ›
Cuyahoga County Public Library, OH

Eskills Library and Job Placement Center ›
Fort Worth Library, TX

Entrepreneurship & Small Business Classes ›
Mid-Continent Public Library, MO

Power of Place: Hosting Platform 2 Employment (P2E) ›
Bridgeport Public Library, CT

El Paso’s Virtual Village: Your Pathway to Success ›
El Paso Public Library, TX

J.A.M. (Jobs and Motivation) ›
Greensboro Public Library, NC

Free Library Hot Spots ›
Free Library of Philadelphia, PA

Workforce 1 Expansion Centers ›
Brooklyn Public Library, New York Public Library, Queens Library, NY

Free to Learn – Public Library Services for Ex-Offenders ›
Denver Public Library, CO

Micro Enterprise @ the Library: Foundation for Women ›
San Diego County Library, CA

Real Solutions for Refugees: Professional Group Study ›
San Diego County Library, CA

CareerConnect: Education & Job Training Centers ›
Broward County Library (BCL), FL

Hennepin County Library Teen Job Fair ›
Hennepin County Library, MN

Partnership with Workforce Central Florida ›
Orange County Library System, FL