Charlotte, NC – June 19, 2009 – In response to a growing need in Mecklenburg County, the Public Library of Charlotte & Mecklenburg County (PLCMC) is finding a new way to contribute to the economic health of the community. A new initiative aimed at helping people find jobs will include a Job Center in the Main Library, a system-wide emphasis on job-related training, a web page with job and business resources, and a partnership and community awareness plan.

“Every day, customers are using the Library to file for unemployment, search for jobs, create resumes, develop computer skills, and perform other tasks related to the workforce,” says Frank Blair, Director of Research, Innovation & Strategy for PLCMC. “In a survey last November, citizens told us that they wanted more computers, more educational opportunities, and more job support.”

According to Bureau of Labor statistics, the unemployment rate in Mecklenburg County increased from 7.5% in November 2008 to 10.2% in April 2009. In addition, job sectors in Charlotte such as construction, financial activities, professional and business services, manufacturing, trade, transportation, and utilities have lost 8-21% of jobs. Meanwhile, as 75% of job seekers now use the Internet to seek employment, 70% of people on computers in libraries hasve reported that the library is their only access to a computer. PLCMC has seen a corresponding 11% increase in computer use since this time last year, as well as double-digit increases in other services.

In response to these community needs, the Library has developed a strategic response to leverage its 24 locations, public computers, and knowledgeable staff. Funding for the initiative, which is estimated to cost $150,000, will come primarily from profit distributions from the Mecklenburg County Alcoholic Beverage Control Board, which distributes a share of profits to PLCMC. Karen Beach, Director of Community Engagement for PLCMC, notes that the Library is also seeking matching private funding sources.

The Main Library site was chosen for the Job Center for several reasons, including availability of space, location (midway between the JobLink centers on North Tryon and South Boulevard), accessibility to public transit, and resources already available at that location. Work on all aspects of the initiative has already begun, but the public can expect to see actual changes on the following timeline:

• July – launch of job help web page at www.plcmc.org
  
• September – Expanded job-related training will debut at locations throughout the PLCMC system
  
• December – opening of new Job Center at Main Library