Twenty-four libraries across Idaho are increasing their resources to offer job seeker services to their nearby rural communities, and the Idaho Commission for Libraries hopes more will participate.
Idaho Department of Labor Partnership
The Idaho Department of Labor is one of several partners local libraries are using to help serve their communities. Nearly half of the agency’s 50 mobile hours are held in local libraries across the state. The department works with each library to set regular walk-in hours and individual appointment times to serve community members. This improves access to services, enhances visibility, participation and strengthens community connections.
College and Career Readiness Partnership – adult education
Idaho’s College and Career Readiness programs are typically located on college campuses across the state, but libraries have long served as outreach locations to serve more citizens. Career readiness programs can help students complete their GED, learn English and attain the skills needed for post high school life, whether they choose college, other postsecondary education or enter the workforce to pursue a career.
Partnerships can look different depending on the needs of the local community. In some cases, libraries serve as physical classrooms, where students and teachers meet in person to hold classes. In other cases, libraries serve as dedicated online learning locations where students can connect remotely using specific software, technology and learning resources.
Resources and services some rural job seekers can now do at their local library include the ability to:
- Apply for jobs at IdahoWorks. Register with the state’s largest job database.
- Contact a career counselor. Get custom job search support.
- Chart a new career. Match interests, skills and abilities with a satisfying job.
- Upgrade your skills. Find free or low-cost training, paid internships, apprenticeships, on-the-job training, GED programs and college classes.
- Access veteran services. Apply for benefits you’ve earned as a veteran.
- Attend job search workshops. Learn about résumé writing, interviewing, networking, developing soft skills, applying for state jobs and more.
- Verify your identity. Secure your unemployment insurance account before collecting benefits.
- Get help with housing, transportation, childcare, food, internet access, tuition, textbooks, school fees, identification, work equipment and more.
Current Library/Workforce Partner Locations:
To learn more about the Idaho Department of Labor’s employment services or the College and Career Readiness Programs* available in your area, contact or visit a local library at one of these locations:
- Aberdeen District Library
- Ashton Branch – Freemont District Library
- Boise – Lake Hazel Library
- Boise – Victory Branch Library
- Challis Public Library – (College and Career Readiness)*
- Eagle Public Library
- Emmett Public Library
- Garden City Public Library
- Garden Valley District Library
- Glenns Ferry Public Library
- Grand View – Eastern Owyhee County Library
- Hailey Public Library – (College and Career Readiness only)*
- Kuna Library District
- Mackay Library District – (College and Career Readiness only)*
- Malad – Oneida County Library
- Meridian Library District
- Middleton Public Library
- Midvale Community Library
- Mountain Home Public Library – (College and Career Readiness only)*
- Nampa Public Library – (College and Career Readiness only)*
- New Meadows Valley Public Library
- Payette Public Library – (College and Career Readiness)*
- Priest River – West Bonner Library District
- Star Branch – Ada Community Library
- Weiser Public Library
*Libraries offering College and Career Readiness programs
Please note that locations may change, so visit the Department of Labor’s local office directory or your local college for the most up-to-date information on their locations and services.
– Amelia Valasek, Idaho Commission for Libraries programs and partnerships supervisor.