Education and Workforce Development Cabinet
45 Kentucky counties to open Public Library Workforce Centers

Services geared toward residents seeking employment assistance

FRANKFORT, Ky.  – Forty-five Kentucky counties with high unemployment will help residents seeking employment opportunities at new Public Library Workforce Centers (PLWC). The new centers in public libraries across the state, opening through the end of the year, will give Kentuckians more access to computers, training and job workshops.

“The new centers will help Kentuckians who do not have access to computers and broadband service to use 21st century technology to access training, jobs and economic opportunities,” said Gov. Steve Beshear. “Our local public libraries have become an important community access point for people to search for jobs, write resumes and learn computer skills. These centers will provide a direct link to help for people in areas with high unemployment levels.”

The centers are made possible by a $1.3 million American Reinvestment and Recovery Act (ARRA) Broadband Technology Opportunities Program (BTOP) grant provided through the U.S. Department of Commerce National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA). The project is supported by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation and administered by the Kentucky Department for Libraries and Archives (KDLA).

"We are pleased to use these grant funds to create Public Library Workforce Centers in 45 Kentucky public libraries. The centers will assist their communities in the economic recovery and provide lasting benefits in education and economic development. We are proud to be working with the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation and partners across the Commonwealth to bring technology and training to so many Kentuckians at their public libraries," said Wayne Onkst, Kentucky’s state librarian and commissioner of KDLA.

The centers house computers and software, and teaching tools such as media projectors that will be used to provide training in a formal workshop setting to Kentucky residents seeking employment opportunities.

Some libraries also purchased equipment to give people who have disabilities better access to computers and workshops.

KDLA provides equitable access to quality library and information resources and services, as well as helps public agencies ensure that legislatively mandated documentation of government programs is created, efficiently maintained, and made accessible. For more information on KDLA resources, programs and services visit www.kdla.ky.gov or call 502-564-8300 ext. 315.

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The following counties will be opening Public Library Workforce Centers: Adair, Bath, Boyle, Calloway, Carroll, Casey, Clinton, Crittenden, Edmonson, Estill, Fleming, Gallatin, Garrard, Grant, Graves, Hancock, Hardin, Harrison, Henry, Jessamine, LaRue, Letcher, Logan, Martin, Mason, McCreary, Meade, Metcalfe, Montgomery, Nicholas, Ohio, Owen, Pike, Powell, Pulaski, Rowan, Russell, Spencer, Taylor, Trigg, Trimble, Union, Warren, Washington and Whitley.