NBC12 News, Weather Sports, Traffic, and Programming Guide for Richmond, VA | Job-Seekers turn to library for help in Henrico

Job-Seekers turn to library for help in Henrico

By Andy Jenks - bio | email

Posted by Terry Alexander - email

HENRICO, VA (WWBT) - Henrico County's East End is catching up with the West End when it comes to help for job seekers.

Crystal Sauls lives in the East End of Henrico and never paid much attention to the job transition center in the far West End. Which is why the Fairfield Library on Laburnum Avenue is perfect for her job searching needs.

"It's cheaper on gas, other than going to somewhere on W. Broad Street," Sauls said.

Attendance, lately, is said to be way up at the library as job seekers take advantage of its convenient location, and free access to the Internet.

"We're a very pleasant place to come. Plus, we have lots of computers," said Jerry McKenna, Director of the Henrico County Public Library System.

The library's evolution is a direct response to a growing need for computer access and job search training in a time when almost every available job is posted online. 

"This library has become more holistic in its approach to helping citizens out. To me that's very visionary," said Frank Thornton, Fairfield District Supervisor.

So Crystal is here quite often. Writing cover letters and responding to e-mails. All of it free, with her library card. Whether she finds work or not she hopes to encourage others, to do the same.

"Help other people find jobs, or even to start their own little business in this recession, this  economy," she said.

The library is open every day except Sunday. Even people who haven't used a computer in years can get re-acquainted with one. Librarians hope to re-enforce the message that it's not just about books, anymore.

(c) 2009. WWBT, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.