Nearly every hamlet or village boasts a cost-free resource that can be an enormous benefit to job seekers: the local public library. From Wi-Fi access, computers, printers, and fax machines to relevant workshops, test-prep materials, and librarian services both virtual and in-person, libraries really do have it all.
"We have amazing resources to help individuals prepare for, apply, and retain employment," said Kelly Harris, director of Sag Harbor's John Jermain Memorial Library, in referring to the many offerings there. "Not only do we provide resources, but we also have librarians to assist in accessing these services and providing an overview of how to get started and how to use these services successfully. . . . Anyone who walks through our doors we consider a patron of the library and we would assist them. To access our online materials from home, an individual will need a library card."
John Jermain is not the only one supporting job seekers. The East Hampton Library holds periodic job fairs and maintains an online database of local openings.
"Reference librarians are available to help residents prepare their resumes on our public computers," said Dennis Fabiszak, the East Hampton Library's director. They "also frequently help residents in finding good websites to use for job searches. All of the local libraries also have collections of Civil Service exam study guides."
The Amagansett Library offers multiple aspects of the Brainfuse program, accessible online at amagansettlibrary.org/reference. Brainfuse JobNow "is the most job specific, which is a suite of services and powerful tools intended to help users in every step of their job search. Patrons have access to resume assistance, career planning, and interview coaching," said Arielle Hessler, Amagansett's director.
A similar service, Brainfuse VetNow, "is helpful for veterans seeking to transition to civilian employment. It supports veterans and their families in navigating the V.A. Department bureaucracy, providing academic tutoring, and assisting with employment transition. Tools include benefits navigator, job tools, and college prep skills resources."
Amagansett Library also offers patrons access to LinkedInLearning, which Ms. Hessler said "provides quality video courses taught by industry experts in software, creative, and business skills. There are videos and courses from the creative arts, like Photoshop or photography, to online certifications in data analyst and generative A.I. It can also be used as a trusted resource to brush up on technology skills like Microsoft Word, PowerPoint, or other software programs that may be helpful to add to the Skills section of a resume."
Even the Suffolk County Library System can help a job seeker. Its Live-brary Career Resource page is a helpful resource, online at livebrary.com/jobs-careers.