New Illinois workNet Center Opens at EPL, Offers Job Search & Career Services
Staff from the Evanston Public Library and Workforce Board of Northern Cook County recently partnered to offer job search and career services to community members at the Evanston Public Library. With the closing of the Illinois Department of Employment Security (IDES) office in Evanston, there is a considerable gap in service to residents seeking job skills and jobs.
These services were previously provided by the Illinois workNet in the Evanston IDES office. The Evanston Public Library already provides access to a number of job related resources for independent research and staff assistance, but without the in depth assistance that this partnership can offer.
Previously, State Senator Jeff Schoenberg and Mayor Elizabeth Tisdahl led an effort to pursue a solution to this lack of local service by supporting a co-location option with IDES. Logistics for all of those combined services made it difficult to realize this forward thinking proposal. Since the closure of the IDES location in Evanston, they have been providing area employment services from their Des Plaines, Skokie, and Arlington Heights offices.
“The partnership between the Evanston Public Library and Workforce Board of Northern Cook County will allow Illinois workNet Center to continue offering area residents high quality job search and career services in our community,” explained Mayor Tisdahl. “The Evanston Public Library has computer training space that can effectively be utilized to provide these services. As partners, we will be able to provide access in the evenings and clients will have ready access to the online and print resources of the Library as well.”
"This partnership will in effect create a career center easily accessible to customers and expand access to these critical services," added Senator Schoenberg. "Both the Library and workNet will be able to enhance their services and better complement each other."
Illinois workNet and the Library already collaborate to provide workshops for residents. Numerous other agencies in the community that assist job seekers can also refer customers to the Main Library where their clients can gain benefit of the combined resources. Establishing this partnership at the Library helps ensure efficient and effective use of space and resources for all.
"This is a much needed asset that will serve the Evanston community well and on behalf of the City of Evanston I would like to thank Senator Schoenberg for all his efforts and hard work in making this happen," added Mayor Tisdahl.
“Challenging times require creative ways to provide and enhance services. This is a mutually beneficial arrangement that will impact a broader spectrum of our community,” said Senator Schoenberg. “There is a natural alliance as both entities assist people with access to information and lifelong learning activities to help improve the quality of life for our residents and community.”
The on-site job seeker services include career coaching, computer workshops, computers for job search, job readiness workshops, job postings and individual assistance. Individuals can also learn about training opportunities and receive assistance conducting job searches including online applications, creating resume, career information, computer training, internet job searches, and access to occupational training resources.
The hours of operation are Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Tuesdays and Thursdays 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.; and Open Lab on Fridays 12:30 p.m. to 6 p.m. For more information, call Beverly Lindsey at 847.448.8649 or email blindsey@worknetncc.com or visit: www.worknetncc.com.