Sept. 17, 2019: The American Library Association (ALA) announced that the James Blackstone Memorial Library, in partnership with East Shore Region Adult & Continuing Education (ERACE), has been selected to participate in Libraries Lead with Digital Skills, an initiative of ALA and the Public Library Association (PLA), sponsored by Grow With Google, the tech company's economic opportunity initiative.

Funding will be used to offer a free four-part course for job seekers in our community called "Getting a Job: From Searching to Interviewing." The course will be taught by Kelly Falvey, a digital literacy teacher with ERACE. Using applied digital skills training offered by Google, Ms. Falvey will instruct the class in creating a resume, searching for and applying for jobs online, and interviewing.

Classes will be held on Saturdays at the Blackstone Library, from 9 a.m. to noon, running from October 5 to November 2 (no class October 12). Space is limited, so registration is necessary. To register, visit blackstonelibrary.org or call (203) 488-1441, ext. 318.

"Libraries have long been America's gathering place for learning. From learning new digital skills for the workplace, to creating a résumé or growing your business online, people are going to libraries as resources for professional growth now more than ever," said Nicky Rigg, program manager for Digital Skills outreach at Google. "Grow with Google is excited to support library programs across the country to help ensure that economic opportunity exists for everyone."

This program is funded by Libraries Lead with Digital Skills, which was created so that local libraries can combine their own program offerings with Grow with Google training materials to offer community workshops or other activities aimed at empowering small businesses to grow online or assisting job seekers to prepare for and find work. Grow With Google has made a commitment to deliver free, in-person workshops for job seekers, small businesses, and library staff in all 50 states. Learn more about the tour and upcoming events at grow.google/events.