Glouco Library system gets $110K in grants

HARRISON – Two grants for a combined $110,000 have been awarded to the Gloucester County Library System.

The New Jersey Department of Labor, Division of Labor and Workforce Development awarded the grants, which will aid residents in job searches and career readiness.

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The New Jersey Libraries Career Connections Grant for Uniform Career Guidance and Job Search Assistance Services is for $50,000 and will fund a computer workstation at the Glassboro Branch of GCLS, specifically dedicated to the Department of Labor’s New Career Connections web site.

The service is open to all job seekers and is expected to be available beginning in the summer of 2016.

The Adult Literacy & Community Library Partnership Pilot Training Grant Program for $60,000 will fund classes at the Glassboro and Swedesboro branches of GCLS, in collaboration with Rowan College at Gloucester County, the Gloucester County Workforce Development Board, and Literacy New Jersey of Gloucester County.

Three 14-week programs will be offered at each site. At the Swedesboro Branch, GCLS will offer English as a Second Language (ESL) Career Readiness programming; the Glassboro Branch will offer Adult Education Career Readiness. Classes are expected to begin in the summer of 2016.

“These new programs will pool the resources of the library, RCGC (Rowan College at Gloucester County) and county Workforce Development staff to empower participants with vital tools they need to become ready for employment,” said Freeholder Heather Simmons, liaison to the Workforce Development Board.