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Library Job Centers provide free resources to job seekers in Indianapolis

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INDIANAPOLIS — Your local library isn't just a place to check out the latest novel, in Indianapolis they also offer free resources for people trying to find work.

Library Job Centers are located within each of the branches of the Indianapolis Public Library.

Staffers are on site to assist in basic job seeking tasks and skills like writing and updating resumes, job searching and computer skills.

Job Center Lab Assistants have access to vast network of job searching resources - as well as tips as to how to craft a great resume and cover letter.

Approximately 3,300 patrons were served in 2018 at local branches. Of those people, 944 of them stopped by the branch off 38th street, which is an increase from the 688 that same branch served in 2017.

One of those job seekers is Sherry Woodruff. She spent most of her life working desk jobs in the business realm, but now as she is getting older she is ready to follow her passion.

Woodruff has new skills and experiences from a program at Second Helpings and is ready to take a dive into the culinary field.

"I don't have internet access at home. I don't have a computer at home," says Woodruff. "So coming up here with the 2-3 hours that we have, this is my time to experience the Google and Windows and set up things to get us prepared for our job search."

Woodruff is hoping to find a career in culinary and eventually work her way up to becoming a chef.

Woodruff is getting help from Library Job Assistant Teonna Taylor.

"And so that's what i want to get into more like restaurant jobs and she helped me prepare my resume for that," says Woodruff. "That's what my goal is to become a chef and so starting at the bottom, I want to move on up so i can know all the ins and outs of culinary."

Taylor enjoys her time working with job seekers at the library and helping them achieve their dreams.

"Ms. Sherry is a lovely lady she is very funny, she's outspoken," says Taylor. "It's not just ya know helping them while they are here, it's also ensuring that when they leave here they have the tools that they need."

And now Taylor herself is on the lookout for a career move, applying to schools to further her education so that she can become a librarian.

"It makes me feel really excited like being here at East 38th street and just working as a Job Center Assistant has allowed me to kind of make like a career change," says Taylor.

Below is a complete rundown of locations and time for Library Job Centers at Indianapolis Public Library Branches.

Central Library:
Mondays-Wednesdays from 5-8p.m.
Sundays from noon to 5p.m.

Brightwood Branch:
Mondays from 10:30a.m. to 3p.m.
Thursdays from 1p.m. to 5p.m.

College Avenue Branch:

Mondays from 2:30p.m. to 6:30p.m.
Thursdays from 10a.m. to 2p.m.

Eagle Branch:
Tuesdays 12:30p.m. to 4:30p.m.
Wednesdays from 12:30p.m. to 4:30p.m.

E. 38th Street Branch:
Mondays from 3:30p.m. to 7:30p.m.
Wednesdays from 2:30p.m. to 6:30p.m.
Saturdays from 11:30a.m. to 4:30p.m.

Garfield Park Branch:
Tuesdays from 10a.m. to 2p.m.
Saturdays from 10a.m. to 2p.m.

Haughville Branch:
Wednesdays from 4:30p.m. to 6:30p.m.
Thursdays 10a.m. to noon

Pike Branch:
Mondays from 10:30a.m. to 2:30p.m.
Tuesdays from 3p.m. to 7p.m.
Sundays from 12:30p.m. to 4:30p.m.

Spades Park Branch:
Mondays from 10a.m. to 1p.m.
Tuesdays from 4p.m. to 7p.m.
Fridays from 2p.m. to 5p.m.

Warren Branch:
Mondays from 12:30p.m. to 4:30p.m.
Thursdays from 12:30p.m. to 4:30p.m.
Sundays 12:30p.m. to 4:30p.m.