Department of Labor and Enoch Pratt Free Library Partner to Expand Workforce Resources at Central Library
BALTIMORE (Aug. 28, 2018) – Secretary Kelly M. Schulz of the Maryland Department of Labor, Licensing and Regulation and Heidi Daniel, president and CEO of the Enoch Pratt Free Library, today announced an expanded partnership in support of Marylanders seeking workforce resources.
In providing access to important information, resources, and services, libraries play a significant role in Maryland’s state workforce development efforts. Recognizing the increasing importance of workforce development to library customers, the Enoch Pratt Free Library System is partnering with the Department of Labor and Mayor’s Office of Employment Development to expand service offerings at their Central Library location.
“Our libraries are such assets to the community,” said Labor Secretary Schulz. “They make information accessible and foster learning for Marylanders of all ages. We are excited about the expanded role our libraries will play in our state’s workforce system through this new collaboration. Together, we will increase our reach, helping even more residents with important, life-changing workforce services.”
The Department of Labor currently offers free services throughout the state through the American Job Center (AJC) network. In Baltimore City, the Mayor’s Office of Employment Development manages two one-stop career centers, overseen by DLLR and in partnership with the AJC network. Jobseekers can utilize the AJCs for career exploration assistance, referrals to training programs, placement services, résumé preparation assistance, workshops to enhance job seeking skills and work readiness, and more.
Baltimore residents now have greater access to these services as well as in-person support from Maryland Department of Labor staff in the Enoch Pratt Central Library located at 400 Cathedral Street. Additionally, library staff will provide resources to customers within the American Job Centers several days a week.
“We are excited to deepen our partnership with the Department of Labor to provide more access to information, services, and opportunities for our customers,” said Enoch Pratt Free Library President Heidi Daniel. “When the library’s new state-of-the-art Job and Career Center opens at the Central Library in fall of 2019, this collaboration will allow us to provide workforce assistance to so many more people in Maryland.”
Until completion of the Job and Career Center next year, Maryland Department of Labor staff, with support from the Mayor’s Office of Employment Development, will provide customers with onsite résumé review and other job services on Mondays twice a month. On Wednesdays, Department of Labor staff will be available to support veterans facing barriers to employment.
“The Mayor’s Office of Employment Development is pleased to expand our outreach to Baltimore City residents who are seeking to improve their employment situation," MOED's Assistant Director for Workforce Operations Mary Sloat said. “This partnership with DLLR and the Pratt Library broadens services we provide at our Eastside and Northwest One-Stop Career Centers, as part of the American Job Center network, assisting unemployed and underemployed citizens to get a job and build a career."
Learn more about the Department of Labor's workforce services.
About the Maryland Department of Labor
The Maryland Department of Labor is committed to safeguarding and protecting Marylanders. We're proud to support the economic stability of the state by providing businesses, the workforce, and the consuming public with high-quality, customer-focused regulatory, employment, and training services. For updates and information, follow the Maryland Department of Labor on Twitter (@MD_Labor), Facebook and visit our website.
MEDIA CONTACT:
Theresa Blaner
Director, Communications and Media Relations
410-230-6241 (office)
443-721-8637 (cell)
About the Enoch Pratt Free Library
MEDIA CONTACT
Meghan McCorkell
410-545-3115
The Enoch Pratt Free Library serves the residents of Baltimore with the Central Library downtown, 21 branch locations throughout the city, and three mobile units. The Pratt Library's mission is to provide equal access to information, services, and opportunities that empower, enrich, and enhance the quality of life for all.
About the Mayor’s Office of Employment Development
MEDIA CONTACT
Brice Freeman
410-396-1910