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October 6, 2009
In New Jersey, Libraries Are Lifelines for Needy
NY Times
By JULIE BOSMAN
Published: October 2, 2009
Thousands of unemployed people in New Jersey have used the state’s public library system to look for jobs online, polish résumés with word processing software, research new careers and ask Web-savvy librarians for help with all of the above. But many library visitors are also quietly looking for help finding mortgage assistance, food stamps and subsidized child care, but are too embarrassed to describe their situation to the librarians.
“If you lose your job, you’re willing to ask for help,” said Kathleen Moeller-Peiffer, the associate state librarian for library development. “But when it comes to help with food and insurance and housing, that’s not necessarily something you want to share.”
So in an effort to steer visitors to a central resource, the state library staff in March created a Web site, gethelp.njlibraries..org, that provides links to state agencies and nonprofits, and information on jobs, food assistance, military benefits, utility assistance and even free tax preparation for people with low incomes, disabilities or difficulty speaking English. Librarians throughout the state system have been trained in using the Web site and directing people to it.
“It has really cut down on the frustration,” Ms. Moeller-Peiffer said. “The Web site is a way for people to get the help they need without us needing to ask them about all of the particulars. And we’re helping them by pulling the information together, so they don’t have to go from place to place to place.”
Posted by tumulty at October 6, 2009 11:34 AM
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