New Library to Offer Free Career Center

The career center will open inside the new central library Sept. 30

California’s unemployment rate rose to 8.9 percent last month, according to the Employment Development Department. That’s the second consecutive monthly increase in unemployment statewide.

The jobs picture is brighter in San Diego. According to the EDD, unemployment in San Diego was 7.4 percent in August, down from 7.8 percent in July and 9.2 percent in August 2012.

Still, city officials want to help more San Diegans find work. They’re hoping a new career center downtown will help make that happen.

On Friday, representatives from Bank of America Merrill Lynch presented a $400,000 check to the city. The money will go toward the career center, housed inside the new central library.

“This center is an example of something we want to see in our community: Public and private sectors collaborating to get something done," Interim Mayor Todd Gloria said.

The San Diego Workforce Partnership will operate the center. It will offer free resume advice, interviewing tips and computer classes, in addition to services for veterans.

“If the Great Recession taught us anything, it’s that it’s important to help job seekers become as marketable as possible,” Gloria said

Job seeker Evonne Perryman said the resources in the center give her hope.

“It lets me know pretty soon, I’m going to be working,” Perryman said.

The Bank of America Merrill Lynch Career Center will open Monday, Sept. 30 and is located on the library’s fifth floor. The San Diego Workforce Partnership also has 12 other career centers around the county.

The career center isn’t the only agency to set up shop inside the library. A public charter high school opened there a few weeks ago.

“This building is so much more than just a library,” San Diego Public Library Chair Mel Katz said.

The new library officially opens Saturday, Sept. 28. Gloria anticipates 20,000 people to be in attendance.
 

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