Ortonville- A troubled economy has residents turning to the library.
‘Since the downturn in the economy, we’ve been busier,? said Brandon Township Library Director Paula Gauthier. ‘We’ve seen an increase in circulation of about 17 percent.?
Librarians are also reaching out to help patrons who have lost their jobs and/or are in danger of losing their homes. At the library located at 304 South Street, personal assistance is offered ranging from how to write a resume and cover letter, to searching the internet for jobs.
Staffmembers have also compiled packets of information regarding how to avoid foreclosure. The free packets have been placed around the library and visitors are encouraged to take one.
‘We did this to protect their privacy,? said Gauthier. ‘But if you want help, you can just ask, that is what we are here for.?
The packet includes information on home equity loans, credit lines, foreclosure rescue scams, a foreclosure timeline and more.
‘The packets are disappearing,? said Adult Services Librarian Colleen Stringer. ‘I just made another 25 of them.?
Stringer noted she is seeing many of the same people everyday using the library’s computers to look for work. A free class, ‘Job Search Information @ Your Library,? will be from 6:30-8 p.m., March 31 to help those overwhelmed by all the employment sites on the web, as well as anyone changing careers, thinking about relocation or just wanting to update or create a resume. Tutoring is also available for computer skills on programs like Excel, Word, and Powerpoint.
‘Sometimes I don’t think people realize the resources they have at their own public library,? Stringer said.
Details:248-627-1460.