Chicago Public Library is pleased to announce that in 2016 at least 1,000 patrons secured jobs with assistance from the CPL’s CyberNavigators. The CyberNavigator (CN) program, available citywide at CPL locations, offers patrons one-on-one computer help from a CyberNavigator, including job support and online application services.
In April of last year, Mayor Emanuel announced an expansion of digital skills access and training resources across the city, including an expansion of the CyberNavigator program at CPL. The expansion increased CNs from 48 public library branches to every neighborhood in the city, creating an additional 350-400 new training hours per week across Chicago.
The library locations with the highest number of self-reported jobs secured are Kelly in Englewood, Douglass Branch in North Lawndale and Whitney M. Young Jr. in Chatham. The actual numbers of jobs secure may be higher, in these communities and citywide, as numbers were only self-reported by returning library patrons.
“We see Chicago Public Library as a resource for Chicagoans to strengthen their ability to develop digital skills, be successful in today’s labor market, and help support Chicago’s economic development,” said Commissioner Brian Bannon. “We are so proud to be having an impact on the patrons we serve by guiding them to successful job resources.”
CyberNavigators provide patrons the opportunity to work one-on-one with a digital tutor who helps navigate their questions on computer basics, email and Internet basics, online job searching and resume writing, CPL website and online resources, and eBooks and other digital content.
The CyberNavigator program is privately funded by the Chicago Public Library Foundation. Hours for CyberNavigators vary by location and more information can be found at chipublib.org/computer-help-cybernavigator.
About Chicago Public Library
Since 1873, Chicago Public Library (CPL) has encouraged lifelong learning by welcoming all people and offering equal access to information, entertainment and knowledge through innovative services and programs, as well as cutting-edge technology. Through its 80 locations, the Library provides free access to a rich collection of materials, both physical and digital, and presents the highest quality author discussions, exhibits and programs for children, teens and adults. CPL received the Social Innovator Award from Chicago Innovation Awards; won a National Medal for Library Services from the Institute for Museum and Library Services; was named the first ever winner of the National Summer Learning Association’s Founder’s Award in recognition of its Summer Learning Challenge; and was ranked number one in the U.S., and third in the world by an international study of major urban libraries conducted by the Heinrich Heine University Dusseldorf in Germany. For more information, please call (312) 747-4050 or visit chipublib.org.
