BCL to Go – Workforce Ready

About the Program

Category: Libraries (Best in Category)

Year: 2023

Broward County Library’s innovative BCL to Go – Workforce Ready initiative assists job seekers in underserved areas of Broward County that were particularly affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. BCL to Go – Workforce Ready launched in March 2021 at select Broward County Library locations. It provides free digital workstations that include tablets, internet hotspots and online resource as well as a series of Workforce Ready employability workshops. This grant-funded initiative targets adults in six zip codes identified as areas in Broward County experiencing chronic unemployment rates. In addition to supplying workshops and workstations, BCL to Go – Workforce Ready also connects job seekers with valuable online and community resources to help improve their employment opportunities. Broward County Library partnered with three other Broward County agencies and local nonprofit organizations to promote the program and refer potential participants. Outcomes for BCL to Go – Workforce Ready include a high check-out and renewal rate for the tablets and hotspots, with waitlists at some libraries, and positive feedback from both library customers and staff.