LITTLE ROCK – Some public libraries in Arkansas have become more popular, particularly for those seeking jobs.

Many libraries provide free Internet and free resume services. As a result, the state’s 231 public libraries are seeing an increase in usage – mostly by people looking for work, said Barbara Martin, director of the Arkansas Library Association.

A handful of libraries are opening earlier for patrons who want a head start on reading job postings in newspaper classified ads. Other job seekers are honing their skills.

The Central Arkansas Library System in Little Rock has reported a 15 percent increase in the number of patrons during the first six months of this year compared with the first half of last year.

“People are coming in to take the practice ACT (American College Test), they’re using the Internet for job searches, they’re checking out books on writing cover letters,” said Central Arkansas Library System spokesman Susan Gele.

“Our computer labs are consistently full,” she said. “We know anecdotally that the increase is because of job seekers. There’s a need, and we’re responding to it.”

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the Arkansas unemployment rate was 7 percent in May, compared with the national rate of 9.1 percent. The rates rose in every metropolitan area of the state compared with April, rising from 4 percent to 7 percent in some cities.

Several Arkansas libraries are offering programs where employees review a patron’s resume and offer suggestions. Patrons can drop their resumes off at the library and return a few days later to discuss proposed changes.

Melanie Moore, an information specialist at the Craighead County-Jonesboro Public Library, said she has helped 19 job seekers work on their resumes since the program began in May.

“It is sad,” she said of the number of people who visit the library looking for work. “But maybe we can help them.

One of those job seekers, Kasey Walker of Jonesboro, has a year of college courses left before she earns a degree in human resources. Because of the tight job market, she plans to send her resume out soon.

“My resume was a little wordy. I think I had a lot of things in there that were pointless,” Walker said. “We changed it around, and I think we made it more what employers want.”

In Newport, workers at the Jackson County Public Library are preparing to offer a job-skills class. Patrons will learn such things as handshaking techniques, how to dress for interviews and methods for writing cover letters.

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Information from: Arkansas Democrat-Gazette, http://www.arkansasonline.com