Cedar Rapids Public Library

Cedar Rapids Public Library in Iowa will expand its initiatives to provide technology access and workforce development programs in low-income neighborhoods. The library will use its new van, known as the mobile technology lab, to provide portable laptops, printers, and other services at parks and community partner locations. The library also will support community members in their job searches by providing assistance with résumé writing, convening workshops on interviewing skills to help job seekers set themselves apart in an online environment, and going to employer-driven job fairs throughout the community to help people apply on-site. The focus on building skill sets will help address the community’s unemployment challenges and workforce shortages that were exacerbated by COVID-19.