Local library offers resources for job hunters in this tough economy

MAPLE HEIGHTS, Ohio - With unemployment in Ohio at more than 10 percent, Labor Day festivities come with a reminder of joblessness in the United States. Unemployment number across the country went up in August for the first time in four months, jumping to 9.6 percent.

Job centers across the country have flourished. In Cuyahoga County, where one out of 10 people need work, career centers have gained national attention.

Career centers at libraries in Maple Heights, Fairview Park, Beachwood, and North Olmsted attract hundreds of people every week.

Job classes meet several times a week at each location, offering job search tactics and a sensitive forum for discussion.

"One of the challenges is keeping things positive," career counselor Jim Hansen said. "So often, even close family members don't understand what it's like to be out of work. So, it's nice to have people come here and support one another."

Hansen is one of many career counselors. He also runs a jobs class at Maple Heights public library. "We have blue collar, white collar, and everything in between," he said.

Reader's Digest just named the Cuyahoga County Public Library's Career Centers in its list of the six best tools for unemployed Americans.