Commentary: Libraries strengthen communities

2 weeks ago 70

Beyond books, libraries are a vital bridge to opportunity, especially when it comes to employment and career advancement. Texas libraries serve as one-stop centers where job seekers can access the latest in workforce training, digital tools and career coaching — all at no cost. These are invaluable resources in a state as diverse and economically dynamic as ours.

Despite their value, libraries face increasing threats from budget cuts, censorship and restrictive policies, which hinder their ability to serve our communities freely and effectively. These forces endanger libraries’ role as inclusive spaces for education, exploration and personal growth. Protecting them is not only important for defending the freedom to read, but also about ensuring the continued availability of their resources to lifelong learners.

Texas libraries have evolved with the needs of their communities into dynamic hubs of inspiration and self-empowerment. Many offer computer classes, resume workshops and one-on-one sessions with workforce development specialists. This broad spectrum of services and technology allows Texans to gain confidence, build skills and make strides toward positioning themselves for economic advancement. For many Texans, libraries and librarians have long been champions of free access to knowledge, offering resources, training and safe learning spaces to our communities. Across the state, from bustling urban centers to rural towns, libraries are uniquely positioned to empower job seekers at any point in their professional journey, providing crucial tools for career exploration, skills training and job readiness programs. As job requirements and skill sets evolve rapidly, libraries step up to meet these needs, helping Texans from all walks of life gain access to employment and education services that connect them to better jobs and stronger career pathways.

Consider a young professional in Austin looking to switch fields, a single parent in Lubbock reentering the workforce or a recent high school graduate in El Paso exploring career paths for the first time. Local libraries offer these Texans access to tools and programs often offered elsewhere at a cost. From certifications in high-demand skills to somewhere to print and study their coursework, libraries equip Texans to thrive in an increasingly competitive job market.

Furthermore, libraries are deeply committed to digital literacy — a crucial skill for the modern workforce. Over 20% of Texans do not have access to broadband internet at home, and this digital divide can be a barrier to employment opportunities, as many job applications and interview processes are now completely online. Libraries step in to bridge this gap, providing not only internet access but also digital skills training for those who may not have had the opportunity to learn these skills yet. Whether helping users navigate job boards, write professional emails or prepare for online interviews, libraries are on the front lines of closing the digital divide in our state.

Libraries also demonstrate the power of partnerships. Many libraries across Texas collaborate with local chambers of commerce, community colleges and nonprofits to offer specialized training and job fairs that bring local employers directly to the community. By fostering these partnerships, libraries create tailored pathways for job seekers and match Texans with the industries and positions where they are most likely to succeed and grow.

Looking to the future, it’s clear libraries will continue to play an essential role in workforce development and economic mobility across Texas. In addition to championing literacy and learning, libraries are invaluable assets for those navigating the world of work, offering trusted guidance and resources when they are most needed.

It’s crucial that communities, stakeholders and policymakers recognize and support libraries in furthering workforce development opportunities for our communities. Investing in our libraries is an investment in our workforce, ensuring all Texans have the tools and resources to achieve economic success and contribute to a prosperous future for our state.

If you haven’t visited your local library this year, I encourage you to pay a visit before year end. You will be impressed by the breadth of services to be found there and see firsthand the ways in which libraries are evolving to strengthen their communities. I hope you’ll then spread the word about the value of libraries to your family, friends and neighbors.

Shirley Robinson is the executive director of the Texas Library Association in Austin.