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Job seekers on the hunt at library’s free, open lab

Photo

Photo by Dan Lassiter

Nancy Cronin of Janesville gets help from Mary Buelow, head of reference and adult services department at Hedberg Public library during a monthly Job Seekers Open Lab on 02/11/09. She said she was brushing up on her skills in order to better herself.

Photo

Photo by Dan Lassiter

Steve Miles of Janesville ponders information on a Hedberg Public Library computer during a Job Seekers Open Lab.

JANESVILLE — In 25 years, Nancy Cronin has advanced from file clerk at the bank where she works to vice president of operations.

But she’s nervous.

“I’m scared for my job,” the 53-year-old Janesville woman said.

The bank has been sold, and her position is being reevaluated by a new board of directors.

So on Wednesday, she took advantage of Job Seekers Open Lab at the Hedberg Public Library.

Cronin wants to network with others, enroll in short classes, take online tutorials and polish her computer skills.

“I’m going to do what I can to keep up. I don’t have to be a victim. I can decide to learn, grow and change. I’m not getting put out to pasture. I know I’m valuable, have skills and am intelligent,’’ she said.

Mary Buelow, head of reference and adult services, said the library began offering the three-hour Job Seekers Open Lab in January after seeing more demand for basic computer classes. It also was in response to the area’s high unemployment and the library’s loss of a computer trainer.

“The lab is a way to fill the gap,’’ Buelow said.

Fourteen adults attended the January lab. Four people showed up during the first half of Wednesday’s lab, she said.

Another lab is scheduled for March.

“There are a lot of tools and resources at the library, including books, writing workshops, Web sites and databases. We want to connect people who need this information with them. There’s a lot of economic insecurity,’’ Buelow said.

Steve Miles, 59, Janesville, has been out of work since October after working for a decade in a local turf equipment repair shop.

“I go to the Job Center and come here exploring to see what’s available,” he said. “I came here to navigate the library computer, which has been helpful.’’

Sharon Gallob, 56, Janesville, said she’s been laid off since November from a job she took eight months earlier.

“I had been with a company for 13 years, thought it was not doing well, so took a risk and went with another company. Now, here I am doing exactly what I thought I’d be avoiding,’’ she said.

“This is a good resource and it’s free. You have to look anywhere you can,” Gallob said.

“Once you get started, it’s surprising how much you can learn on your own.”