Skilled trainers will provide individualized assistance to persons seeking employment, job training, or digital competence
MONTCLAIR, NJ (October 25, 2021) — The Montclair Public Library is one of 12 public libraries selected to participate in the New Jersey Library Association’s Access Navigators Program. The libraries were selected following a rigorous application process and cover nine counties around New Jersey.
The Access Navigators Program will provide a cohort of skilled trainers (Navigators) to the participating libraries. The Navigators will rotate through the 12 participant libraries, to provide individualized assistance to persons seeking employment, job training, or digital competence. The program will also provide training in computer-based applications; assistance with resumes and job searching; and electronic learning aids and resources to teach and enhance digital literacy skills. Entrepreneurs seeking to launch their new businesses will also receive help from the Access Navigators, among other needs.
“This program will allow better access to our users who are in need of vital resources and skills,” said Peter Coyl, Library Director. “We are glad to be a host location and partner in this state-wide initiative.”
“We are ecstatic to launch the Access Navigators Program,” said Dr. Juliet Machie, Executive Director of the New Jersey Library Association. “I am immensely grateful to the NJLA Executive Board, our Access Services Task Force, and our partners at the New Jersey State Library, for their support and investment in this program. We are hopeful that the Access Navigators program will establish New Jersey’s public libraries as destinations for the fulfillment of individual and community hopes and aspirations.”
The full list of participating libraries is: Butler Public Library, Elizabeth Public Library, Keyport Public Library, Long Branch Free Public Library, Montclair Public Library, North Bergen Free Public Library, Pennsauken Free Public Library, Princeton Public Library, Wanaque Public Library, Warren County Library, West Deptford Free Public Library, Wharton Public Library.
The Access Navigators Program is funded through the American Recovery Plan Act (ARPA) funds, received by the New Jersey State Library (NJSL), through the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS). The Access Navigators program is one of two adult literacy and opportunity focused pilot programs, enabled through the IMLS ARPA funds received by NJSL.
About the Montclair Public Library
Founded in 1893, the Montclair Public Library serves the residents of Montclair, New Jersey. It has two facilities: the Main Library at 50 S. Fullerton Avenue and the Bellevue Avenue Branch at 185 Bellevue Avenue. The Library has been changing lives every day for over 125 years through words, ideas, and community building by providing unlimited opportunities for lifelong learning, discovery, and community engagement. In 2019, the Library had over 32,000 members, circulated more than 440,000 items, and saw nearly 330,000 visitors, making it one of the busiest municipal libraries in the state. Visit montclairlibrary.org for more information.
Media Contact:
Montclair Public Library: Peter Coyl, 973-744-0500 ext. 2226, coyl@montclairlibrary.org
New Jersey Library Association: njlaadmin@njla.org