Milwaukee Public Library Connects Residents With Jobs

Recognizing the significant disconnect that can exist between some Milwaukee residents and employment opportunities, the Milwaukee Public Library (MPL) and Goodwill Industries will be partnering to provide neighborhood-based job fairs highlighting opportunities for people seeking employment to learn about prospective employers, workplace skills development programs, and receive assistance with the job application process.

The first job fair will be held Thursday, August 3, from 11 AM until 2 PM on the Second Floor of Milwaukee Central Library, 814 W. Wisconsin Ave.

Despite a resurgence in post-COVID employment opportunities, many communities in Milwaukee, particularly African Americans and people in poverty, continue to experience disproportionate rates of unemployment.  Data from the City’s Office of Equity & Inclusion identifies that while the average rate of unemployment has dropped to less than 7% citywide, unemployment among African Americans remains as high as 11%.  In Milwaukee, African Americans are also disproportionately represented in communities in poverty.  Barriers to employment opportunities, such as a lack of access to educational and skills-building opportunities or to the internet, can contribute to existing disparities.

Milwaukee Central Library and 12 branch locations operate as community hubs and offer an array of workforce development resources that include adult literacy programming, free access to the internet, assistance with online employment applications, programming to help people develop new workplace skills, and partnerships with community agencies to expand access to business and job resources.

“The library is dedicated to ending the racial and economic disparities that prevent all Milwaukee residents from celebrating an equitable and good quality of life,” said Library Director Joan Johnson.  “As one of Milwaukee’s most historic educational institutions, we want to be a strong partner and contributor to economic and employment growth in Milwaukee and support a pipeline from poverty to employment.”

NOTE: This press release was submitted to Urban Milwaukee and was not written by an Urban Milwaukee writer. It has not been verified for its accuracy or completeness.