Do you have professional aspirations or goals you’re trying to reach? If so, stop by Olney Library to get started! Did you know Montgomery County Public Libraries has a Jobs and Careers guide on our website that can serve as an excellent starting point for information, education and training? Plus, we have loads of books, CD-books, and digital resources that can help you explore careers, improve skills and help you on a new professional path. Don’t wait to get started!
To further inspire you, we wanted to share stories from some of our superstar customers who’ve used MCPL facilities and resources to help fulfill education goals, find jobs or pivot to new careers. While we see thousands of customers each week, these Olney customers are among the standouts who have taken the initiative to develop new skills and are on the path to even greater achievements.
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Simone (left, standing)
with Olney Librarian Valarie Hoover |
Ms. Simone
We used to see Simone every week like clockwork, working with a math tutor in one of Olney’s collaboration rooms. She came each week, twice a week, for more than a year. Simone was incredibly disciplined and seemingly never missed a session. Then, one day, we stopped seeing the two of them and assumed she had finished her course.
A few months later, Simone stopped by with her daughter with a huge smile on her face, radiating excitement. She said, “I passed my GED!” Now that she’s received her high school diploma, Simone has continued to take math classes at the local community college. Library staff have been more than happy to help her find the books and resources she’s looking for. Congratulations Simone, on a job well done and continued academic success!
Ms. Ronnie
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| Learning tips on the iPad |
Over the years Ronnie has worked a variety of jobs, from teacher’s aide to computerizing books at the Library of Congress. But to stay competitive she felt she needed to refresh her computer skills. So Ronnie not only enrolled in MCPL/Senior Planet’s iPad course for older adults at Olney, she took a computer basics course at Germantown at the same time. Talk about dedication!
To complement her new skills, Ronnie recently finished a workshop at Olney, Applying for Jobs in Montgomery County, with a recruiter from the County’s Office of Human Resources. She’s currently finessing her resumé and will be receiving assistance from WorkSource Montgomery career specialists at Rockville Library. And now that she’s gained confidence in her computer skills, Ronnie is the proud owner of a new laptop. Great job, Ronnie! Given your many accomplishments, we know you'll continue to succeed in all you set your mind to!
Mr. Henry
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Henry is always ready to
learn something new |
Henry hails from the beautiful West African country of Liberia, where he had a long career in education and social services. When he first arrived at Olney Library, he was a computer newbie. But with help from library staff and his fellow church members, often on a daily basis, Henry learned how to use Microsoft Word like a pro, then graduated to online education sites. He became adept at using MCPL resources to practice driving tests and learn other skills.
Eventually Henry not only applied for and found local part-time jobs but he also found volunteer opportunities in his area of expertise, using MCPL’s public computers. Perhaps the biggest testament to his success (and newly busy schedule) is the fact that we see him less often than in the past! Three cheers for Henry! You are the perfect example of a customer who, with a little guidance, parlayed your learning to a new level of rewarding professional and personal experiences.
Stop by MCPL’s Jobs and Careers Guide, which includes local help for those who are unemployed,
job hunting skills, education and training, and resources en español. MCPL also offers online Education Resources, such as Career Online High School, an accredited, non-traditional online high school diploma program, and the Learning Express Library, MCPL’s newest database with thousands of online tutorials, practice tests, and e-books to help customers of all ages.
Learn more about Olney Library’s programs and events by visiting our Calendar of Events.
Upcoming computer workshops at Olney include (registration required):
Stop by for One-on-One Computer Tutoring from 4 to 5:15 pm on these upcoming Mondays (sign up begins at 3:15):
- Monday, December 11
- Monday, January 22
MCPL is also partnering with Senior Planet/OATS to provide computer and iPad courses. Visit the Senior Planet Montgomery website to learn when new classes are starting in 2018!Labels: Databases, Olney, Programs and Events, Research
