Your library is an excellent resource for help in hard times. The Chesterfield Township Library offers
computers for job hunting and resume writing, as well as numerous books which provide
advice, instruction, and additional resources. We also offer monthly programs to help make
a stressful time just a little bit easier. Below is a list of such upcoming programs, as well as
a snapshot of programs we have offered in the past. For more information on upcoming programs,
Upcoming Programs:
Busy Gardener
Thursday, February 10, 6-7:30 pm
A little bit of time now can save you time and money later. Join garden expert Janet Macunovich for tips and ideas on how to streamline your spring routine to preserve your resources.
Food Skills for Life
Thursday, February 17, 6-7:30 pm
As a single mother, Darla Jaros learned quickly how to provide for her family on a very limited budget. Her presentation offers suggestions and proven tricks for stretching your dollar in the kitchen without sacrificing your family’s nutrition or health.
Craigslist
Tuesday, February 22, 6:30-7:30 pm
The craigslist site is an online community bulletin board where residents can buy and sell items and find postings for job opportunities. Learn how to navigate and use this site in this hour-long presentation.
Basic Microsoft Word 2003
Saturday, February 26, 1-3 pm
Microsoft’s word processing software can be overwhelming at first glance, what with all of the menus and shortcut buttons available. This hands-on class will help you navigate most of the shortcuts, focusing on the ones that will be most useful in personal and workplace environments.
Internet Skills 101
Wednesday, March 2, 5:30-7:30 pm
From browsers to web sites, navigation to safety precautions, this hands-on class will introduce you to everything you need to start out in the World Wide Web safely and confidently.
Seed Starting 101 and Seed Exchange
Thursday, March 10, 6-7:30 pm
Growing plants from seed is one of the most cost-effective ways to keep your garden going from year to year. Learn how to gather, save, and start your seeds for flower and vegetable gardens.
Microsoft Excel 2003 BASICS
Tuesday, March 22, 5:30-7:30 pm
Microsoft’s spreadsheet program is an excellent tool for finances, inventory, and many other list- or math-related tasks. This hands-on class will introduce participants to the basic functions and tools needed to navigate the Excel program.
Job and Career Information on the Internet
Wednesday, March 30, 6-7:30 pm
The Chesterfield Township Library subscribes to three highly useful employment databases: Career One Stop, which deals with occupation overviews, school and financial aid information, and resume, cover letter, and interview advice; Helping Hand, which helps Michigan residents facing economic hardship find the services they need; and Learning Express Library, which offers free online licensing and certification practice exams for dozens of jobs and careers.
Past Programs:
Automotive Repair Manuals Online
Our online access to the All Data and Chilton’s manuals for automotive repair provides residents with the ability to make many repairs to their vehicles.
Career Cruising Database
This online resource contains details on hundreds of careers, including education/training needed, pay scales, and working conditions. Participants in this class learned how to navigate the site, finding the information they needed and exploring some of the tools included in the site.
Career Information on the Internet
This workshop introduced residents to a variety of resources for job searching, career research, and employment training.
Computer Classes
The library offers classes on a variety of job- and personal-related computer skills, including a basic understanding of the machine, how to use a keyboard and mouse, how to navigate the Internet, using the library’s catalog to locate items, and Microsoft’s Word and Excel programs.
Creating a Resume
Participants learned the basic structure of resumes, went over key guidelines for creating their own, and received some assistance editing their resumes.
Dirt Cheap
A gardening program which focused on native Michigan plants and low-budget planting to create attractive landscapes without breaking the bank.
Facing Foreclosure
An educator from Michigan State University guided residents through the options available to them if they were facing or anticipated facing foreclosure.
Identity Theft
Participants learned how to protect their financial profiles through protecting their identities in this workshop led by law enforcement and identity protection experts.
Job Searching on the Web
There are a multitude of websites offering job postings; this class highlighted some of the more reliable ones and introduced lesser-known search sites job seekers might not have been aware of.
Living with Less: Adjusting to the Sudden Loss of Income
An educator from Michigan State University assisted residents with the emotional and financial aspects of sudden changes in income.
Perennial Exchanges
In the spring and the fall, the library hosts perennial exchanges, where gardeners can gather to swap perennial plants, providing participants with variety for their gardens for free.
Reinventing Yourself for a New Job Market
A series of workforce development seminars by Preston Banks, including resume advice, job searching and networking tips, interview strategies, building an online image, and negotiating salary.
Smart Spending in Tough Economic Times
An educator from Michigan State University helped participants identify their ‘spending leaks’ and develop a proactive budget plan that maximized income and minimized debt.
V. A. Benefits Seminar
Representatives from Macomb County Veterans Services and the VAA provided the latest information on veterans’ benefits for veterans and their families.
Women and Investing – Achieving Your Financial Goals
A financial consultant helped women address issues critical to their own and their family’s financial health.
