JWCC Workforce Development Center, Quincy Public Library training staff to operate new mobile library

QUINCY — John Wood Community College (JWCC) and the Quincy Public Library (QPL) are partnering to provide free specialized bus training for library staff in preparation for its new mobile library.

The training, funded through a Noncredit Workforce Training Initiative grant from the Illinois Community College Board, is part of a broader initiative to upskill employees and support organizations across the region.

Library staff will receive instruction from JWCC’s Truck Driver Training instructors at its Workforce Development Center. QPL staff will learn how to navigate and operate the mobile library safely as they provide library resources to schools and at community events.

“This partnership shows how leveraging grants to provide free training to employees in the JWCC district can expand access to the library’s offerings,” JWCC dean of career and technical education Dave Hetzler said in a press release. “We are proud to partner with the Quincy Public Library and the many other businesses for which we provide customized training on a regular basis. The key to a successful workforce is continual training, and often we receive grants to help businesses and non-profits defray such costs.”

The mobile library will serve as a mobile extension of the Quincy Public Library, offering books, technology, and educational programming to underserved areas.

“The Quincy Public Library is thrilled to partner with JWCC to ensure our staff are fully equipped to operate the new Mobile Library safely and effectively,” said Kathleen Helsabeck, executive director at QPL. “This training allows us to extend library services beyond our building, reaching more people in our community with books, technology and educational programs. We are grateful for JWCC’s expertise and the support of the ICCB grant in making this possible.”

Businesses and organizations interested in learning more about available training opportunities can contact Hetzler at 217-641-4956 or dhetzler@jwcc.edu. A list of JWCC’s workforce trainings is at www.jwcc.edu/wdc. More information about the QPL Mobile Library is at quincylibrary.org/mobile-library.