Look To Your Library  

A sampling of items available through the library catalog:

Coping with job loss

Searching for a new career

File for unemployment benefits

Washington's Employment Security Department: 1.800.318.6022. 
En Espanol: Informacion sobre desempleo. 

Find out if you qualify for worker retraining

If you qualify as a "dislocated worker," there may be apprenticeships, college training programs, or other training programs available to you.

Free workshops

WorkSource workshops provide you with the skills you need to find a new career or start your own business.

Goodwill Job Training & Education Center: Free computer and ESL classes. Call 206.329.1000.

Computer classes at King County libraries: Basic to intermediate level classes in computer software such as Word and Excel; basic computer and Internet skills.

Small Business Administration (SBA): Free online courses on starting and running a small business.

Exploring a new career

WorkSource offices are open to the public and provide information, technology and services for job seekers.  WorkSource has offices throughout Washington State.  Here are some local King County offices:

• WorkSource Redmond: 425.861.3700
• WorkSource Renton: 206.205.3500
• WorkSource Auburn: 253.804.1177
• WorkSource North Seattle: 206.440.2500

Washington State Employment Resources     Choose Learn about an occupation to discover which occupations are growing in your area, their salaries, and the training required.  Also includes education and training programs throughout the state, the Eligible Training Provider list, and reports on the state's economy and job market. 

Washington Community Colleges offer job training programs and career centers.

Occupational Outlook Handbook: Profiles over 800 occupations. Includes required training and education, earnings, expected job prospects, and working conditions. Published by the U.S. Department of Labor.

Explore Career Options: Information from the U.S. Department of Labor.

Are you a veteran?

You may qualify for special services from the Employment Security Department.

The Military to Civilian Occupation Translator helps service members match military skills and experience to civilian occupations.

Small Business Administration's Patriot Express is for veterans and members of the military who want to establish or expand small businesses.

Volunteer Opportunities

Peace Corps: Work in developing countries.

Volunteer Match: Search by interest and zipcode to find convenient volunteer opportunities. 

Library databases can help you brush up on skills and explore new career opportunities. You may access KCLS databases in the library or for free at home with your library card.

Testing and Education Reference Center: Test preparation and interactive practice for civil service, military and academic admissions exams; also find school search and career exploration tools.

Typing Instructor Web:  Improve your skills. Use kcls020311 as your site code when you set up your account.

Universal Class: Similar to continuing education classes at the community college: over 500 online non-credit classes, from accounting to webpage development.

Mango Languages: Learn a new language.

ProQuest: Articles on a diverse range of topics from magazines, journals and newspapers.