Library offers ways to gain needed job skills

The market research firm, IDC reviewed more than 76 million job postings, comprising roughly 80 percent of all postings in 2015 to make job market predictions through 2024. Along the way, they identified the top 20 most required skills across all occupations. I will share the first five with you as well as some local insights in this article. Before you read on, though, what would you predict to be the five most highly sought after skills in the job market of the next decade? Computer coding? Public speaking? Bone setting?

None of those specialized skills made the top five. Actually, all of the skills that made the cut, are abilities that any of us can master.

1. Oral and written communication

2. Problem solving

3. Integrity

4. Microsoft Office

5. Detail oriented

As a bonus, I’ll share the next five on the list: project management, creativity, troubleshooting, marketing and self-motivation. But, let’s focus on the first five. Interestingly, all except #4 are qualities that can be cultivated into marketable employment skills without any formal training.

Teachers and community leaders from Sandpoint High School’s Community Connections initiative have been touring local companies representing the fastest growing industries in our area with the aim of getting first-hand knowledge about the skills most in demand. Interestingly, all of the skills listed in IDC’s top ten were in some way represented locally too. Specifically, basic computer skills, Microsoft Word and Excel and foreign language as well as interpersonal and public communications have been cited among the high priorities of local companies.

If you are already equipped with the qualities in highest demand, but lacking in computer skills, Microsoft applications or foreign language, look to your library. Sign up for one of our weekly computer classes for beginners to learn the basics. Once you’ve mastered that, you can move on to the Learning Express Library for tutorials in using Microsoft Office. As a beginner or a seasoned Microsoft user, you can take courses in Microsoft Imagine Academy online through the library’s website, even qualifying for professional certifications. If you decide to get certified, testing is free thanks to a partnership with Idaho Department of Education. The library can even help you to learn a foreign language. Mango Languages, found in the Digital Library at ebonnerlibrary.org is a free, fun, conversation–based language learning program. It even has a mobile app so you can learn on the go.

Many, if not most of the qualities and skills needed for today’s job market and that of the future can be learned or refined at the library at no direct cost to you. For more information about skills development resources available, visit ebonnerlibrary.org or stop in to chat with one of us here at the library.

- Saturday, Oct. 21 — Computer class on the “digital library,” 8:15 a.m. at the Sandpoint branch, 1407 Cedar. Virtually everything you can borrow from The Library can be found in electronic format in the Digital Library at ebonnerlibrary.org. Learn how your library card gives you access to free music and movie streaming, language learning, digital and audio reads and more. Preregistration is required: 263-6930.

- Tuesday, Oct. 24 — Preschool Story Time. 11 AM @ Creations. Stories and crafts for kids ages 2-5 yrs. The Library’s Story Times will be @ Creations on the Cedar St. Bridge for a while due to the construction project. Info: suzanne@ebonnerlibrary.org.

- Tuesday, Oct. 24 — Mindstorm Robotics. 3 PM @ the Clark Fork Branch Library, 601 Main. Kids 8+ learn to code with Lego Mindstorm.

- Wednesday, Oct. 25 — Clark Fork Stories & More. 10:30 AM. Stories and more is back after taking a few weeks off. Kids and their caregivers enjoy story time, songs, snacks, and crafts at the Clark Fork Branch Library, 601 Main.

- Wednesday, Oct. 25 — Crafternoon – Sand Mandelas. 2 PM @ the Sandpoint Branch Library lobby, 1407 Cedar. Free family fun with an artistic craft to take home. Info: 263-6930 ext. 1211 or suzanne@ebonnerlibrary.org.

- Wednesday, Oct. 25 — Make It at the Library. 2 PM @ the Clark Fork Branch Library. Tweens & teens make a variety of STEAM projects. Info: 266-1321.

- Thursday, Oct. 26 — Clark Fork Crafternoon. 3 PM @ the Clark Fork Branch Library. Free family fun with artistic crafts to take home. Info: 266-1321.

- Friday, Oct. 27 — Teen Writers Club. 3:30 PM @ the Sandpoint Branch Library, 1407 Cedar. Young writers of all writing platforms are invited to drop in for collaboration, writing prompt activities, and refreshments. For more info, contact Morgan at 263-6930 ext. 1245 or morgan@ebonnerlibrary.org.

- Friday, Oct. 27, and Saturday, Oct. 28 — Clark Fork Used Book & Media Sale. 10 AM-4 PM @ the Clark Fork Library. Score sweet deals on used books and media to benefit the Clark Fork Friends of the Library.

- Saturday, Oct. 28 — Computer Class – Basic Microsoft Word. 8:15 AM sharp @ the Sandpoint Branch Library, 1407 Cedar. Sharpen your marketable job skills or simply learn how to use Microsoft Word to write letters and create a variety of documents. Preregistration required 263-6930.

Saturday, Oct. 28 — Organic Gardening & Seed Saving. 1 PM @ the Sandpoint Branch Library, 1407 Cedar. A community conversation about organic gardening and seed saving techniques.

- Clark Fork autumn reading program — all ages @ the Clark Fork Library, 601 Main St. Earn silent auction “bucks” when you log your reading between September and December. Info: 266-1321.

- StoryWalk — Take the family on a special Back to School StoryWalk! At Dover City Park, read “School’s First Day of School” by Adam Rex. At McNearney Park in Ponderay, enjoy “Wemberly Worried” by Kevin Henkes. For more information, visit ebonnerlibrary.org or call Suzanne Davis, Children’s Services Librarian, 263-6930 ext. 1211 or suzanne@ebonnerlibrary.org.

Marcy Timblin is in charge of public relations, marketing and community development for the East Bonner County Library District. She can be reached at 208-263-6930, ext. 1204.