Tacoma Public Library’s new Education & Job Center at the downtown branch is a one-stop shop for all job-search needs: lots of books on all aspects of searching for a job, free workshops with some of the region’s great career coaches, interactive online resources, five computers with resume-writing and job-related software and personalized assistance from librarians.

“Every day, people come to the library looking for books on writing resumes and cover letters, use library computers to search and apply for jobs online, or take a class to develop computer skills,” explained David Domkoski, the library’s community relations officer. “The new center is really a one-stop shop for people needing assistance in their job search.”

The center has resources to help people find a job and explore new careers, including preparation for earning a general equivalency diploma and practice tests for licensing and civil service examinations.

“Libraries are critical resources for those looking for work, whether they need access to technology, instruction on creating e-mail accounts and resumes, or classes to enhance their job search skills,” Domkoski said.

Several free employment classes featuring career coach Robin Ryan are scheduled in the Olympic Room at the main library on Feb. 23.

She will conduct a workshop on resumes and cover letters on from 4-5 p.m. Ryan will discuss the best strategies to get employers to notice you as she reveals what impresses them. The secret technique employers love, resume guidelines, cover letter writing tips, how to handle online applications and how to use keywords in resumes will be covered.

From 5:30-6:30 p.m. she will present “Acing the Interview - 60 Seconds and You Are Hired.”

Ryan will discuss powerful techniques that influence the outcome of any job interview. She will discuss “The 60 Second Sell and the 5-Point Agenda;” situational questions that could be asked and the right way to answer; how to handle the tricky questions; intelligent questions you need to ask the interviewer; the most common pitfalls that cause most candidates to fail; and negotiating strategies to secure the best salary possible.

From 7-8:30 p.m. she will present “Over 40 and You Are Hired.” She will share her market-tested plan that shows how to effectively stand out and appeal to employers amid age discrimination and floods of competition. In Ryan’s new book, “In Over 40 & You’re Hired,” she compiles 20 years of research and career counseling to inspire jump-starting a career with a new, better-paying job.

The workshops are funded with a grant from the Office of the Secretary of State, Washington State Library as part of a Renew Washington Project, which is funded by Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation and the Institute of Museum and Library Services.

For more information visit www.tacomapubliclibrary.org.