Beyond the Books: How Texas Libraries Are Driving Workforce Development

Public libraries have long been trusted community spaces. But today, they are playing an even more critical role—helping individuals build skills, find jobs, and create new economic opportunities.

In a recent episode of Libraries Transform Texas, guest host Christina Taylor spoke with Emily Hersh, workforce development consultant at the Texas State Library and Archives Commission, about how libraries across the state are stepping into this expanding role.

Listen Here

Redefining Workforce Development in Libraries

At first glance, “workforce development” can sound like a narrow or technical term. But in practice, it reflects a broad and growing set of services that libraries are already providing.

“What we’re talking about is a very broad term that refers to preparing workers for the jobs that a community needs,” Hersh explained.

That includes everything from resume and job application support to technology training, ESL classes, GED preparation, and even business startup guidance.

In many ways, this work is not new—it is simply a more intentional framing of what libraries have always done: meet community needs.

Libraries as Connectors and Community Builders

Hersh describes the role of libraries in two simple but powerful ways.

“As librarians, I see us having two important roles. We are connectors and we are community builders.”

Libraries connect individuals to information, tools, and opportunities. But they also go a step further—building partnerships that bring services directly into the community.

That might mean connecting a patron to a local adult education provider. Or it could mean hosting GED classes in the library itself. In some cases, it involves launching entirely new programs to fill gaps in the community.

The result is a model that not only serves individuals but strengthens the broader ecosystem around them.

The Power of Partnerships

A key theme throughout the conversation is that libraries cannot—and should not—do this work alone.

“There’s too much to be done for any one organization… to do it all on their own,” Hersh said.

Instead, successful workforce development efforts rely on collaboration with partners such as Workforce Solutions offices, adult education providers, small business development centers, and SCORE mentors.

These partnerships allow libraries to extend their reach, offer more specialized services, and create more comprehensive support systems for their communities.

Expanding Access Through Resources

In addition to partnerships, libraries have access to a growing suite of digital tools that support workforce and economic development.

Resources like LearningExpress Library, Udemy, and Gale databases provide patrons with access to job search tools, skills training, business planning resources, and legal forms—all at no cost.

For many individuals, these tools can be a gateway to new opportunities, especially when paired with guidance from library staff.

A Real-World Impact Story

The impact of this work is already visible across Texas.

Hersh shared an example from the Woodson Memorial Library in Caldwell, where a robust GED preparation program has taken root through partnerships and community demand.

“They’re running so many GED prep classes at that library, she has been able to hire an adult basic education coordinator,” Hersh noted.

With multiple levels of classes—from beginner English learners to advanced test preparation—the program demonstrates how libraries can scale services to meet diverse community needs.

Meeting People Where They Are

At its core, workforce development in libraries is about meeting people where they are—and helping them get where they want to go.

Whether it is a job seeker needing resume help, an adult learner working toward a diploma, or an entrepreneur starting a business, libraries provide a trusted, accessible entry point.

And as Hersh’s work shows, when libraries lean into their role as connectors and community builders, they can unlock opportunities that extend far beyond their walls.