WYOMING, Mich. (WZZM) - Even though it was Super Bowl Sunday, libraries across the country were still finding more and more patrons because of the economy.
Libraries are reporting the highest computer usage ever because they're free and offer a portal to potential jobs; giving people a chance to survive the economy.
Inside Wyoming's Public Library, every computer was taken, one by Norma Bennett.
Bennett, an immigrant from India, spent twelve years in the states, went back home for two and returned just a month ago.
Now, she's looking for work.
"Yesterday I was online, I was trying to look for the job, I called up the manager who told me to apply," says Bennett. "In about 15 or 20 minutes I had already applied for three positions."
Bennett is one of many patrons librarians are not used to seeing; people coming in, logging on and beginning their job hunt.
"I really am very fortunate because in India I was so restricted to a phone," says Bennett. "They don't have libraries there, they don't have computers, they don't have anything."
Asante Cain, a manager at the Grand Rapids Public Library, says business is booming with people coming in for a myriad of reasons.
"To file unemployment claims or to work on resumes," says Cain. "We have a small business development center for people who are starting their own businesses."
But the Grand Rapids library isn't alone, the American Libraries Association says 56% of businesses no longer accept paper applications, meaning more and more are finding free rides on the information superhighway.
"Our computers are always full with people usually on the unemployment sites, on job sites, applying for jobs," says Shelley Daniel, a librarian in Wyoming. "And that's on top of the kids that come in to do their homework and the regular business that we get everyday."
As for Norma, she hopes the economy will turn around based on what she's seen overseas.
"We need the jobs here, we need people to consider employing Americans because there's a lot Americans can do here."
Both the Grand Rapids Library and the Wyoming Library are now offering workshops on job hunting and resume building.
Job Hunting 101 will take place at the West Leonard Branch on February 5 at 1:00pm; registration is not required.
A resume workshop is scheduled for February 17 at the Wyoming Library also beginning at 1:00pm; registration is required by calling 616-647-3980.
In your voice
