Boost your job skills at the library

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 number 4, are qualities that can be cultivated into marketable employment skills without any formal training.

Last week, a group of teachers from Sandpoint High School’s Community Connections initiative toured four local companies representing the fastest growing industries in our area with the aim of getting first-hand knowledge about the skills most in demand. I am not sure if those teachers came up with their own local version of the top 20, but 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 were mentioned as high priorities with local companies.

If you are already equipped with the qualities in highest demand, but lacking in computer skills, Microsoft applications and 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 on www.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 our fabulously redesigned website, www.ebonnerlibrary.org or stop in to chat with one of us here at the library.

All of the classes, workshops and events below take place at the Sandpoint Branch unless otherwise stated.

• Friday, Oct. 14 — Teen Writers Club, 3 p.m.; teens who write…unite! Collaboration, peer reviews, brainstorming activities. Writing supplies and refreshments provided.

• Saturday, Oct. 15 — Computer class on Microsoft Publisher basics, 8:15 a.m. sharp. Learn to create professional looking brochures, newsletters and other documents. Preregistration required; call 263-6930.

• Saturday, Oct. 15 — Genealogy Workshop, 1p.m. Free family search class hosted by the Sandpoint Family History Center. To get the most from this workshop, bring family information and a computer.

• Saturday, Oct. 15 — Landscaping with Native Plants in North Idaho, 2 p.m. Gail Bolin from the Kinnickinnick Native Plant Society will share her expertise on how to adapt native plants and care for them in landscapes in North Idaho. Class held at the East Bonner County Library District’s Clark Fork branch, 601 Main.

• Monday, Oct. 17 — Pajama Storytime, 6 p.m. Bedtime stories and sleepytime snacks. Wear your PJs and bring your favorite cuddle toy.

• Monday, Oct. 17 — Teen Make It, 3 p.m. Makerspace tinkering for teens with 3D printing design, Arduinos, robotics and more.

• Monday, Oct. 17 — American Sign Language Sign-Up & Orientation Session, 5 p.m. Renowned certified ASL instructor, Susan Schaller will discuss details of the class slated for January 2017. Get your questions answered and secure your spot in the upcoming class.

• Tuesday, Oct. 18 — Mother Goose Reading & Singing, 10:15 a.m.; ages 0-3.

• Tuesday, Oct. 18 — Preschool Story Time, 11 a.m.; ages 2-5.

• Tuesday, Oct. 18 — Make It at the Library, 3 p.m.; Makerspace activities for kids including robotics, Arduinos, Legos and fiber arts.

• Tuesday, Oct. 18 — Robotics with Lego Mindstorm, 3 p.m., ages 8-plus; Clark Fork branch, 601 Main.

• Wednesday, Oct. 19 — Lego Club, 2 p.m.; open creative play with Legos.

• Wednesday, Oct. 19 — Clark Fork Make It, 2 p.m.; crafts and tinkering for kids. Event held at the Clark Fork branch library, 601 Main St.

• Thursday, Oct. 20 — Homeschool Series; program on maps and atlases, 9 a.m. Make school work an adventure with cool tools from the library.

• Thursday, Oct. 20 — Homeschool Book Club, 10:15 a.m. Opportunity for kids and families to talk about titles that they have recently read and loved. Also, check out the winner of the Mock Newberry 2016.

• Thursday, Oct. 20 — Clark Fork Stories and More. 10:30 a.m. Stories, crafts, prizes and snacks for kids ages 3-8. East Bonner County Library District’s Clark Fork branch, 601 Main.

• Saturday, Oct. 22 — Computer class on computer basics, 8:15 a.m. sharp. Learn to use a mouse, keyboard and basic computer functions while learning about computer terminology, memory, navigation and accessibility. Preregistration required; call 263-6930.

• Saturday, Oct. 22 — Seed Saving Workshop – Seed Selection & Processing, noon. In this hands-on workshop, learn how to select, process and exchange seeds in the Sandpoint Seed Library. Instructor: Duane Church. Preregister 263-6930.