With support from the Boston Public Library Fund, patrons like Alex (left) and Chelsea (right) are taking the next steps in their careers.
Alex Huynh
When Boston resident Alex Huynh was laid off from their position in corporate human resources, they saw it as an opportunity to reflect on and rethink their career path. Unsure of the next step, they turned to the BPL’s career counseling drop-in sessions at the Egleston Square Branch. There, Alex worked with the BPL’s Workforce Development Reference Librarian, Michael Brown, who helped them refine their written candidacy statement and prepare for the interview.
With the Library’s support, Alex secured an apprenticeship at an early childhood education center in Jamaica Plain and is now working toward certification in early childhood education and development. “It’s scary to be laid off, but your support system wants to be there for you and there are many free career resources, both online and in-person, and people who want to help at the Library. Lean on your community and available resources like the Library, so you can really take your time and plan the future you want.”
Chelsea Spear
Did you know you can record an album at the Central Library? Musician Chelsea Spear did just that. Her soon-to-be-released album, No. 1 in Heaven Starring Travels with Brindle, was recorded — for free — at the Kirstein Business Library & Innovation Center’s InnoLab.
“It was just me and my ukulele,” says Chelsea. “I didn’t have a lot at my disposal, so when my boyfriend told me about the BPL’s recording studio, I checked it out. The librarians were so patient in helping me learn the equipment. I signed up for times, taught myself how to record and produce my album, and now it’s being released in March!”
Chelsea and her ukulele were featured on GBH’s The Culture Show podcast and WBUR’s “Albums by New England Musicians.”