The COVID-19 pandemic underscored the negative consequences of chronic digital inequity in marginalized communities. Broward County took substantial health and economic hits as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, including a rise in unemployment. When pandemic mitigation efforts resulted in the closing of public libraries, which offer free access to computers and Wi-Fi, many were left with few options for staying connected, applying for unemployment benefits, job searching or enhancing employability skills.

While there are numerous agencies and organizations that assist Broward County job seekers, Broward County Library was innovative in creating BCL to Go – Workforce Ready, a program that offers the technological tools needed for job-search success as well as intensive employability workshops to educate and inspire participants. While prior library programs offered tablets for check out, BCL to Go – Workforce Ready is the first to offer tablets with curated online resources, portable internet and employability workshops.

Outcomes include a high check-out and renewal rate for the tablets and hotspots, with waitlists at some libraries, and positive feedback from both library customers and staff. Positive customer testimonials include an article published in the library’s January 2023 BCL News magazine about BCL to Go – Workforce Ready, in which customer Paula Protich states after securing employment with help from the program, “It’s amazing! That’s what I tell everyone. There’s lots of help out there. One just has to keep looking for it."