This problem unjustly affects marginalized people because minorities occupy a greater number of jobs in fields such as construction, which has an even higher percentage of wage gap at 32% less hourly earnings. Residents of our bicultural/binational community are hardworking people with unemployment rates routinely lower than both the national and state averages (FRB of Dallas, 2017). Unfortunately, the underlying difficulty for lower- and middle-class workers is that secure employment doesn't equal financial security.

Work PLACE staff have helped a wide array of patrons seeking to start businesses in the daycare services, food services, cleaning services, yard work and handyman services, etc. In addition, Work PLACE staff assist patrons to complete legal forms required by the city to register and start their business. They also assist potential new business owners to develop a business plan and to set up an accounting system for their business.

Through this entrepreneurial program, the library has offered numerous workshops, training opportunities, one-to-one sessions, outreach opportunities and webinars. The Work PLACE program provided access to dedicated workspaces, access to technology (computers, printers, fax services, scanning services), materials and reference services with dedicated staff nearby to provide individual assistance free of charge to the public. Free business courses and webinars were available to help to boost relevant skills.