Nearly 89,000 King County workers are now unemployed, according to the Washington state Employment Security Department, for an overall 8 percent unemployment rate in King County.

Now more than ever, the library’s resources are in growing demand for service as people seek ways to cope with the economic downturn. In response, 41 KCLS community libraries will open an hour early each day during the first week in May in a special effort to demonstrate free library resources that can help make hard times easier.

From Friday to May 8, all 44 KCLS libraries will dedicate the first two hours of every operating day to live demonstrations of key resources and tools for finding jobs, discovering options for assistance, and tools for small businesses. That’s more than 300 added hours of service, and more than 650 hours of hands-on demonstrations for the public, for no added costs: libraries are adjusting their schedules to provide staffing for the occasion.

The on-site demonstrations will focus on four basic topics to meet individual needs:

• “Just Laid Off?” will focus on unemployment issues, showcasing library resources and links to public agencies that can provide assistance.

• “Searching for a Job?” will demonstrate the library’s job search tools, library resources, research tools, resume software and computer workstations for writing and printing resumes and cover letters.

• “Struggling Small Business?” will highlight information, services and ideas for small businesses and start-ups, demonstrating library information and research tools, small business guides and advisory resources.

• “Bills piling up?” will feature links to community resources, financial guidance, and resources for getting by on reduced income.

Each community library is scheduling activities designed to meet their patrons’ needs, and exact program details will vary slightly. Full details are available online at www.kcls.org/looktoyourlibrary/.

For those who can’t attend a free demonstration in the library — or anyone who wants a refresher on the workshops –the More Resources Web section offers easy access to selected library and community resources that can ease the pain of the economic crunch, including resources to help spend less, enjoy small pleasures, try something new, and find ways to help others.

It is important to note that the libraries are presenting their existing collection and all the community resources the research librarians could find. Look to Your Library is a special, no-extra-expense effort to help area residents understand the full scope of library resources available in their community. This project brings together the program/service/Web side of the library system with the marketing/public relations/communications side of the organization in a cohesive effort to simplify searches and make it easy for people to use the library in new ways during difficult times.