A representative from the state Department of Labor will share insight on job searching skills in a five-part program that begins next week.

The free classes offered through the Forsyth County Public Library system begin Wednesday with a 90-minute session on networking and job search strategies.

Participants can learn how to sharpen their resumes, hone interviewing skills and find a job that suits them.

This type of information is timely, just ask library information services supervisor Mendy Gunter.

"We've seen a drastic increase in the past year of job searchers here at the library," said Gunter, adding that this is the first time the system has offered the program.

Library Director Jon McDaniel said the system chose to offer it because "we had been looking for something that would help people out with all the economic uncertainty."

McDaniel said the uptick in visitors and computer use also served as catalysts.

"We've had no shortage of library visitors, and our computers are staying busy," McDaniel said. "People are job searching and using the [word processing programs] for working on their resumes. These classes can help in those areas."

The schedule for the 90-minute classes, all of which begin at 1 p.m. in the Cumming Library branch, is as follows:

* Wednesday, networking and job search strategies

* Sept. 2: Resumes

* Sept. 16: Interviewing

* Sept. 30: Age is an asset

* Oct. 14: Choosing a new career/identifying job skills

Registration for the classes is not necessary. The Cumming branch is at 585 Dahlonega Road. For more information, call (770) 781-9840.

The local library system is also offering a weekday preschool program through Aug. 27 at both the Cumming and Sharon Forks branches.

The sessions include stories, songs and activities for young children. For the schedule, visit the library Web site at www.forsythpl.org.