Feb. 26, 2026
By TIM HUNDT
VIROQUA Wis. – The McIntosh Memorial Library has opened a new Job Pod that local leaders say will bring big city employment services to job seekers in Viroqua and across Vernon County who lack computers internet access or comfort with online hiring.
Library Director Trina Erickson told guests at a ribbon cutting that the idea was a surprise when it first landed in her inbox from project organizers.
“I had never in my life heard the word JobPod,” said Erickson. “I needed a moment to pause and think does the library need a JobPod.”
That answer quickly became yes once she looked at services available in the region.
“We do not have a job center in the city of Viroqua and we do not have a physical job center in all of Vernon County,” said Erickson. “To be able to provide what I would call a mini job center in the library was a no brainer.”
The enclosed soundproof space seats up to four people and is designed as a quiet private room for online job searches resume help and virtual appointments. It is ADA compliant with fold up benches that make room for a wheelchair and it contains a dedicated computer that connects directly to Wisconsin Job Center resources including job listings and access to employment specialists.
Job Pod links workforce experts and libraries
Danielle Ziemer the JobPod project librarian with Brown County Library said the program is meant to connect workforce development agencies with the existing reach of public libraries.
“JobPod is all about creating connections,” said Ziemer. “We saw a need for an easy accessible and convenient way for job seekers to connect with available resources through the convenience of public libraries and their infrastructure.”
Ziemer previously worked in workforce development helping low income adults laid off workers and young people pursue career goals. She said moving into public library work showed her how much libraries already do for local residents.
“Public libraries can support literacy leisure activities and lifelong learning,” said Ziemer. “They also provide connections to local resources in a way that really meets people where they are.”
The JobPod here is part of a statewide effort that includes fewer than 20 locations so far. McIntosh Memorial Library is the 12th site in Wisconsin to launch one. Inside the pod users can connect with Job Center of Wisconsin services learn digital skills through offerings such as online upskill programs and reach other statewide and local resources including those from the Western Wisconsin Workforce Development Board.
Serving job seekers without internet at home
Speakers stressed that the new service is aimed especially at residents who do not have internet access or a computer at home or who are unsure how to navigate modern online hiring systems.
“Internet availability is a big barrier for those who want to access services online,” said Ziemer. “If they do not have a computer or reliable internet at home it can be difficult and JobPod really clears the way for them to connect with workforce development experts and employment opportunities regardless of where they live.”
Erickson said library staff already see people who are nervous about the shift to online forms.
“We have people walk in the door who are really scared because they applied for a job with pen and paper 20 years ago,” said Erickson. “Now they cannot do that anymore and they do not know what to do.”
Residents can reserve the Job Pod the same way they book the library conference room. They can schedule online or call the library and staff will make the reservation for them. The goal is to make the space easy to use even for people who rarely go online.
Employers gain a new hiring tool
Local employers also see the pod as a way to fill open positions while helping applicants who struggle with digital forms. The library has begun reaching out to area businesses to explain how they can steer applicants to the space.
Lisa Berg human resources manager at Nelson Global Products said her company has already committed to promote the pod as a resource for job seekers.
“Like many companies we have moved to an online application process,” said Berg. “We still have folks who call and ask if they can pick up an application and now they will have a great local resource where they can look up our jobs and apply.”
Berg said the pod can serve as a one stop location where applicants can search openings at Nelson Global and other local companies draft or update a resume and fill out digital forms while knowing library staff are nearby if they hit a snag.
“This is a beautiful environment for people to come in look online and get resume resources,” said Berg. “For those who do not have a computer or internet at home this gives them a place to go and it gives employers like us a better chance to connect with those job seekers.”
Employers can tell potential applicants to reserve the pod or drop in and ask library staff for help booking time. Once inside applicants can use the dedicated computer to search for openings at specific companies such as Nelson Global or Westby Cooperative Creamery and complete online forms or attend virtual interviews. Employers can also work with the library and workforce partners to make sure their postings are visible through Job Center of Wisconsin and related tools available on the pod computer.
Workforce board sees barriers coming down
The Western Wisconsin Workforce Development Board which serves seven counties including Vernon helped bring the pod to Viroqua. Executive Director Claire Bakalars said the region has only one full service job center in La Crosse which can be hard to reach for some residents.
“We only have one comprehensive job center in western Wisconsin,” said Bakalars. “This allows us to provide services that are similar to what people would get there and we feel like we are bridging the gap and removing barriers for people in this area.”
Bakalars said the partnership with the library will make it easier for the board to stay engaged with local organizations and businesses and to offer support where people already feel comfortable.
As the ribbon fell guests were invited to tour the pod test the soundproofing and see a demonstration of the Wisconsin Job Center website. Ziemer said she planned to stay by the pod to walk anyone through the online resources while the crowd moved on to punch and cookies decorated with the JobPod logo.
Erickson said the space is officially open for reservations and she hopes job seekers and employers across Vernon County will see it as a shared tool for connecting residents with work.
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