As more people struggle with the loss of a job or a home, they're looking for help, one the cheap. More people are turning to the free services offered by public libraries.

"The jobs are very limited," said Mark Sumpter. He's a good representative of who's visiting the library these days. Mr. Sumpter was injured on the job and has been out of work for more than a year.

"It's been hard. it's been real hard to get into any kind of work whatsoever," says Sumpter. Now he spends his days at the downtown branch of the Rockford Public Library flipping through the classifieds, or on line searching for anything that pays.

Mark Sumpter said, "I gotta keep pushing and looking for work." That story is becoming all too familiar and librarians say they're taking on more of a counseling role helping people find the services they need... Looking for jobs on line, making a resume or searching the web for ways to get out of foreclosure and keep a home.

Many library visitors have never used a computer before and they can access free classes here training in the basics to more advanced skills. Librarians are now so in demand that they're starting a program called book a librarian.

"If a person needs more lengthy assistance with filling out a job application, or creating a resume, they can actually make a reservation, make an appointment," says librarian Zoe Norwood. For a growing population, the library is also just warm, safe place for those who have lost their homes. Administrators hope to keep it safe. In face of a string of violence in libraries across the country, including a recent stabbing at a branch in Arlington Heights.

"We think about that at all times, because again it is a public place, so we have to make sure that the public is as safe as possible as well as our staff," said Fay Muhammad the Rockford Public Library Assistant Director. The staff hopes to draw more people out of desperation.

Even as the library's services are becoming more in demand, budget constraints are making it harder to fill the need. Head to rockfordpubliclibrary.org to make a donation, or find out more about the programs available. Remember, everything from computer use, to book rentals is free.