Is Enoch Pratt shilling for Horseshoe?
Hiring brochures and signage are part of Horseshoe’s “grassroots” recruitment campaign
Above: A sign advertising job opportunities at the new casino at Pratt’s Light St. branch.
If you were wondering what’s up with the “Work for a Legend” Horseshoe Casino kiosks at the entrances of Enoch Pratt Free libraries, we were too.
Brochures and a poster with a close-up shot of a croupier’s hands sliding a pile of chips across the table have been next to the umbrella bags and children’s art at the South Baltimore Light Street branch lately.
There are similar displays for the casino at Pratt’s downtown Central branch.
According to Pratt’s director of communications Roswell Encina, the casino operator approached the city library administration because it wanted “grassroots” recruitment throughout the city.
“If you live in Forest Park or Edmondson, let’s say, it would make sense to pick up information at a location near your home, instead of coming downtown,” he said.
Encina said it made sense for job seekers to apply online for casino jobs at local Pratt branches. Pratt hosted a Horseshoe Legendary Academy at its Edmondson Avenue branch and a career-building clinic at the central library, where casino recruiters and library staff helped attendees apply.
Close-up of Horseshoe display at the Light Street branch of Enoch Pratt Library. (Photo by Danielle Sweeney)
“It’s not unusual for our staff to help people fill out job applications,” noted Encina.
“It has been that way since the recession. As a library, our purpose is to help people with resources, and helping people find jobs is part of that.”
Hoping for “Their Generosity”
The decision for Enoch Pratt to help Horseshoe with its hiring was “a managerial decision, a collective decision,” said Encina, who added that Horseshoe is the first large employer the library has worked with in this way.
Now, for the big question: Is Pratt making money on this? (The Pratt did have accounting troubles last year and, according to the city auditor, owed the city money last year and this year.)
“Horseshoe paid for the literature and kiosks. They gave us the materials, but no payment or donation. No, not so far,” said Encina. “But we were hoping for their generosity after they establish themselves in Baltimore.”
So is this a long-term relationship? Or are the “Work for a Legend” displays coming down now that Horseshoe has opened?
Encina said they will stay up as long as the individual branches want them. “The branches know what best serves their communities,” he said, adding, “I believe that Horseshoe is still hiring.”