“I believe it’s working out really well on their end and on our end,” said library director Amy Geisinger. “They seem to be learning the skills and get the basic work ethic.”

“I’m having fun,” Mondak said. “My favorite thing about working at the library is that I’m surrounded by books every day I’m there.”

Myers unloads trucks and stocks shelves at Golden Dawn, which he also does at Big Lots. But his favorite thing about work is building things at Big Lots, which he said he’s good at.

Myers said he plans to save his first paycheck, while Mondak said he’ll put his toward school books.

Mondak is studying business administration with an aim to work for a major television production company in Los Angeles. His dream would be to work for the Game Show Network, he said.

Mondak said people should know that those with autism spectrum disorders should be treated like normal people.

A peer support group has also been a success, Ms. Long said, and the young people have made some great friendships.

The two young men have become golfing buddies and Myers said he also enjoys games and music and “just having fun.”

Ms. Long said the employers have said they really enjoy having the young adults working for them, their understanding of autism has grown and they want to learn more.

Ms. Geisinger said the library staff especially enjoy having the men there to help complete tasks that tend to add up.

One thing Mondak has done that will be quite beneficial is reading shelves, which is making sure books are in the correct order. Once a book is misshelved, Ms. Geisinger said it could be lost for a very long time.

“I really do think that there is a need for this. So often they seem to fall through the cracks … they just need a little extra to get them going in the real world. I think it’s a great opportunity for them,” Ms. Geisinger said. “I think it’s a great program for the community, too.”

“Without this program, I probably wouldn’t have gotten a good job or made such good friends,” Myers said.

And Mondak said he might not have been able to finish the school year without it.

Ms. Long said they are looking for more people to join the program. Anyone who would like to refer someone 18 or older with autism can call the agency at 724-982-0414.