Library Assistant - Children's Services, Northborough Free Library (Northborough)
The Northborough Free Library is seeking enthusiastic and creative candidates for a part-time (19-hours per week) Library Assistant for our Children's Department! This position must be available to work Tuesday evenings as well as Saturdays (guaranteed one weekend off per month).
This position is responsible for providing research and reader’s advisory assistance at the Children’s Desk, delivering programs and story times for children ages 0-12, assists in developing and maintaining collection materials, and provides administrative support to the Children’s Librarian.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
The essential functions or duties listed below are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work that may be performed. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related, or a logical assignment to the position.
Assist patrons with research and reader’s advisory questions, provide instruction on the use of library technology, databases, and catalog to children and their caregivers. Provide coverage for other library departments as necessary.
Develop, promote, and conduct programs and story times as directed by the Children’s Librarian.
Develop content for the library's website and social media accounts.
Assist in selecting, evaluating, cataloging, promoting, and maintaining electronic and print collections as assigned by the Director.
Assist in contacting school librarians, teachers, and childcare professionals regarding special services, needs, or programs.
Assist with Library opening and closing.
Prepare various reports, assist with grant writing, and perform special research projects as requested by the Children’s Librarian.
Perform other related job duties as required.
JUDGMENT AND COMPLEXITY
The work consists of a variety of duties which follow standardized practices, procedures, regulations, or guidelines. The sequence of work and/or the procedures followed vary according to the nature of the transaction and/or the information involved, or sought, in a particular situation.
Judgment is needed to locate, select, and apply the most pertinent practice, procedure, regulation, or guideline.
NATURE AND PURPOSE OF CONTACTS
Relationships are primarily with co-workers, vendors and the public involving frequent explanation, discussion or interpretation of practices, procedures, regulations or guidelines in order to render service, plan or coordinate work efforts, or resolve operating problems. Other regular contacts are with service recipients and employees of outside organizations. More than ordinary courtesy, tact and diplomacy may be required to resolve complaints or deal with hostile, uncooperative or uninformed persons.
CONFIDENTIALITY
Employee has access to some confidential and sensitive information in the performance of their duties.
PHYSICAL, MOTOR, AND VISUAL SKILLS
Physical Skills: Work involved periods of standing, with intermittent periods of reaching, stooping, and walking. May be required to lift or move objects such as book trucks, boxes of books or supplies, and equipment weighing up to 15 pounds.
Motor Skills: Duties require motor skills for activities such as moving objects, using office equipment, including but not limited to telephones, personal computers, handheld technology, and other office equipment.
Visual Skills: Visual demands require routinely reading documents for general understanding and analytical purposes, viewing a computer monitor, and scanning book labels on shelves.
Qualifications
Successful candidates will possess strong organizational skills, superior customer service skills, and the ability to interact with and instruct members of the general public. This position must be available to work Tuesday evenings as well as Saturdays (guaranteed one weekend off per month). Requires an Associate’s degree or equivalent, and 1 year of related experience; or any equivalent combination of education, training, certification, and experience. A Bachelor’s degree is preferred. Must have a working knowledge of the principals and practices of a public library. Must have experience working with children, strong customer service skills, an interest in children’s literature, and the ability to create engaging programming for children and families.
KNOWLEDGE, ABILITY, AND SKILLS
Knowledge: Knowledge of the principles and practices of a public library; knowledge of programs, services, and department operations. Requires strong customer service skills, knowledge of children’s literature, children’s developmental stages, reference resources, and familiarity with library technology and applications.
Abilities: Ability to exercise considerable judgment in dealing effectively with diverse constituencies in a responsive manner; ability to prioritize tasks and make effective use of time management; ability to develop effective working relationships with department personnel, volunteers and the general public; ability to interact with and instruct members the general public, particularly children and caregivers.
Skills: Organizational skills; strong oral and written communication, and computer skills. Superior customer service skills.
AA/EOE
Full/Part Time
Part Time
Education
NA
Salary Range
$23.04 - $29.95 / hour
Closing Date
Open Until Filled
How to Apply
Interested candidates should email cover letter, resume, and references in a single PDF to jbruneau@town.northborough.ma.us.
Posted
2025-12-02