The Montclair Public Library is seeking a dynamic Adult Services Library Assistant. This is a people-centered, tech savvy teammate who thrives on helping others. This role is all about curiosity, connection, and service: you will be guiding patrons to resources, helping them with research tools, and making the library a welcoming place for everyone.
About You
- You love working with people and pride yourself on friendly and patient customer service
- You are confident with everyday technology such as computers, smartphones, eReaders, etc) and most importantly, you are willing to learn new systems quickly
- You are curious and resourceful…the kind of person who enjoys solving problems and sharing new discoveries
- You bring positive energy to your work and thrive in a public-facing environment
- You understand that libraries are places of learning, discovery, and connection
- You are a team player and willing to collaborate with team members in order to contribute to the success of the team and the library as a whole
- Willingness to take ownership of duties and projects as assigned as directed by team members and supervisor
- Reliable and able to work independently
The Role
As a library assistant in Adult Services, you are on the front lines of public service in a busy library. Your day may include answering questions at a service desk, teaching people how to download ebooks on their devices, assisting people on the public computers, and making sure visitors find what they are looking for whether it’s a research database or their next favorite book. You’ll also occasionally help with programming, outreach, displays, and other creative projects that showcase the library’s resources and that engage the community. You’ll occasionally need to work at other library service points such as the Branch, Borrower Services, the Children’s Departments and offsite Outreach locations.
Key Responsibilities
- Provide excellent customer service at public service points
- Stay up to date with library program offerings, services, and resources including the Catalog and Integrated Library System
- Assist patrons in using library technology, digital collections, and online resources
- Answer basic questions and guide users in locating materials
- Support adult programming and outreach initiatives
- Work collaboratively with colleagues to keep services running smoothly and efficiently
- Enforce library policies and procedures
- Recommend books and other reading materials
This Job is Not for Someone Who
- Prefers to work alone without a lot of interaction
- Feels uncomfortable troubleshooting everyday tech problems
- Avoids learning new tools or systems
- Does not enjoy helping people with diverse needs and backgrounds
Qualifications
- Associates Degree or higher required
- At least one year of customer service experience (library, retail, restaurant or related setting)
- Proficiency with computers and digital tools and willingness to adapt to new technologies
- Strong communication and interpersonal skills
- Ability to lift up to 50 pounds and push a loaded book cart (60-80 pounds)
- Conversational Spanish or other languages a plus
- Experience working with diverse populations including seniors a plus
Details
Schedule: Part-time, minimum 18 hours and up to 28 hours per week; evenings and weekend rotations required
Compensation: $17.37 / hour
Reports to: Head of Adult Services
Benefits: Sick time, professional development opportunities
Application Process
- Submit cover letter, resume, and three professional references to jobs [at] montclairlibrary.org (jobs[at]montclairlibrary[dot]org). Please put “AS Library Assistant – [Your Name]” in the subject line.
- Applications accepted until 9/14/2025
Montclair Public Library is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to equity, diversity, and inclusion. Reasonable accommodations available during application/interview processes per ADA. NJ residency required per State Law.
$17.37 per hour