Library Assistant

Library Assistant Position

Mount Vernon City Library is recruiting for enthusiastic and motivated individuals who are excited about working for a vibrant and thriving City and Library. We are currently looking for people to become Library Assistants to help the Library with day-to-day operations on a part-time basis. Library Assistants work with the public to provide excellent library services at the Mount Vernon City Library.

The ideal candidate:

• Provides impressive customer service: you think about the patrons and how we can best serve our community.
• Is friendly and warm: you just like helping people and making their day.
• Enjoy being on the move; you will be busy, and the job is sometimes physical.
• Wants to build relationships: you greet people and welcome them into our libraries. You register new members for library cards, help them with account questions, request and recommend books, and show all the Library has to offer.
• Is collaborative: you want to work in a collaborative environment and for an organization that values teamwork and communication; you have great ideas to share on library committees and staff-led teams.
• Is curious: you connect people to the right person or resource and are always learning to enhance your Library and community knowledge.
• Is a great communicator: you can communicate effectively and appropriately with people from diverse backgrounds, both externally and internally.
• Is flexible and accommodating: the ideal candidate has availability, especially during evenings and weekends.

Preference may be given to bilingual candidates, particularly in Spanish/English.

Under general supervision, provides direct and indirect customer service and assistance to ensure patrons have access to all information, materials, and resources provided by the Library.

Essential duties and responsibilities may include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Provides customer service and assistance to Library patrons at the circulation desk, curbside, and via phone and email; assists with creating new library accounts, renewing and updating existing accounts, and issuing internet access codes; collects and processes account payments.
• Responds to general questions and explain Library policies and procedures; assists patrons with locating materials and using library resources; collects and submits patron purchase requests.
• Assists patrons with the use of Library technology to include web browsers, databases, printers, and copiers.
• Collects and checks-in materials returned to the Library; submits items for mending, cleaning, damage evaluation, and circulation updates as needed; returns materials to appropriate shelf locations; reorganizes out of place materials as needed.
• Provides readers with suggestions through the use of book lists, displays, and website carousel.
• Participates in evaluating current material collections; provides suggestions for collection development and purchases.
• Assists with developing and setting up events and programs; may assists with preparing event materials; attends and participates in outreach events.
• Performs a variety of administrative duties and assists other Library staff with various tasks as needed.
• Attends and participates in Library meetings and training sessions as required.
• Performs related duties as assigned.

Education, Training, and Experience Guidelines High school diploma or GED equivalent AND some previous customer service or Library related experience; OR an equivalent combination of education, training, and experience.

Knowledge of:

• Applicable local, State, and Federal laws, codes, regulations, and ordinances.
• General Library policies, procedures, and equipment.
• Customer service principles, practices, and etiquette.
• Records maintenance and retention policies and procedures.
• Library cataloging and Dewey decimal systems.
• Money handling practices.
• Library software systems and technology resources.

Skill in:

• Maintaining accurate records and filing systems.
• Interacting tactfully and professionally with City staff, outside agencies, and the public.
• Handling and maintaining the confidentiality of patron information.
• Organizing and prioritizing tasks to meet deadlines.
• Completing multiple tasks simultaneously.
• Typing and entering data with speed and accuracy.
• Preparing clear and concise communications, reports, and technical documents.
• Establishing and maintaining cooperative working relationships.
• Communicating effectively verbally and in writing.

Additional Duties – Public Services Division:

• Provides excellent customer service to the general public; assists in the preparation and presentation of programs for adults and seniors.
• Promotes reading and use of library services through displays, booklists, bulletin boards and other activities to motivate increased use.
• Assists librarian in maintenance of adult collection. Offers advanced help with adult and senior reader's advisory.
• Shelves print and non-print material; assists in keeping library picked up and attractive.
• Knowledgeable about all library services, resources, and programs and how to access them from inside and outside of the library.
• Assist patrons internally and externally of the library with questions, provide information regarding library policies and procedures. Research, respond to questions, and resolve inquiries; help customers complete forms, and provide guidance in assigned area of responsibility.
• Assist patrons with instruction on using library computer stations and basic computer literacy, including navigating our online resources, using eBooks, and working with typical office software. Assists with express check-out machines, copiers and other equipment.

Additional Duties – Youth Services Division:

• Provides excellent customer service to youth and families; assists in the preparation and presentation of programs for children and youth, including story times.
• Prepares marketing and event materials, social media posts and website content.
• Promotes reading and use of library services through displays, booklists, bulletin boards and other activities to motivate increased use.
• Assists librarian in maintenance of juvenile collection. Offers advanced help with youth and teen reader's advisory.
• Shelves print and non-print material; assists in keeping library picked up and attractive.
• Knowledgeable about all library services, resources, and programs and how to access them from inside and outside of the library.
• Assist patrons internally and externally of the library with questions, provide information regarding library policies and procedures. Research, respond to questions, and resolve inquiries; help customers complete forms, and provide guidance in assigned area of responsibility.
• Assist patrons with instruction on using library computer stations and basic computer literacy, including navigating our online resources, using eBooks, and working with typical office software. Assists with express check-out machines, copiers and other equipment.

Additional Duties – Outreach Division:

• Structure programs to incorporate skills for school, nursing home and daycare visits.
• Communicate with people outside the Library, representing the Library to patrons and community organizations interested in library services at community events
• Plan a working schedule with interested partner organizations
• Match patrons with material appropriate to their interests and abilities
• Assist with deliveries to local nursing homes
• Prepare reports on outreach activities such as statistical reports; communicate information to supervisor
• Assist with community room and kitchen events at the library (including some variable hours)
• Develop constructive and cooperative working relationships with others, and maintain them over time

Benefits:

• Sick leave.
• Paid Holidays (if a holiday falls on a regularly scheduled workday, you will receive holiday pay)
• Department of Retirement Systems Retirement Plan

Application Process:

Interested applicants must submit a cover letter and resume with their application in order to be considered for the position. Applications must be received no later than Wednesday, June 17, 2026 at 11:59 p.m.

The City of Mount Vernon provides and enforces a drug-free workplace and maintains a smoke free work environment. The City of Mount Vernon is an Equal Opportunity Employer.