Library Associate I, Part-Time

Library Associate I, Part-Time (Eastside Branch)

The Lexington Public Library (LPL) is a dynamic organization that strives to educate, entertain, and connect all people who live, work, or play in the greater Lexington area. Library staff provide excellent customer service, a welcoming environment, and a commitment to LPL's mission and core values.

To keep LPL progressing forward, the Library Associate I works in a public service environment, supporting the daily operations of the library by providing friendly, helpful service to customers and assisting with basic library tasks Upholding the principles of librarianship, including intellectual freedom, confidentiality, and professional ethics, the Library Associate I brings enthusiasm for learning, curiosity, and the library's role as an inclusive and vibrant community space.

Starting Hourly Pay: $16.16

Primary Work Schedule: Tuesdays and Thursdays, 2:30pm-7pm. Fridays, 1:30pm-6pm. Every other weekend, Saturdays 9am-5pm and Sundays 12:30pm-5pm. Position may require occasional changes in schedule.

Applications for this position will be accepted until 4:00pm on Friday, October 23, 2026.

A typical day as a Part-time Library Associate I may include the following:

• Uphold the principles of librarianship, including intellectual freedom, confidentiality, and ethical service, and articulate the value of library services in accordance with the ALA Library Bill of Rights and Code of Ethics.
• Provide friendly, proactive customer service by assisting customers with circulation activities, library card accounts, and general inquiries, with the ability to resolve routine customer concerns.
• Assist customers in using library resources, technology, and equipment, including the library website, catalog (OPAC), databases, digital materials, computers, printers, copiers, internet resources, email, job search tools, and Microsoft Office applications.
• Support readers' advisory by suggesting books and authors and assisting customers in locating, reserving, and accessing library materials.
• Explain library policies, procedures, and codes of conduct to customers, referring issues to supervisory staff as appropriate.
• Perform routine collection and circulation support tasks, including checking in materials, shelving, pulling holds, and basic collection maintenance.
• Assist with the development and delivery of library points of engagement under the direction of a supervisor.
• Maintain a safe, respectful, and welcoming environment by keeping work areas orderly, addressing minor cleanups, reporting facility issues, and communicating professionally with diverse customers and staff.
• Use library email regularly to remain informed of library operations.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

This job may be a good fit for you if you have:

• High School Diploma or GED.
• Knowledge of popular literature, books, authors, and current digital resources, including online databases, employment resources, and online searching methods.
• Knowledge of current practices, standards, and procedures of professional library work, including library applications and automation systems.
• Ability to learn and apply standard library procedures, methods, and techniques quickly through training and orientation.
• Ability to provide accurate information to customers.
• Ability to provide enthusiastic, responsive, and customer-focused service.
• Ability to communicate effectively and to build strong interpersonal relationships with staff and volunteers.
• Working knowledge of Microsoft Windows, Microsoft Office applications, and internet navigation; ability to learn new technologies and troubleshoot basic equipment issues.
• Ability to work both independently with limited supervision and collaboratively with the team while supporting daily library operations.
• Understanding of job responsibilities and the ability to appropriately refer customers to trained library staff when needed.
• Ability to work a required and flexible schedule as needed.
• Must successfully pass a background investigation.

It may be an even better fit if you have:

• Bachelor's degree preferred.

Here's what we have to offer:

• Flexible scheduling
• Competitive compensation based on skills and experience
• Paid Personal Days
• Employee Assistance Program
• Exceptional training and support to give you the resources you need to be successful
• Employee discounts (YMCA, cell phone stipends, etc.)
• Free Parking
• And a great team of coworkers committed to helping others succeed

Equal Employment Opportunity Policy: People are selected to become members of the LPL family based on skill, merit and talent—not based on race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, gender identity, and sexual orientation), parental status, national origin, age, disability, genetic information (including family medical history), political affiliation, military service, or other non-merit based factors. These protections extend to all management practices and decisions, including recruitment and hiring, appraisal systems, promotions, training, and career development programs. Consistent with these obligations, LPL also provides reasonable accommodations to employees and applicants with disabilities and for sincerely held religious beliefs, observances and practices. If things aren't fair, we all lose.

Physical and Mental Requirements:

• Work requires the ability to perform duties in a library environment, including standing, walking, squatting, sitting for extended periods, using standard office and library equipment, and occasionally lifting or moving materials weighing up to 25 pounds. The position also requires sustained attention, effective communication, problem-solving, and the ability to manage multiple tasks and adapt to changing priorities while interacting professionally with the public and staff.

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Hazards/Unusual Working Conditions:

• Work is performed in public and non-public library environments with regular interaction with staff and customers and exposure to normal, everyday risks associated with a public service setting. Duties may involve varied work schedules, including evenings or weekends, with responsibility for maintaining a safe, organized, and welcoming environment.
• Activities may require travel throughout the Lexington, Fayette County community and require incumbent to have or arrange for own transportation.