Library Associate

Salary: $23.87 - $40.59 Hourly
Location : Frederick County Public Libraries - Frederick, MD
Job Type: Multiple full-time and/or part-time vacancies
Job Number: FY26-00553
Department: Public Libraries
Opening Date: 07/15/2026
Closing Date: 7/29/2026 4:00 PM Eastern
FLSA: Non-Exempt


JOB INFORMATION
This job announcement is being used to create a pool of qualified candidates for future vacancies.

Hiring for these positions will occur as openings become available and is dependent upon continued funding.
Join the vibrant, community-minded team at Frederick County Public Libraries (FCPL)! We are seeking a creative, energetic, and visionary individual to become part of our team.
Located in Central Maryland between Washington D.C. and Baltimore, FCPL is a rapidly developing system of nine libraries and two bookmobiles. Our mission is to facilitate the public's freedom to explore, to invent, and to transform. FCPL connects people to ideas and to each other, helping to foster individual and community growth.
Current Vacancies:

• Adult Services: Brunswick Branch Library; Non-exempt; part-time; 20 hours per week; scheduled varied workdays and hours that include daytime, weekday evenings and weekends (both days) during FCPL operating schedule, pro-rated benefits excluding health benefits; participation in the Maryland State Retirement and Pension System; position subject to system-wide reassignment
• Children Services: Middletown Branch Library; Non-exempt; part-time; 20 hours per week; scheduled varied workdays and hours that include daytime, weekday evenings and weekends (both days) during FCPL operating schedule, pro-rated benefits excluding health benefits; participation in the Maryland State Retirement and Pension System; position subject to system-wide reassignment

This para-professional position provides comprehensive library services and programs for all patrons at the library and also is involved in a wide range of library activities and operations. Specialty areas include Adults, Teens, and Children Services as well as Generalist . Direction may be given to staff as assigned. Supervision is received from the Department Head, Assistant Branch Manager, or Branch Manager. In a branch setting, this person may serve as the "Person-in-Charge".
Frederick County Government values the principles of diversity and inclusion, and strives to ensure equal opportunities for its workforce, applicants and community members. If you are a person who wants to make a difference, give back to your community, and be a voice for change, apply to Frederick County Government today.

TOTAL COMPENSATION PACKAGE: Frederick County offers an extensive compensation package to reflect how highly we value our employees. The following is what you can expect in your first year as a full-time benefited Frederick County Government employee.

• 11 days of Vacation leave with increase after 2 years of employment
• 15 days of Sick leave with unlimited annual carryover
• 11 paid holidays, plus 2 additional floating holidays (10 and 11 month employees may not receive all holidays)
• Day 1 coverage of comprehensive Medical Insurance Plan options to include generous County Health Savings Account (HSA) contribution (if enrolled in the high-deductible plan). This is part of a full range of benefits including Dental, Vision, and Flexible Spending
• Employee Health Center with no or low-cost primary and urgent care
• 100% County paid 2x annual salary Group Term Life Insurance and Accidental Death & Dismemberment (AD&D) benefit
• Participation in the Maryland State Retirement and Pension System
  
  
  • Vesting after 10 years of service
  • Additional service credit for eligible previous public service, military service, etc.
• Work/Life balance programs include: Employee Assistance Program and Employee Wellness Program
• Generous Tuition Reimbursement Program
• Other employee-paid benefits such as Deferred Compensation Plan, Legal Resources, Supplemental Life Insurance, Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital Indemnity Insurance, Lifetime Benefit with Long Term Care plan

NOTE: Benefited employees will accrue service and leave based on the FTE and/or hours worked per calendar year.


For more information, visit our benefits page on the Frederick County Government job opportunities webpage

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND JOB RESPONSIBILITIES

• Under direction, develop and present innovative age-appropriate programs and outreach activities as assigned
• Maintain in-depth knowledge of the library collection and current literature
• Participate in implementation of system-wide programs, events and outreach
• Assist patrons of all ages with reference questions or readers' advisory requests
• Assist patrons in using computerized and manual information sources and/or direct patrons to other appropriate sources
• Perform basic bibliographic searches related to inter-library loan requests and reserves
• Explain FCPL policies and procedures to patrons and train patrons on the use of library resources
• Assist with the maintenance of the branch collection in an assigned area
• Working with the Supervisor, assist in planning and implementing marketing activities and outreach activities that communicate the mission and goals of the library and the value of library products and services to the public, organizations, businesses and other community entities
• Actively seek out and engage in opportunities to promote the library in the community
• Establish and maintain working relationships and partnerships with community businesses, organizations, groups and schools, including outreach and programming
• Prepare displays and develop programs to promote reading and other library services
• Recommend materials for acquisition and/or withdrawal
• Provide customer service at front desk, including check-in and check-out of materials
• Participate in department, branch and system-wide work teams
• Attend workshops, meetings and learning opportunities
• May perform duties as a Passport Acceptance Agent, to include executing passport applications
• May perform duties as a Notary Public, to include witnessing the signing of documents and verifying their authenticity.
• Perform other related duties as required

To perform this job successfully, an employee must be able to perform all essential functions satisfactorily. Any employee's position may not be assigned all functions or equipment listed above, and the examples may not cover all functions or equipment that may be assigned. Reasonable accommodations may be provided to enable individuals with disabilities to perform their essential functions.

QUALIFICATIONS AND REQUIREMENTS
The qualifications/requirements, knowledge/skills/abilities and physical requirements or working conditions described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job:

• Bachelor's degree from a recognized college or university
• 1 year customer service work experience working directly with the public

KNOWLEDGE / SKILLS / ABILITIES:

A successful incumbent operating in this role displays the following:

• Ability to obtain and maintain Library Associate certification from the Maryland State Library Agency plus willingness and ability to attend training sessions as applicable
• May require the ability to become certified as a Passport Acceptance Agent from the U.S. Department of State within 180 days of hire and maintain certification
• Working knowledge of public library practices and procedures
• Knowledge of research techniques and available research materials, as well as general readers' interest, authors, books and other formats of library materials
• Knowledge of standard computer applications and devices including tablets/mobile devices, software applications, and downloadable e-format materials
• Knowledge of age appropriate literature, development stages, and interests
• Working knowledge of social media tools and techniques, and ability to effectively communicate in an online environment to engage customers via social media
• Ability to develop and conduct age appropriate programs, events and activities and perform effectively in front of patrons of all ages
• Ability to effectively access and utilize FCPL's computerized systems and the Internet, and to effectively provide related instruction for patrons
• Ability to learn and integrate emerging technologies and STEM-related educational tools in programming
• Ability to create and market high-quality programming in a fast-paced, deadline-oriented environment
• Ability to effectively organize work, problem solve, determine priorities, make decisions and complete assigned duties with minimal supervision
• Ability to prioritize, multi-task and effectively manage time in a busy environment
• Ability to demonstrate creativity, flexibility, positive attitude and good judgment
• Ability to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems
• Ability to develop and maintain effective working relationships with patrons, co-workers and the general public
• Ability to effectively build relationships and partnerships with community organizations, businesses, schools and similar entities
• Strong and effective spoken and written (English) communication skills
• May require the ability to become a certified Notary for the State of Maryland within 90 days of hire.

PREFERENCE MAY BE GIVEN FOR:
All Library Associate positions:

• 6 or more months of recent (within the last 5 years) experience working in a library (not volunteer experience)
• Completion of coursework towards a Master of Library Science degree or an earned degree
• 1 or more years of work experience developing and presenting programs to the public
• Additional work experience working directly with the public
• Current Frederick County Public Libraries (FCPL) Employee

Children's Services Library Associate positions:

• 6 months of work experience working with children aged birth to 5th grade
• 1 or more years of work experience developing and presenting programs to children birth to 5th grade

Teen Services Library Associate positions:

• 6 months of work experience working with teens grades 5th-12th
• 1 or more years of work experience developing and presenting programs to teens grades 5th-12th

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS / WORKING CONDITIONS:

• While working in this position, the employee is required to constantly reach; frequently walk, occasionally sit, stoop and lift up to 20 pounds
• While working in this position, the employee is required to frequently work indoors
• During outreach programs and events the employee is frequently working outdoors; working in hot temperatures (above 100 degrees), working in cold temperatures (below 32 degrees) and walking on uneven ground

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION / EXAMINATION PROCESS

• Failure to meet or maintain the minimum qualifications or additional requirements may result in disciplinary action up to and including termination
• Ability to provide own transportation to meetings/workshops and to various branch Libraries as needed
• Available for varied workdays and hours within the FCPL operating schedule

KIND OF EXAMINATION (may include):

1. An evaluation of training and experience
2. One or more interviews
3. A pre-employment fingerprint supported background investigation (for candidates hired into Children's or Teen Services)

Frederick County Government is committed to providing an inclusive work environment and complies with all applicable laws and regulations regarding workplace accommodation, including for individuals with disabilities. Applicants who require reasonable accommodation during the application and hiring process may contact the Talent Acquisition section of Human Resources. Inquiries about accommodations can be sent to View email address on click.appcast.io
Retirement Plan:
Library employees who qualify are required by state law to participate in the Maryland State Teachers' Pension System. Refer to

Other Library employees who qualify will participate in a defined benefit retirement plan is provided for all regular County employees. Employees are automatically enrolled in the Non-Uniformed Plan. The majority of support for the plan is provided by the County; however, employees are required to make a mandatory pre-tax contribution towards their benefit. Retirement benefits are payable at normal, early or delayed retirement. Retirement benefits are also payable upon termination and in the event of death or disability.

Health Insurance:
County employees have a choice of two medical insurance plans, an In-Network (HMO) Plan or a High Deductible medical plan with a Health Care Savings Account, to provide coverage for medical and surgical expenses, hospital and emergency care expenses, mental health expenses and prescription drugs. The County and participants share in the cost of the health insurance with the employee having the benefit of pre tax contribution deductions. Medical insurance goes into effect on the first day of active employment.

Dental Insurance:
Employees may select coverage from one of three dental plan options, ranging from a PPO plan to a dental HMO plan. Coverage includes preventive care, fillings, crowns, bridges and dentures, and the cost of dental insurance is shared by both the County and the employee. Dental insurance goes into effect on the first day of the month that follows the eligible employee's completion of 30 days of active employment

NOTE: Employees working 75% or greater of a 35 or 40 hour position are eligible for health & dental insurance.
Flexible Spending Accounts:
The Flex Spending plan allows employees to pay health and day care expenses with pre-tax dollars. Employees may set aside part of their salary in a special account that can be used throughout the year to reimburse themselves for out-of-pocket medical expenses. The maximum contribution is $2,700 per year for Health Care Spending and $5,000 for Dependent Care Spending (work-related day care expenses). Examples of expenses that can be reimbursed for Health Care Spending include, but are not limited to: deductibles, co-payments, dental fees, chiropractors' services, and eyeglasses / contact lenses.

Life Insurance:
Employees are insurance for 2 times their annual salary in case of death plus 2 times their annual salary for accidental death. Employees do not contribute to the premiums for this coverage. A Voluntary Life Insurance Program is offered to regular County employees. The plan allows employees to purchase individually owned term life insurance for themselves, spouses and dependents.

Savings Plan - Deferred Compensation:
The County offers a Section 457 Plan. Deferred compensation plans allow participants to save for retirement in either a pre tax or post tax (Roth) investment account. Contributions are invested at the employee's direction into one or more of the variety of investment options offered by the plan. Changes may be made to the contribution levels, investment options, etc. at any time.


Educational Reimbursement Program: County employees who have successfully passed their probationary period may take up to two job-related courses per semester at any accredited educational institution. The benefit also covers the costs of job-related non-credit courses. If the employee receives a grade of at least a C, or successfully passes a non-credit course, the County reimburses the employee 75% of the costs of tuition, fees and books. If an employee doesn't remain employed with Frederick County Government for two years after a class is taken, the benefit needs to be reimbursed to FCG.
Employee Assistance Program:
This confidential assessment, referral and counseling service is available at no cost to all employees who may need help with a personal or job-related problem.

Leave
Annual Leave - Employees are eligible to use Annual Leave after their 6 month probationary period. Annual Leave accrues as follows:
Years of Service Days per Year
0 - 2 years 11 days
2 - 10 years 17 days
10 + years 24 days

Sick Leave accrual rate is as follows based on length of employment and the following schedule:
0-2 years 10 days
2+ years 12 days
Sick Leave may also be used for illness of an employee's child, dependent, spouse, parent or parent-in-law. There is no limit on the amount of sick leave accumulated. Unused Sick Leave may be used for additional credit in the pension plan at the time of retirement.

NOTE: Regular benefited part-time employees earn annual and sick leave on a pro-rated basis based on their actual number of hours worked biweekly up to their assigned number of regularly scheduled work hours.

Other available types of leave include, but are not limited to, Family Medical Leave, Bereavement, Jury, and Military.

Holidays:
The County observes 10 holidays every year and 11 are observed on years of General Elections.


For additional information on Frederick County Governments benefit package, please visit the Division of Human Resources website at


All hires before January 1, 2012, will follow the all benefit and leave rules as described in the Personnel Rules amended October 3, 2013.
01


Your application, which includes any associated supplemental questions, must be complete at the time of submission and must clearly articulate the required work experience relevant to the position for which you are applying. The experience you indicate in your responses to the supplemental questions must also be described, in detail, on the Work History section of this application. Your application may be considered incomplete if vague descriptions of experience are included or if you cite experience in your supplemental question response that is not included on the Work History section of this application. When considering work history, 1 year of employment = 2,080 hours. If Human Resources staff is unable to confirm your related work experience based on the information submitted, or if you state "see resume" as your response, your application may not be considered further.

• I have read and acknowledge the above instructions.

02


Do you possess a Bachelor's degree from a recognized college or university?

• Yes
• No

03


How many years of experience working directly with the public do you have?

• Less than 1 year of work experience
• 1 year work experience
• More than 2 years work experience

04


Please provide details regarding that work history in the text area below. The work history details provided should include the employer or organization name, dates of employment/service and the duties you performed.NOTE: When considering work history, 1 year of employment = 2,080 hours. If Human Resources staff is unable to confirm your related work experience, based on the information submitted, you will not be considered further.
05


How many months of recent (within the last 5 years) experience working in a library (not volunteer experience) do you have?

• Less than 6 months
• 6-12 months of experience
• More than 12 months of experience
• I do not have this experience

06


Please provide details regarding that work history in the text area below. The work history details provided should include the employer or organization name, dates of employment/service and the duties you performed.NOTE: When considering work history, 1 year of employment = 2,080 hours. If Human Resources staff is unable to confirm your related work experience, based on the information submitted, you will not receive the preference credit.
07


Have you completed any Library Science coursework or earned an advanced degree?

• Yes
• No

08


How many years of work experience developing and presenting programs to the public do you have?

• Less than 1 year of experience
• 1 year of experience
• 2 or more years of experience
• I do not have this experience

09


Please provide details regarding that work history in the text area below. The work history details provided should include the employer or organization name, dates of employment/service and the duties you performed.NOTE: When considering work history, 1 year of employment = 2,080 hours. If Human Resources staff is unable to confirm your related work experience, based on the information submitted, you will not receive the preference credit.
10


Did your work experience developing and presenting programs to the public, include any of the following youth populations? Select all that appy:

• Children: Aged Birth-5th Grade
• Teens; In 5th-12th Grade
• No

11


Please provide details regarding that work history in the text area below. The work history details provided should include the employer or organization name, dates of employment/service and the duties you performed.NOTE: When considering work history, 1 year of employment = 2,080 hours. If Human Resources staff is unable to confirm your related work experience, based on the information submitted, you will not receive the preference credit.
12


Do you have at least 6 months work experience working with any of the following youth populations? Select all that apply:

• Children; Aged Birth-5th Grade
• Teens; In 6th-12th Grade
• No

13


Please provide details regarding that work history in the text area below. The work history details provided should include the employer or organization name, dates of employment/service and the duties you performed.NOTE: When considering work history, 1 year of employment = 2,080 hours. If Human Resources staff is unable to confirm your related work experience, based on the information submitted, you will not receive the preference credit.
14


Are you a current Frederick County Public Library (FCPL) employee?

• Yes
• No

15


If you are interested in one of the current vacancies, check all that apply:

• Adult Services: Brunswick Branch Library; Non-exempt; part-time; 20 hours per week; scheduled varied workdays and hours that include daytime, weekday evenings and weekends (both days) during FCPL operating schedule, pro-rated benefits excluding health benefits; participation in the Maryland State Retirement and Pension System; position subject to system-wide reassignment
• Children Services: Middletown Branch Library; Non-exempt; part-time; 20 hours per week; scheduled varied workdays and hours that include daytime, weekday evenings and weekends (both days) during FCPL operating schedule, pro-rated benefits excluding health benefits; participation in the Maryland State Retirement and Pension System; position subject to system-wide reassignment

16


Which library location(s) are you interested in for future vacancies? Check all that apply:

• Brunswick Branch Library
• C. Burr Artz Public Library
• Edward F. Fry Memorial Library at Point of Rocks
• Emmitsburg Branch Library
• Middletown Branch Library
• Myersville Community Library
• Thurmont Regional Library
• Urbana Regional Library
• Walkersville Branch Library
• None

17


Which type(s) of positions are you interested in for future vacancies? Check all that apply:

• Full-Time; County Benefited
• Part-Time; No Benefits or Library Benefited
• None

18


Which specialty areas are you interested in for future vacancies? Check all that apply:

• Generalists
• Adults
• Children Services
• Teens

Required Question