Library Associate, Reading Public Library, (Reading, MA)

Posted July 22, 2025

Description

Reading Public Library is searching for a part-time Library Associate in the Borrower Services department.  The successful candidate will show they can provide high-quality, inclusive, and equitable library services and customer assistance to library users at the public service desks. They will be responsible for circulation of materials, facilitating patron access, maintaining patron confidentiality, building positive patron rapport, and creating a welcoming environment for visitors of all ages, abilities, and identities.

Responsibilities

1. Staffs the Borrower Services desk
2. Answers questions and assists patrons in the use of library resources.
3. Searches the catalog and places holds for materials from other libraries.
4. Responsible for circulation of materials and other activities of the Borrower Services Desk, including checkouts, renewals, returns, and holds.
5. Maintains a high level of proficiency in Evergreen, the Integrated Library System (ILS).
6. Handles patrons’ questions and complaints regarding library policies and procedures in a courteous and patient manner, directing them to the appropriate supervisor as necessary.
7. Resolves problems relating to missing, damaged, or overdue items, or discrepancies in patron records.
8. Serves as backup to Research and Readers Services in assisting patrons with the use of copy machines, printers, scanners, and other library equipment.
9. Communicates frequently with public, other library employees, staff of other libraries, and occasionally with vendors.
10. Staffs the Ground Floor Desk and is responsible for answering questions and assisting patrons in use of library resources; referring patrons to other divisions or service desks; and providing information on library policies and events.
11. Answers the telephone, routes calls to the appropriate division, and takes messages when necessary.
12. Reserves meeting rooms for outside organizations and individuals, takes room rental payments, and provides basic technical instruction on use of the meeting rooms.
13. Reserves museum passes.
14. Registers patrons, inputs data into the ILS and maintains confidential information.
15. Collects payment for lost materials and clears delinquency status from patron records.
16. Keeps current with library and network policies and procedures and all aspects of division programming and operations.
17. Cooperates as a team member in performing any duty necessary to provide library services.

Qualifications

1. Graduation from an accredited college or university with a Bachelor’s Degree in any field;
2. Two (2) years of customer service experience, library experience preferred; or
3. Any equivalent combination of education and progressively responsible experience, with additional work experience substituting for the required education on a year-for-year basis.

Hours and Compensation

This is a part-time position that averages 20 hours per week and is eligible for benefits. The schedule is a mix of morning and afternoon shifts, with one evening shift and every third Saturday. This position is also eligible to work Sundays at 1.5 OT rates. Please refer to the Town of Reading Personnel Policy for details on part-time PTO and health benefits.

Salary range: $23.96-$25.10 per hour

How to Apply

Visit https://www.readingma.gov/Jobs.aspx?JobID=Library-Associate-206 to see full listing and download application materials.