Library Assistant

Kitsap Regional Library • Bainbridge Island, WA

1d • Onsite

About The Position

The Library Assistant performs a wide range of circulation and customer service functions at the Bainbridge Island branch of Kitsap Regional Library. Under general supervision, the role provides welcoming assistance to patrons and supports library operations, including circulation, patron accounts, materials processing, and branch services. The position reports to the Public Services Supervisor and is represented by the Washington Public Employees Association/UFCW Local 365.

This is a part-time, non-exempt position scheduled for 20 hours per week. Schedules may include evenings and weekends, may change periodically, and are subject to the needs of the library. The position is open through October 28, 2026.

Requirements

• Education and experience equivalent to a high school diploma or GED.
• One year of experience in a customer service environment.
• Ability to sort and file alphanumerically, perform basic mathematical computations, and navigate the Dewey Decimal System.
• Effective verbal and written communication skills with a diverse audience.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with coworkers, patrons, user groups, community organizations, and volunteers, and to serve the public courteously.
• Ability to perform financial procedures using the ILS system and access and use staff Intranet resources.
• Ability to accurately follow detailed written or verbal instructions and seek clarification when needed.
• Ability to learn and apply library policies and procedures and use independent judgment to resolve circulation and patron problems within established guidelines.
• Ability to work a periodically changing schedule that may include evenings and weekends.
• Ability to collaborate in creating and maintaining an inclusive environment where staff and patrons feel respected, safe, supported, and valued.
• Ability to maintain regular and reliable attendance, protect the confidentiality of patron and employee records, and work independently with limited supervision as well as collaboratively.
• Ability to adapt to changing information, technology, work procedures, and library services.
• Ability to meet the physical demands of the job, including occasionally maneuvering materials weighing up to 35 pounds and frequently exerting up to 20 pounds of force.

Responsibilities

• Provide customer assistance in person, by phone, and by email; check library materials in and out; issue library cards; place requests for materials from other library locations; and troubleshoot patron accounts.
• Process shipments, pull holds, empty book drops, return materials to proper locations, and shelve materials.
• Help patrons use self-checkout machines and answer questions in hold areas.
• Assist patrons with basic reference questions and refer them to qualified staff when appropriate.
• Support the branch team and respond to patron complaints or concerns within established guidelines.
• Assist patrons using public computers, printers, and copier/fax machines; report technical service issues through work orders.
• Promote library programs, information, services, and materials; assist with periodicals processing and creating displays and promotional or informational materials.
• Support library opening and closing processes.
• Attend branch meetings, workshops, and systemwide training sessions.
• Assist with collection maintenance under supervision, including weeding, light mending, and updating labels.
• Follow library policies and procedures during facility- or patron-related incidents, or refer issues to offsite management staff.
• Occasionally assist with training and programming, support volunteers as needed, and help maintain a clean, welcoming, and safe library environment.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

Benefits

• Eligible employees scheduled for 20 or more hours per week may participate in medical, dental, vision, basic life, AD&D, and long-term disability insurance plans.
• Health reimbursement arrangement (HRA) and employee assistance program for employees regularly scheduled 20 or more hours per week.
• Thirteen paid holidays per calendar year for employees regularly scheduled 20 or more hours per week.
• Full-time employees earn 16 days of vacation during their first year, 13 days of sick leave, and 2 personal days annually; accrued time off is prorated for part-time employees.
• Participation in the Washington State Public Employees Retirement System (PERS) for eligible employees.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Part-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: High school or GED