Library Associate

City of High Point • High Point, NC

22h • Onsite

About The Position

The Library Associate performs responsible para-professional and simple professional work planning and implementing programs and services for the Public Library’s Children’s Services Division. The role connects children, parents, and teachers with books and information through reference assistance, reader’s advisory, programming, and other library services. Work is performed under regular supervision and requires personal accountability, motivation, communication, and record keeping.

The associate supports the children’s collection, conducts library programs and community outreach, prepares promotional materials, assists with volunteers and events, and collaborates with library and City departments. The position requires customer service and public speaking, comfort with digital and library technologies, and the ability to work flexible hours, including rotating evenings, weekends, and holidays. The work location is 901 N Main St, High Point, North Carolina. Candidates selected for employment must pass applicable screenings and, where required, a pre-employment physical.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree required; liberal arts preferred.
• Extensive experience using computers and Microsoft Office products.
• Customer service or retail experience required; public library experience desirable.
• Must be an avid reader, knowledgeable about popular authors, current genre fiction, and popular reading genres, and able to discuss books and movies with customers.
• Must be comfortable speaking in front of people, preparing presentations that may include curriculum and basic lesson plans, and leading in-person or virtual programs.
• Must be able to learn and teach electronic library resources and use a computerized circulation system.
• Must be able to work flexible hours, including nights, weekends, and holidays.
• Must have a valid, appropriate driver’s license issued by the State of North Carolina.
• Must be able to relate to and communicate effectively with the public, coworkers, and supervisors; maintain a positive customer-service environment; listen well; and follow written and oral instructions.
• Must have good business and office skills, strong knowledge of major Microsoft programs, and experience with social media and digital technology.
• Must have experience using Canva or an equivalent graphic-design program to prepare professional materials for public use.
• Must be able to prepare written reports, reader’s advisory guides, flyers, and posters, and collect and report statistics.
• Must be able to work effectively in a team, adapt to changing library services, and work with a diverse population.
• Must be able to move among all three library floors, push carts of print and non-print materials, and move items to and from carts and shelves.
• Must be able to perform the position’s light physical work, including occasionally exerting up to 20 pounds of force and frequently up to 10 pounds; walking, standing, bending, stooping, reaching, lifting, pushing carts, climbing, and occasionally sitting.
• Must be able to climb a small ladder to set up freestanding or bulletin-board displays.
• Must meet the position’s hearing, speaking, vision, and hand-use requirements for communicating with the public and coworkers and handling library materials and equipment.
• Must upload a cover letter and resume with the application.
• Selected candidates must pass required pre-employment screening; applicable screening may include a drug screening, background check, fingerprinting and criminal history check for work involving children, and a pre-placement physical.

Nice To Haves

• Liberal arts degree.
• Public library experience.
• Experience with Canva or Photoshop (or an equivalent graphic-design program).

Responsibilities

• Provide general reference and reader’s advisory services, search for requested information using automated systems, the Internet, and other information tools, and help customers locate books and materials.
• Support collection circulation and upkeep, including checking materials in and out, shelving and shelf reading, repairing and cleaning materials, and discarding or weeding materials as needed.
• Assist with signature events, including the Spring Egg Hunt, Trunk or Treat, Summer Jubilee, Holiday Stroll, and other events.
• Assist with supervising Junior Friends and other children’s volunteers during summer reading, programs, events, and meetings.
• Prepare digital and print flyers and create displays promoting programs, literacy, library services, and seasonal changes.
• Assist with ordering and receiving supplies and equipment needed for programs.
• Represent the library at community events and organizations, and conduct outreach involving schools, homeschool groups, childcare providers, businesses, and other City entities, including tours, teacher packs, field trips, and online resources.
• Plan and conduct active and passive library programs, including special and holiday programs, story times, puppet shows, flannel-board activities, crafts, tours, book clubs, and reading contests.
• Use Microsoft and Google suites for record keeping and statistics; assist with collecting library statistics and surveys.
• Assist in creating reading lists by grade level, genre, and BOB.
• Maintain positive working relationships with partner institutions and collaborate with library divisions and City departments to advance the Library’s mission and values and encourage lifelong learning and library use.
• Pursue professional development through staff meetings, workshops, webinars, and conferences as budget allows, and stay current with technology and library trends.
• Work rotating evenings and weekends and during the summer reading program; assist with special projects at managers’ request.
• Perform work in accordance with OSHA and City safety standards and policies.

Benefits

• Guaranteed life-long monthly pension after vesting following five years of service.
• 401K and 457B retirement plans.
• Paid time off earned within the first year.
• 13 paid holidays per year.
• Tuition reimbursement plan.
• Competitive medical, dental, and vision plans effective day one.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level