Library Associate

City of High Point • High Point, NC

16h • $20 - $26 • Onsite

About The Position

The Library Associate performs 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 work, reader’s advisory, programming, and related services. Work is performed under regular supervision and requires personal accountability, motivation, communication, and record keeping.

The position supports the children’s collection, library programs and events, community outreach, and partnerships with schools and other organizations. It also helps promote literacy and library services through displays, flyers, reading lists, presentations, and digital resources. The role requires customer service, public speaking and program leadership, use of library and office technology, and the ability to work rotating evenings, weekends, holidays, and summer reading programming.

The position is based at 901 N Main St, High Point, North Carolina. Work takes place indoors, with regular interaction with the public and coworkers. Physical duties include walking, standing, bending, stooping, reaching, lifting, pushing carts, climbing, and moving books and other materials; the role may require lifting or moving up to 20 pounds occasionally. Employees must be able to move throughout all three floors of the library and climb a small ladder to set up displays.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree required; liberal arts preferred.
• Extensive experience using computers and Microsoft Office products.
• Customer service or retail experience required.
• Valid, appropriate driver’s license issued by the State of North Carolina.
• Must be an avid reader, familiar with popular authors and genres, and able to discuss books and movies with customers.
• Must be comfortable speaking in front of people, preparing presentations, and leading in-person or virtual programs; presentations may include curriculum and basic lesson plans.
• Must be able to learn and teach the use of electronic library resources and operate the computerized circulation system.
• Must be able to work flexible hours, including nights, weekends, and holidays, and be available for rotating evening and weekend shifts and summer reading programming.
• Must communicate effectively with the public, employees, and supervisors; maintain good listening skills; follow written and oral instructions; and provide strong customer service.
• Must be able to use social media and digital technology and prepare professional public-facing materials using Canva or an equivalent graphic design program.
• Must be able to work effectively with a diverse population and participate in a team atmosphere while adapting to changing library services.
• Must be able to perform light physical work, including walking, standing, bending, stooping, reaching, lifting, pushing carts, climbing, moving materials, and setting up displays on a small ladder.
• Must meet the listed hearing, speaking, and visual abilities needed to communicate with the public and perform job functions.
• Must be able to read, write, speak, reason, and use arithmetic sufficiently to perform reference, record-keeping, reporting, and customer service duties.
• Must upload a cover letter and resume with the application.
• Must pass required pre-employment screening; the posting also states that selected candidates must pass a pre-employment physical.

Nice To Haves

• Public library experience is desirable.
• Liberal arts degree.
• Experience with Canva or Photoshop.

Responsibilities

• Provide general reference and reader’s advisory services, search for requested information using automated systems, the Internet, and other resources, and help customers locate books and materials.
• Assist with collection circulation, shelving, shelf reading, repair, cleaning, discarding, and weeding of materials.
• Assist with library signature events and supervise Junior Friends and other children’s volunteers for summer reading, programs, events, and meetings.
• Plan and conduct active and passive library programs, including story times, puppet shows, crafts, tours, book clubs, reading contests, holiday programs, and special programs.
• Prepare digital and print flyers, displays, reading lists, and other materials 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 serve as a public relations representative to schools, homeschool groups, childcare providers, businesses, and other city entities.
• Support tours, teacher packs, field trips, online resources, and other library services for schools and community partners.
• Use Microsoft and Google applications for record keeping and statistics, and assist with collecting library statistics and survey information.
• Collaborate with library and city departments and partner institutions to advance the library’s mission, encourage lifelong learning, and promote library use.
• Pursue professional development through staff meetings, workshops, webinars, and conferences as budget allows, and stay current with technology and library trends.
• Assist with special projects at managers’ requests and perform work in accordance with OSHA and City safety standards and policies.

Benefits

• Guaranteed lifelong monthly pension after vesting following five years of service.
• 401(k) and 457(b) 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 on the first day.

What This Job Offers

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