Senior Substitute; Intermittent

Senior Substitute (Intermittent) – City of Cambridge

At the Cambridge Public Library, we welcome all, inspire minds, and empower the community. We support a Cambridge where everyone has equitable opportunities to learn, people live their best lives, and democracy thrives. Since 1889, the Cambridge Public Library has been a place of learning and community where all are welcome to expand their horizons. Through the Main Library and six neighborhood branches—Boudreau, Central Square, Collins, O’Connell, O’Neill, and Valente—the Library operates as a unified system to offer free library services and programs to residents.

Reporting to Library Administration, Senior Substitutes provide outstanding customer service to members of the public and support to library staff through shift coverage at the Main Library and all branches.

• Provide substitute coverage for all departments and branches of the Library.
• Perform functions related to circulation: check‑outs, check‑ins, reserves, renewals, fine assessment and collection, and similar related tasks.
• Provide outstanding and engaging customer service to the public and colleagues.
• Assist patrons in locating books and materials and using library resources, referring them to other staff members as needed.
• Shelve materials and read shelves.
• Process deliveries; move and unload bins and check in items.
• Monitor public areas of the library; communicate and apply library policies and procedures.
• Perform any other duties required for the good of the library.

• High school diploma or high school equivalency required.

• Strong team player who treats colleagues with courtesy and respect.
• Positive attitude in all situations.
• Ability to handle the unexpected and remain calm and professional under pressure.
• Working knowledge of basic public library concepts and resources.
• Ability to follow oral and written instructions accurately and thoroughly.
• Demonstrated ability to work and interact effectively with individuals and groups from a variety of identities, cultures, backgrounds, and ideologies.

• A Bachelor’s degree or coursework beyond the high school level is desirable.
• Fluency in a language in addition to English and prior library experience is desirable.

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions. Ability to operate standard office equipment; transport carts of materials which can weigh more than 100 pounds across a level floor or on a ramp; carry baskets of materials weighing up to 30 pounds; pay attention to details and concentrate on tasks despite frequent interruptions and moderate noise levels;

communicate effectively and exchange accurate information with coworkers and members of the public; read and organize written material; place library materials on shelves or carts which can be located at floor level or overhead.

The job occurs primarily in library locations. Works in assigned area, including public spaces, office areas, work rooms, and training rooms as needed. May be exposed to moderate to high levels of noise, stress, and frequent interruptions.

This is a substitute position without regular hours. Average of 10 hours per week within the following hours:
Monday–Thursday 8:30–9, Friday 8:30–6, and Saturday 8:30–5. Shifts and total hours will vary week‑to‑week based on operational needs. Candidates must be very flexible and able to work at all library locations.

• Resume