Library Assistant; Part-Time - Douglass Branch Library

Position: Library Assistant (Part-Time) - Douglass Branch Library
Salary: $20.70 - $26.42 Hourly
Location : Douglass Branch Library, IL
Job Type: Part-time 25 hour position
Job Number: 00188 - 1.2026
Department: Douglass Branch Library
Opening Date: 01/23/2026

Description
Under the supervision of the Douglass Branch Manager, the Library Assistant helps create a welcoming atmosphere for customers of all ages as they use the Douglass Branch Library and borrow materials. The Library Assistant helps customers with a variety of tasks relating to their use of library materials and the facility. The Library Assistant is a primary public service contact for Library users and works with the Branch team to check out materials to customers, register customers for library cards, answer questions, assist users with the library catalog, computers, and devices, makerspace equipment, and engages with customers in a friendly and efficient way.

The Library Assistant assists with planning and presenting programs for adults and children.
Scheduled 25 hours a week and includes daytime, evening, and weekend shifts.
Open until filled, with first review of applicants on February 16, 2026.
Examples of Duties

• Performs a variety of tasks relating to the use of library materials
• Issues library cards
• Checks materials in and out
• Assists customers and answers questions over the phone and in person
• Answers reference and readers' advisory questions
• Assists with training of staff and volunteers
• Assists with collection development and maintenance
• Coordinates the work of other staff on evenings and weekends
• Performs tasks related to the daily operations of the library
• Plans, prepares materials for, and presents programs to children and adults
• Participates in departmental and library-wide training and activities, including technology and safety training
• Provides excellent internal and external customer service
• Other duties as assigned

Requirements

• Strong commitment to public service
• Ability to work with the public in a friendly and efficient manner
• Ability to learn and perform routine library functions and procedures
• Ability to learn and use integrated library systems and technology
• Ability to learn and apply phone system and money collecting procedures
• Accurate computer and keyboarding skills
• Familiarity with workplace productivity software, including skills in Microsoft Office Suite
• Good interpersonal and communications skills for working within a team environment
• Ability to maintain reliable attendance and regular schedule
• Ability to maintain a varied schedule, including day, evening, and weekend rotations
• Ability to issue guidance and ensure compliance with the Library's Rules of Conduct and policies
• Flexibility to adapt to changing situations and to vary work schedule
• Good vision and hearing to effectively engage with customers
• Manual dexterity to operate computer and telephone equipment
• Physical ability to regularly lift library materials weighing up to 40 lbs., setup for events, and to push fully loaded carts of library materials
• Satisfactory pre-employment background check

Acceptable Experience and Training

• High school diploma or GED required
• Associate or two years of college preferred
• Customer service experience preferred
• Public library experience preferred
• Knowledge of Spanish and/or French is helpful
• Any equivalent combination of experience and training which provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities

The Champaign Public Library offers a comprehensive benefit package to regular full- and part-time employees that includes paid sick leave, vacation, and nine paid holidays each year.

Employees working 29 hours or less are not eligible for health insurance.

Other benefits include health and life insurance, and participation in the Illinois Municipal Retirement Fund pension plan, and access to a variety of other programs, such as dental and vision insurance, Employee Assistance Program, and deferred compensation plans.
01

Do you have any relatives who work for the Champaign Public Library?

• Yes
• No

02

If you have relatives who work for the Champaign Public Library, please share their name. (The answer box will allow you to enter 12 lines of text.)
03

What is your highest level of education?

• Less than high school
• High school diploma or GED
• Some college
• College degree or higher

04

Are you able to lift and carry items weighing up to 40 pounds?

• Yes
• No

05

Do you have or are you able to obtain a valid Illinois driver's license by the time of hire and a personal automobile for job-related transportation?

• Yes
• No

06

Are you available to work a flexible schedule that includes daytime, evening and weekend hours?

• Yes
• No

07

How many years of experience do you have working in a public library?

• 1-2 years
• 3-4 years
• 5 or more years
• None

08

If you have public library experience, please describe the kind of work that you did. (The answer box will allow you to enter 12 lines of text.)
09

Please select the experience you have assisting/instructing others with technology, including a makerspace.

• 1-2 Years
• 3-5 Years
• 5+ Years
• None

10

How many years of experience do you have working with children or…