Library Associate
General Duty Statement
Performs paraprofessional library work in providing reference, information, and material loan services to customers. Performs other related duties as required.
At Saint Paul Public Libraries, our mission is: We welcome all people to connect, learn, discover, and grow.
If this speaks to you, please consider joining our team as a Library Associate.
In the role of Library Associate, (full or part-time), you will spend much of your time helping visitors at library locations throughout the city. Library Associates work with community members every day in library buildings and in the community: no two days will look the same.
We’re looking for people who:
- are committed to the joys and challenges of working with members of the public on an everyday basis
- are enthusiastic about working with children, youth, and families
- are empowered users of new technologies with a willingness to adapt to changing skill demands
- are willing to build cultural humility through self-knowledge, community knowledge, and relationship building
- are passionate about teams – building relationships, solving problems together, and celebrating victories both small and large.
- are energized by learning and get excited about sharing knowledge with others
- are flexible and patient – with themselves, their co-workers, and community members
In this role you will:
- Welcome community members, explain library services, and answer questions of all kinds, including referrals to other resources in the community
- Empower users to build skills and problem-solve in technology rich environments through one-to-one assistance, opportunities for group and individual study, and referrals
- Answer questions, provide information, and recommend and locate library materials —books, movies and more
- Create and facilitate events, activities, learning circles, and programs for all ages
- Encourage early literacy development through planning and delivering story times and other services to young children
- Grow your understanding of youth development and use that information to interact with youth and families in developmentally appropriate ways
- Welcome youth and families through hands-on passive and active activities, creative thinking around play-based learning and physically attractive spaces
- Create safer spaces for customers and staff by using de-escalation techniques and trauma-sensitive services, striving to create healing-centered environments for members of the public
- Share individual talents by contributing to and/or leading projects at your library location and throughout the library system, including initiatives such as a homework center, career lab services, or a makerspace.
- Connect with other library and city staff and engage in learning through meetings, trainings, and development opportunities
