Library Assistant

JOB POSTING – LIBRARY ASSISTANT – CIRCULATION

The Cranford Public Library is seeking warm, friendly people with good humor and patience to apply for the title of Library Assistant to work in the Circulation Department, a part-time position. Under general supervision of the Head of Access Services, the Library Assistant provides a variety of library services to patrons of all ages, assists with maintaining and updating the collection, and performs related work as required.

This position will also be cross‑trained in the Children’s Department to assist with leave coverage.

Shift

Schedule:

• Minimum 12 hours per week, including daytime shifts (9–1 or 1–5), at least one evening (5–9) per week, an average of one Saturday (9–5; 9–2 in summer) and one Sunday (11:30–4; closed in summer) per month.
• Availability required for Monday afternoons/evenings (1–5, 5–9), Tuesday evenings (5–9), Wednesday mornings/afternoons (9–1, 1–5), and Thursday afternoons/evenings (1–5, 5–9). Additional shifts may be needed for call‑outs or vacation leave.

• Greet patrons at the Circulation Desk.
• Answer the phone and refer calls to the appropriate extension.
• Check materials in and out.
• Place requests for materials.
• Register patrons and assist with online registration.
• Collect payment for lost items, postage stamps, used books, Friends of the Cranford Public Library membership.
• Prepare interlibrary loan items for shipping.
• Shelve materials, tidy shelves, and put materials in correct call number and alphabetical order.
• Perform additional related tasks as requested by the supervisor or administrative staff.

EXPERIENCE

At least one year of experience working in a public library environment, including circulation and customer service responsibilities, preferred.

EDUCATION

A high school diploma or equivalent is required. Some college preferred.

SKILLS

• Ability to interact with library patrons successfully, fostering positive interactions.
• Strong customer service and technology skills, creativity, flexibility, and a sense of humor.
• Familiarity with books and audio‑visual materials.
• Ability to organize library materials in alphabetical order and by the library’s classification system (Dewey Decimal).
• Ability to establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with coworkers, demonstrating teamwork and the ability to work both independently and as part of a larger group.
• Proficiency in reading, writing, speaking, understanding, or communicating in English sufficient to perform the duties of this position. Bilingual candidates are encouraged to apply.

Persons with disabilities are eligible as long as they can perform the essential functions of the job with or without reasonable accommodation. If the individual requests a reasonable accommodation, but none can be granted without imposing an undue hardship on the Library, such persons may be deemed not qualified for the position.

Must maintain consistent, regular attendance. Employees must comply with the "New Jersey First Act".

BENEFITS

The starting hourly wage is $15.92. This is a part-time position which includes a generous paid time off package.

The Cranford Public Library is an ADA compliant/EOE employer.