Library Program Development Assistant

About Us

The Region of Waterloo is a thriving, diverse community committed to fostering opportunities for current and future generations. Waterloo Region is part of the Dish with One Spoon wampum, a treaty guiding our commitment to:

• Taking only what we need
• Leaving some for others
• Keeping the dish clean

This agreement underpins our vision, mission, and core value, and reinforces our dedication to meaningful reconciliation and equity.

Waterloo Region is home to over 674,000 residents and is expected to grow to nearly one million by 2051. Guided by our  Strategic Plan, “Growing with Care,” we prioritize homes for all, climate‑aligned growth, equitable services and opportunities, and a resilient and future‑ready organization. Our mission is to provide essential services that enhance the quality of life for all residents, while our core value emphasizes caring for people and the land we share.

Join us and be part of a team dedicated to making a meaningful difference in our community.

Prepares and delivers library programming to connect people of all ages to the world of ideas, lifelong learning, and experiences, and support community needs and interests.

• Works collaboratively with other members of the library programming team to create design, plan, and deliver programs and outreach for all ages. Researches and applies best practices to identify and develop programming and resources. Adapts existing content according to community needs/interests and medium, and coordinates with third parties to deliver programs, as needed.
• Creates content, registration, and promotional materials. Communicates occasionally with departmental communications staff as needed.
• Interacts regularly with people of all ages attending programs, including children, parents, caregivers, teens, adults, and seniors. Provides guidance and information to promote library programs to local communities. Contacts educators and related organizations, and area municipal library staff for information and collaboration.
• Assists management to review and assess current library programs to determine effectiveness and popularity. Surveys staff and the public to gauge interest in programs (e.g., after‑school programs, baby programs, evening story times).
• Monitors the content and condition of resources used by staff and the public.
• Compiles monthly program and outreach statistics, including feedback from program participants.
• Consults regularly with other staff regarding program and outreach plans, registration, resources, and promotions.
• Promotes diversity and inclusion and the library's collection, services, and membership.
• Collaborates/coordinates with other staff and organizations regarding programs and outreach (e.g., visits to schools, childcare centres, seniors centres, service clubs).
• Provides training and coaching to enable staff to deliver creative, engaging, and age‑appropriate programs.
• Provides regular desk and counter customer service (e.g., assists customers find information/items, circulates and reserves materials, registers/updates memberships, processes charges/fines, notifies customers of overdue/reserved materials, addresses minor complaints, provides basic technological assistance). Participates in collection maintenance per guidelines, as required. Checks condition of materials and recommends replacement as needed. Implements library policies and procedures.
• Performs related duties as assigned.

• Knowledge of public library services, literacy, and program development acquired through a 3‑year degree or diploma in a related field plus 1 year of experience, or an equivalent combination of education and experience such as a 2‑year diploma in a related field (e.g., Early Childhood Education, or Recreation and Leisure), plus 2 years of related experience planning and delivering library programs.
• Knowledge of the local community served by the Region of Waterloo Library and broader community services.
• Knowledge of and ability to comply with policies and procedures.
• Ability to plan, develop, research, and deliver programs and best practices to support community needs and interests, and…