Patron Services Specialist

New Lenox Public Library is looking for a knowledgeable, enthusiastic, and resourceful self-starter to join the Patron Services (Circulation) team. This hands-on position facilitates patron-focused services to our growing community. If you enjoy collaboration and are passionate about helping others, this position is for you!

• High school diploma or equivalent
• Associates degree preferred
• Three years customer service experience
• Experience handling currency and ability to add, subtract, multiply, and divide

• Enthusiastic to create a friendly, courteous, pleasant first impression of the library
• Knowledge of the purposes and functions of libraries preferred
• Comfortable handling multiple tasks and prioritizing workflows
• Ability to put materials away in correct order using both the alphabet and Dewey Decimal System

• Utilizes integrated library system (ILS) to perform full range of circulation procedures
• Answers a variety of questions, addresses patron’s needs, and resolves issues at the Patron Services desk
• Issues patron cards, maintains files, and enters information into the ILS
• Collect daily patron transactions and balances register regularly
• Acts as a Passport Agent
• Manages patron holds by placing and maintaining holds lists, processing reserved materials upon arrival, clearing expired or long-standing holds, and routing items to the appropriate owning library or location
• Inspects materials for damage during checkouts and returns, cleans books if needed
• Answers telephone to provide routine information and transfer calls to other departments; fax for patrons
• Actively monitors and restocks displays as needed
• Assists with library program set up and room reservations as necessary
• Attends library training and continuing education as needed
• May be tasked with making changes to item records and processing materials

• Ensures that library spaces are a clean, safe, and welcoming space for all patrons
• Demonstrates creativity, initiative, and ability to work independently to achieve personal, department, library focused goals
• Comfortable with technology, which may include e-readers, ILS systems, databases, Canva and Google/Microsoft Suites
• Supports Library-wide initiatives, programming and outreach
• Participates in continuing education and training, including bi-annual Staff Days
• Maintains an atmosphere conducive to connecting, creating, and exploring
• Supports onboarding experience for new staff members
• Establishes and maintains effective working relationships with Staff and Patrons
• Keeps up to date with best practices by researching and attending workshops, trainings and relevant Continued Education opportunities
• Displays high level of confidentiality in regards to sensitive information
• Cross trains in all departments of the Library to serve as a backup for Library Staff
• Access to transportation and ability to travel
• Performs other duties as assigned

• Salary Range: $16.56- $20.70 per hour (midpoint); internal equity is used in determining the rate of pay
• Paid vacation, sick leave, and paid holidays
• Additional paid leave time accrued at a rate of 1 hour per 40 hours worked
• Participation in the Illinois Municipal Retirement Fund (IMRF)
• Tuition assistance program
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

This full-time, non-exempt position is scheduled for 37.5 hours per week and includes working a mixture of days, nights, and weekends. The selected candidate will report to the Patron & Technical Services Manager.

The New Lenox Public Library District enhances the quality of life in our community by fostering lifelong discovery, education, and opportunity. The library serves a population of approximately 41,000 residents. We are an Equal Opportunity Employer.