Adult Services Librarian

Invitation to Compete #12-26:
Adult Services Librarian

World Languages

Central Library, 1000 4th Ave., Seattle, WA 98104

Regular, FLSA non-exempt, benefitted, full-time (80 hours per pay period)

Salary range: $44.92 – $54.46 per hour

Week 1: Wed 9:30am-6:00pm, Thur 11:30am-8:00pm, Fri 9:30am-6pm, Sat OFF, Sun OFF, Mon 9:30am-6:00pm, Tues 9:30am-6:00pm

Week 2: Wed 9:30am-6:00pm, Thur 11:30am-8:00pm, Fri OFF, Sat 9:30am-6:00pm, Sun 9:30-6:00pm, Mon OFF, Tues 9:30am-6:00pm

This schedule is subject to change based on the Library’s current operational need. This position is a member of the bargaining unit represented by AFSCME. A pay period is two weeks in length that starts on Wednesday and ends on Tuesday.

This position is open to the public and employees of The Seattle Public Library
. Candidates are asked to submit an application, cover letter and resume in NEOGOV by 5:00 p.m. on March 6, 2026. Please read the How to Apply section of this bulletin for more information.

The Seattle Public Library is Seattle’s center of information and knowledge and one of the most popular and valued services in the city. Library staff members are highly regarded by the public for their knowledge, quality of service and dedication. Staff members are committed to the Library’s organizational values of respect, partnership, engagement, diversity, transparency, and recognition. They demonstrate these values by fostering partnerships, maintaining open communication, and supporting an inclusive and equitable work environment.

A strategic priority of the Library is to cultivate a culture of innovation that emphasizes creativity, engagement, learning, and staff development.

The Library supports the City of Seattle’s Race and Social Justice Initiative to eliminate institutionalized racism by removing barriers to access, providing opportunities for growth, and ensuring equitable access to Library programs and services. If you share these values and meet the qualifications, the Library encourages you to apply for the Adult Services Librarian position.

We are seeking a dynamic, community-driven librarian to support the World Languages collections and services at the Central Library. This librarian will lead projects, develop community-focused programming, maintain collections, and provide basic to advanced reference help and readers’ advisory for Library patrons in person and via Lib Answers. This position requires a commitment to inclusionary patron-centered practices and amplifying voices from historically marginalized and excluded communities.

The ideal candidate will have experience working with racially, culturally, and economically diverse communities. They will also have experience providing programs and services for people in diverse linguistic communities. Writing, editing, and presentation skills are preferred; the ability to provide reference services in non-English languages is an asset.

The successful candidate will be a part of a team of Librarians and Library Associate IVs reporting to an Assistant Managing Librarian. As a staff member at the Central Library, an Adult Services Librarian is responsible for maintaining a safe and welcoming public environment utilizing principles of de-escalation. Experience providing service for people who are insecurely housed, or individuals living with addiction or perceived mental health needs, is preferred.

This position will respond to the evolving needs and interest of our communities by facilitating and supporting community-led programs and activities that promote cultural enrichment.

• Cultural
  
  Competency:
  
  Recognition of the need to continually develop and practice cultural competence in customer service, reference services, reader’s advisory, program development, community engagement, teamwork and leadership, especially when working with communities and staff whose lived experience the librarian may not share.
• Community Engagement and Partnerships: Understand the role of community engagement in identifying community needs and goals, and develop relevant and responsive programs, services, and content that meet those needs. Engage with community…