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Entry Level Chicago Public Library Jobs (NOW HIRING)

BID/JOB ANNOUNCEMENT LIBRARY ASSOCIATE - HOURLY (MULTIPLE VACANCIES SYSTEMWIDE) CHICAGO PUBLIC LIBRARY Library Operations & Patron Experiences Number of Positions: Multiple (Additional vacancies ...

... Public Library seeks several enthusiastic and dynamic Part Time Library Pages to provide accurate and thorough service in a team-oriented library system. The Part Time Library Page is an entry-level ...

Part Time Library Page

Anaheim, CA · On-site

$18.67 - $19.60/hr

... Public Library seeks several enthusiastic and dynamic Part Time Library Pages to provide accurate and thorough service in a team-oriented library system. The Part Time Library Page is an entry-level ...

August 31, 2026 APPLICATIONS FOR THIS POSTING ARE BEING ACCEPTED FOR ENTRY-LEVEL FIREFIGHTER ... Champaign Public Library, Champaign Public Library Douglass Branch, and the Illinois WorkNet Center.

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Entry Level Chicago Public Library information

See salary details

$30.5K

$64.2K

$102K

How much do entry level chicago public library jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 31, 2026, the average yearly pay for entry level chicago public library in the United States is $64,190.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $49,500.00 and $78,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are entry-level positions at the Chicago Public Library?

Entry-level positions at the Chicago Public Library are jobs that typically require little to no prior professional library experience. These roles may include Library Page, Library Clerk, or Library Assistant, and often involve tasks such as shelving books, assisting patrons with finding materials, and basic administrative duties. Entry-level positions provide valuable experience and opportunities for advancement within the library system. They are ideal for individuals interested in learning more about library operations and public service.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in an entry-level position at the Chicago Public Library, and why are they important?

To thrive in an entry-level position at the Chicago Public Library, you need a high school diploma or equivalent, basic computer literacy, and strong organizational skills. Familiarity with library catalog systems, Microsoft Office Suite, and possibly library-specific software such as Sierra or Polaris is beneficial. Excellent customer service, communication, and teamwork skills help you effectively assist patrons and collaborate with colleagues. These skills ensure efficient library operations, positive user experiences, and support the library's mission of accessible public services.

What is the difference between Entry Level Chicago Public Library vs Library Assistant?

AspectEntry Level Chicago Public LibraryLibrary Assistant
Required CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; some positions may prefer relevant courseworkHigh school diploma or equivalent; some roles may require additional certifications
Work EnvironmentPublic library setting, assisting patrons, organizing materialsPublic library or educational environment, supporting library operations
Employer & Industry UsageChicago Public Library system, government-fundedPublic and private libraries, educational institutions
Common Search & ComparisonEntry Level Chicago Public Library vs Library Assistant

Both roles involve working in a library environment, assisting patrons, and organizing materials. The main difference is that "Entry Level Chicago Public Library" refers specifically to positions within the Chicago Public Library system, often requiring familiarity with their procedures, while "Library Assistant" is a broader term used across various libraries and may have slightly varied requirements depending on the employer.

What are some common challenges faced by entry-level staff at the Chicago Public Library, and how can they be addressed?

Entry-level staff at the Chicago Public Library often encounter challenges such as managing diverse patron needs, learning to navigate the library's cataloguing and circulation systems, and balancing multiple responsibilities like shelving, assisting visitors, and supporting library programs. Adapting to a fast-paced public service environment can take time, but new hires typically receive structured training and ongoing support from experienced colleagues. Building strong communication skills and being proactive in seeking guidance can help ease the transition and foster professional growth within the library system.
What cities are hiring for Entry Level Chicago Public Library jobs? Cities with the most Entry Level Chicago Public Library job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Chicago Public Library jobs? The most popular types of Chicago Public Library jobs are:
What states have the most Entry Level Chicago Public Library jobs? States with the most job openings for Entry Level Chicago Public Library jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Entry Level Chicago Public Library jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Entry Level Chicago Public Library jobs are:
Infographic showing various Entry Level Chicago Public Library job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 85% Full Time, 11% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 90% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $64,190 per year, or $30.9 per hour.

LIBRARY ASSOCIATE - HOURLY

City of Chicago

Chicago, IL • On-site

$32.30/hr

Full-time

Posted 14 days ago


Job description

BID/JOB ANNOUNCEMENT
LIBRARY ASSOCIATE - HOURLY (MULTIPLE VACANCIES SYSTEMWIDE)
CHICAGO PUBLIC LIBRARY
Library Operations & Patron Experiences
Number of Positions: Multiple
(Additional vacancies possible pending budget approval)
Starting Salary: $32.30/Hourly
This position is open to the public and all current City employees covered under the City's collective bargaining agreement with AMERICAN FEDERATION OF STATE, COUNTY, AND MUNICIPAL EMPLOYEES (AFSCME) - BARGAINING UNIT 1, 3, 4 & 5. Only employees in City job titles in this bargaining unit are eligible to bid.
BID INSTRUCTIONS: Apply on the bid site: https://chicago.taleo.net/careersection/103/jobsearch.ftl?lang=en AND
1. Check the box on your profile titled "Currently employed by the City of Chicago"
2. Enter your employee ID (located on your pay stub labeled 'payee/employee number')
3. Select your correct bargaining unit
FAILURE TO FOLLOW THESE INSTRUCTIONS WILL RESULT IN A REJECTED BID APPLICATION
Applications for this position will be accepted until 11:59pm CDT on 7/31/202 6
ESSENTIAL DUTIES
Assists library patrons in using facility resources (e.g., the catalog of library materials, indexes and reference materials).
Assists in developing and administering library programs and services (e.g., adult book discussion, library orientation, bibliographic instruction, children's programs). Performs collection maintenance activities including shelving and purging of library materials. Assists in ordering and cataloging of books and materials. Assists in arranging library displays and exhibits to publicize facility services. Conducts research on bibliographic data using library databases and the Internet. Conducts library orientation and bibliographic instruction through the use of printed materials and electronic resources. Prepares documentation and information about library activities (e.g., records, reports, promotional flyers, bulletin boards). Assists at the circulation desk as needed (e.g., charging for library materials, maintaining inventory of supplies, processing interlibrary loans, reserves, and holds). Promotes library programs and services (e.g. visiting area schools and community organizations)
LOCATION: Various (District's 1-5)
DAYS OFF: Two days off per week
SHIFT: Will be required to work some evenings and weekends
HOURS: 80 hours per month to be scheduled during normal unit hours
THIS POSITION IS IN THE CAREER SERVICE
Qualifications
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
Graduation from an accredited college or university with a bachelor's degree.
Disclaimer - "Accredited" means any nationally or regionally accredited college, university, or law school where the applicant is enrolled in or has completed an Associates, Bachelors, Masters, or Juris Doctorate degree program.
NOTE: To be considered for this position you must provide information about your educational background and your work experience. You must include job titles, dates of employment and specific job duties. (IF you are a current City employee, Acting Up cannot be considered). If you fail to provide this information at the time you submit your application, it will be incomplete, and you will not be considered for this position. There are three ways to provide the information: 1) you may attach a resume; 2) you may paste a resume; or 3) you can complete the online resume fields.
Educational & Employment Verification:
Please be advised that if you are selected to be hired you must provide, upon request, adequate information regarding your educational and employment history as it relates to the qualifications of the position for which you are applying. If you received your degree internationally, all international transcripts/diploma must be accompanied by a Foreign Credential Evaluation. If the City of Chicago cannot verify this information, any offer extended to you will be withdrawn and you will not be hired.
SELECTION REQUIREMENTS
This position requires applicants to complete an interview. The interviewed candidate(s) possessing the qualifications best suited to fulfill the responsibilities of the position will be selected.
Selected Bidders will be hired in seniority order according to the collective bargaining agreement.
Preference will be given to candidates possessing the following:
• Experience working or volunteering in a library
• Bookstore/retail/customer service experience
• Previous experience in education, social work or related fields
• Ability to work with diverse patronage, including children, teens and adults
• Coursework in pursuit of a MLIS or MSLIS
For Information on our employees benefits please visit our benefits website at:
https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/depts/fin/benefits-office.html
For Information on our salary and title structure visit our classifications website at:
https://www.chicago.gov/content/dam/city/depts/dhr/supp_info/JobClassification/2025_Classification_and_Pay_Plan.pdf
APPLICATION EVALUATION: Initial evaluation will be based on information provided on the application and the documents submitted. Department of Human Resource staff will review applications after the final posting date. Staff will follow any and all required Employment/Hiring Plan provisions, federal, state and local laws, and Collective Bargaining Agreements when applicable. Staff will apply hiring preferences as required by the municipal code. Placement on an eligibility list is not an offer or guarantee of an interview nor employment with the City of Chicago.
COMMITMENT TO DIVERSITY: To further our commitment to hiring applicants with diverse experience the City of Chicago has adopted the following ordinances 2-74-020 and 2-74-075. The ordinances provide a preference to applicants who meet minimum qualifications and who are veterans of the Armed Forces, and/or residents of Socio-Economically Disadvantaged Areas (SEDA) and/or Chicago Public School (CPS) high school graduates to be referred to departments for consideration. These hiring preferences do not apply to bidders, as Collective Bargaining Agreements define the hiring process for bidders. For positions covered by a collective bargaining agreement, bidders will be considered before external candidates. To learn more about our hiring practices click here.
ALL REFERENCES TO POLITICAL SPONSORSHIP OR RECOMMENDATION MUST BE OMITTED FROM ALL APPLICATION MATERIALS SUBMITTED FOR CITY EMPLOYMENT
The City of Chicago is an Equal Employment Opportunity, Military Friendly, and Fair Chance Employer
City of Chicago
Brandon Johnson, Mayor