Federal Library Jobs in Cary, NC (NOW HIRING)

Salary: $20.02 Hourly
Location : Library, NC
Job Type: Temporary
Job Number: 139-2026-9500
Department: Library Services
Opening Date: 08/06/2026
Closing Date: Continuous
General Description
Orange County Public Library is seeking three Temporary Library Assistants for the Southern Library in Carrboro. This library system is very active, with over 225,000 visitors a year and an average circulation of 500,000 items. The individual in this role must be self-motivated, energetic, and creative, with excellent interpersonal skills and a strong desire to work with the public.
Responsibilities include general circulation duties (e.g., checking out/in materials, helping library customers, shelving, processing payments, and providing basic search assistance), as well as occasional reference, technology assistance, and readers' advisory. Must provide great customer service and get along with fellow staff. The position performs related duties as assigned.
This position requires evening and weekend availability.
*SBI background check with fingerprinting is required.
Examples of Essential Functions
Examples of Essential Functions: Following are examples of typical work activities and responsibilities. The incumbent may be responsible for performing other related duties and responsibilities as required or assigned. A position may not include all the work examples given, nor does the list include all that may be assigned.
Demonstrates effective public service skills and an understanding of public library operations, showing tact and professionalism in all face-to-face patron interactions.
Performs circulation functions such as checking materials in and out, issuing library cards, collecting payments, and other related tasks according to library policy.
Shelves a wide variety of materials in all areas of the library with accuracy and attention to detail.
Provides basic reference and readers' advisory services to the public, and assists with finding requested information through library system software.
Troubleshoots library account problems and refers to supervisor when necessary.
Assists customers in accessing their online accounts and with other library technology.
Contributes to positive library culture through a professional, cooperative, team-oriented working relationship with staff, co-workers, and volunteers.
Full Performance of Knowledge, Skills, Abilities
Knowledge, Skills, Abilities
Knowledge of modern office practices and procedures, including modern office technology.
Knowledge of library policies and procedures.
Knowledge of reference resources, including computer-based and automated systems.
Knowledge of library collections and materials.
Knowledge of the geography of the County.
Skill in operating a personal computer and utilizing a variety of software.
Skill in operating standard office and audiovisual equipment.
Skill in problem solving.
Skill in performing basic mathematical calculations.
Skill in dealing with the public and interpersonal relations.
Skill in oral and written communication.
Ability to drive a motor vehicle for library courier services.
Minimum Qualifications
Requires any combination of education and experience equivalent to a high school diploma.
Bilingual applicants encouraged to apply.
Please attach a cover letter.
SPECIAL REQUIREMENT
Possession of or ability to readily obtain a valid driver's license issued by the State of North Carolina for the type of vehicle or equipment operated.
An SBI background check with fingerprinting is required. Employment cannot be commenced until the employee has been cleared.
In accordance with Section 28 of the Orange County Code of Ordinances, and/or relevant State and Federal statutes, candidates for employment may be required to undergo fingerprinting and a criminal history background check based on the job responsibilities of the position. A fingerprinting check is conducted by the State Bureau of Investigation (SBI) and a criminal history background check is conducted by an authorized Federal or State regulatory agency to determine eligibility for appointment. Employment is contingent upon successful clearance through these checks, which are mandated for certain roles depending on the nature of the job and applicable laws.
Must be able to work a flexible schedule that includes day, evening, and weekend hours.
In the event of an emergency, as determined by the County Manager, the Library Director, or management, participation in preparedness and response operations, as well as critical agency needs, should be expected. Employees may be required to fill a temporary assignment in a role different from standard duties, work hours, and/or work location.
Supplemental Information
Physical Activities
Ability to physically perform (with or without reasonable accommodation) basic life operational functions of climbing, balancing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, crawling, reaching, standing, walking, pushing, pulling, lifting, grasping, feeling, talking, hearing and repetitive motions of the hands/wrists.
Examples of physical activities required in this position:
Typing on computer
Shelving books by bending and reaching
Pushing book carts
Walking through library
Orange County is an Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action Employer
Benefits are not available for this position.
01
Orange County is an E-Verify employer. E-Verify is a program that electronically confirms an employee's eligibility to work in the United States after completion of the Employment Eligibility Verification Form (Form I-9). I understand, that if hired, my employment eligibility will be verified through E-Verify.

• Yes

02
I understand that resumes are welcomed but do not substitute for the work experience section of this application and failure to complete the work experience section will result in an incomplete application, which will not be considered for eligibility. Did you fully complete the work experience section of this application?

• Yes
• No

03
Are you an Orange County Local Government employee?

• Yes, I am a Permanent Employee that has passed the Probationary Period
• Yes, I am an Employee but I have not passed the Probationary Period
• Yes, I am a Temporary Employee
• No, I am not an Employee

04
Do you have or are you able to obtain a driver's license valid in the State of North Carolina?

• Yes
• No

05
Please indicated your highest level of education from an accredited school?

• High School or GED
• Associate's Degree
• Bachelor's Degree
• Master's Degree
• Doctoral Degree
• None

06
Please indicate your level of library experience within the last 5 years.

• No experience
• 1 year but less than 3 years
• 3 years but less than 5 years
• 5 or more years

07
Please indicate your level of significant customer service experience.

• No experience
• Less than 1 year
• 1 year but less than 3 years
• 3 or more years

08
The position must be able to work daytime, evening, and weekend hours. Can you accommodate this schedule?

• Yes
• No

09
Physical duties could include lifting, pushing, pulling and squatting to shelve items for extended periods of time. Are you able to do the physical duties with or without accommodation?

• Yes
• No

10
Please indicate your proficiency in Spanish.

• I cannot read, write or speak Spanish.
• I am proficient at reading and writing in Spanish.
• I am proficient at speaking Spanish.
• I am fluent in reading, writing and speaking Spanish.

11
Please acknowledge that you attached a cover letter with your application.

• Yes

12
This position may be required to serve during an emergency. Participation in preparedness and response operations, as well as critical agency needs, should be expected. Employees may be required to fill a temporary assignment in a role different from standard duties, work hours, and/or work location. Are you willing and able to respond during an emergency?

• Yes
• No

Required Question