Library Assistant Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

LIBRARY ASSISTANT - 1
Application Deadline: July 1, 2026
Status: Part-Time, Non-Exempt
Typical Schedule: 13-18 hours/week; Weeknights and Weekends as required
The schedule for this position requires Wednesday & Thursday evenings 3pm-9pm or 5pm-9pm depending on candidate availability; approximately three weekend days per month (a combination of Saturdays and/or Sundays 9am/10am-5pm)
Compensation: $21.23 to $26.52
Required Education: Associate's Degree or Library Technical Assistant Certificate
At Vernon Area Public Library District (VAPLD), "All Are Welcome Here!"
We love our jobs. We love serving our community and being a gateway to exploring stories, developing programs and sharing smiles. Everyday, we go to work filled with passion to be excellent, to creatively problem solve and to innovate. Our endeavors aim to help support literacy, programs and underpin the needs of our community. VAPLD is analyzing its commitment to the community and how it could be more service-savvy by supporting diverse perspectives, committing to environmentally sustainable behaviors and creating safe spaces.
VAPLD is looking for doers and thinkers, who are not afraid to cultivate relationships and support diverse perspectives. We are looking for forward-thinking team members who attack obstacles with a collaborative flair and an awesome spirit. Do you value helping people access information? Do you love community service? Are you a change agent? If these questions describe you, then please read on!
Position Summary
Working under the direction of the Head of Readers & Information Services, the Library Assistant is responsible for assuring high patron satisfaction while staffing the reference desk and answering patron questions in accordance with current library policies and procedures.
This position does not have any supervisory responsibilities, but may oversee assigned volunteers.
What You'll Be Working On

• Answers questions and provides basic readers' advisory in person or via telephone, email, instant message, or other forms of electronic communication
• Provides exemplary service to patrons in a timely and confidential manner, maintaining the library's high level of customer service in accordance with the Standards of Public Service
• Maintains knowledge of current print and electronic resources to competently answer questions
• Maintains knowledge of and provides basic help with circulating and non-circulating technologies, including but not limited to tablets, eReaders, laptops, public computers, printers, copiers, scanners, and fax machines
• Provides user instruction for internet searching, email, social media, downloading services for digital media, and word processing
• Demonstrates good judgment in the interpretation of library and department policies during normal workflow and emergencies
• Refers in-depth or extended reference and readers' advisory questions to librarians, as needed
• Performs notary services
• Work at the reference desk, as scheduled
• Attends scheduled meetings and core competency training, as required
• Maintains awareness of overall library functions, projects, and goals

What You'll Bring

• Minimum Education: Associate's Degree or Library Technical Assistant Certificate Preferred Education: Bachelor's Degree
• Minimum Work Experience: 1 year in a public library or other customer service based field/organization
• Service-oriented attitude with the ability to establish and maintain effective relationships with staff and the public
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Ability to effectively provide reference assistance and instruction services
• Strong technology skills to include: Microsoft Windows and Office applications, Google Suite applications, the internet, eReaders, and tablets
• Ability to adapt to evolving technology
• Thorough knowledge of popular materials for adults, and readers' advisory resources
• Working knowledge of modern library policies and procedures, methods, practices, and materials
• Ability to exercise initiative in problem-solving and refer questionable situations to supervisor
• Ability to complete detailed work accurately, efficiently, and on time, with minimal supervision
• Ability to plan, organize, and prioritize work assignments

What's In It For You?

• Paid Time Off - typically one week upon date of hire and two weeks after the first year of employment
• Diverse Work Environment
• Competitive Salary
• Annual Time Off: Paid Vacation, Paid Holidays, Personal Time Off (PTO) & Floating Holiday
• Knowledgeable, high-achieving, experienced staff
• Work-Life Balance

How To Apply
For full consideration, please submit a Resume & Cover Letter via the Career Center in ADP. All application material must be received by July 24, 2025. A full job description is available upon request. For additional questions, please contact Human Resources at recruiting@vapld.info
Equal Employment Opportunity
The library does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, gender, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, ancestry, citizenship, age, disability, veteran status, marital status, pregnancy, arrest record, protected order status, genetic information, or other non-job related criteria in any term, condition, or privilege of employment
13-18 hours/week; Weeknights and Weekends as required
The schedule for this position requires Wednesday & Thursday evenings 3pm-9pm or 5pm-9pm depending on candidate availability; approximately three weekend days per month (a combination of Saturdays and/or Sundays 9am/10am-5pm)