Library Assistant Jobs in Federal Way, WA (NOW HIRING)

Library Assistant
Bainbridge Island
ANNOUNCEMENT NUMBER: 0626-28
Kitsap Regional Library is looking for an enthusiastic individual who is energized by providing excellent external and internal customer service at the Bainbridge Island branch. We have a positive team that is highly motivated and very passionate about helping people. This position performs a wide range of circulation and customer service functions. General responsibilities include: staffing the circulation desk; checking in and out various library materials; issuing library cards; assessing or adjusting fines; administering patron accounts; preparing financial reports and providing direct assistance to patrons. This position reports to the Public Services Supervisor.
GENERAL DESCRIPTION
Under general supervision, while providing excellent customer service, the Library Assistant performs a wide range of circulation and customer service-related functions. Typical duties include staffing the library desk, checking out/in materials, issuing library cards, assessing, or adjusting fines, maintaining patron accounts, processing periodicals, processing shipment and book drops, and providing direct assistance to patrons. This position is represented by the Washington Public Employees Association/UFCW local 365.
QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE
A combination of education and experience equivalent to a high school diploma or GED, and one year of experience in a customer service environment.
*A resume and cover letter are required and may be uploaded or copy/pasted and submitted with your application.
BENEFITS & SALARY
Employees regularly scheduled 20 or more hours per week are eligible to participate in our medical, dental, vision, basic life, AD&D, long term disability insurance plans, health reimbursement arrangement (HRA), as well as our employee assistance program. Additionally, all employees regularly scheduled 20 or more hours per week receive 13 paid holidays throughout the calendar year. Full-time employees earn 15 days per year of vacation leave over the course of their first year, 13 days of sick leave, and 1 personal day each year. All accrued time off is pro-rated for part-time employees.
Kitsap Regional Library participates in the Washington State Public Employees Retirement System (PERS). Employees are automatically eligible for the plan if they work a minimum of 16.25 hours per week (or 70 hour per month) during five months per year for two consecutive years.
Offers to new employees are expected to be between $19.66 and $20.86 depending on required and relevant experience and in alignment with internal equity.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
Any of the following duties may be performed. These examples are representative and do not include all specific tasks an incumbent may be expected to perform:
DUTIES:

• Provide welcoming customer assistance, answer phones, emails, check library materials in and out, register customers for library cards, order materials from other library locations, and troubleshoot patron accounts.
• Return library materials to proper locations and support circulation duties, including processing shipment, pulling holds, emptying the bookdrop, and shelving.
• Assist patrons with self-checkout machines and answer questions in the hold areas.
• Assist patrons with basic reference questions and refer patrons to other qualified staff as appropriate.
• Support the branch team and respond to patron complaints or concerns within established guidelines.
• Assist patrons using public computers, printers, and copier/fax machines. Elevate technical service issues via work orders.
• Assist with promoting library programs, information, services, and materials.
• Assist with periodicals processing, design of displays and other library promotional and informational materials.
• Support the library opening and closing processes.
• Attend branch meetings, workshops, and systemwide training sessions.

ADDITIONAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Assist with collection maintenance (under supervision), including weeding, light mending, and updating labels as assigned.
• In the event of facility or patron related incident, follow library policies, procedures and guidelines or refer to offsite management staff to resolve problems, concerns, or conflicts.
• May on occasion assist with training and programming.
• Maintain a clean, welcoming, and safe library environment.
• Support volunteers as needed.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

• Ability to sort and file alphanumerically and to perform basic mathematical computations, including ability to navigate the Dewey Decimal System.
• Ability to demonstrate effective verbal and written communication skills with a diverse audience.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with co-workers, patrons, user groups, community organizations, volunteer groups and to serve the public courteously.
• Ability to perform financial procedures using the ILS system.
• Ability to access and utilize staff Intranet resources.
• Ability to follow detailed written or verbal procedural instructions accurately, with willingness to seek clarification.
• Ability to acquire and effectively implement knowledge of library policies and procedures and to use independent judgment to resolve circulation and patron problems within established guidelines.
• Ability to work a schedule that may change periodically, including evenings and weekends.
• Ability to work collaboratively to create and maintain an inclusive environment where staff and patrons are respected and feel safe, supported and valued.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by a staff member to perform the essential functions of this job successfully. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
Work is carried out within a generally accessible, safe, indoor environment with occasional public and staff interaction. This position primarily involves light to medium physical demands, sitting and operating objects, tools or controls including keyboards and telephones; for extended periods, internal and external customer contact, conversations, phones, noise from office machinery and other equipment, etc. Must be able to work while others are working in a shared team area. Occasionally, the incumbent must move or maneuver objects or materials weighing up to 35 pounds, including stooping, reaching, lifting, bending or transferring books and other materials to carts, tables, or shelves of varying heights. Incumbents may be required to move carts of books and other materials around the building for extended periods of time. Frequently push, pull, lift or exert up to 20 pounds of force, and/or up to 10 pounds of force constantly to move objects; bending at the waist, kneeling, and reaching, using arms and hands.
Visual acuity essential for tasks include reading and composing emails, reports, and materials including electronic information and complex materials from either written or computer sources; identifying and organizing library materials such as books, audiobooks, and DVDs based on small-print numbers and alphabetical characters; scanning and inspecting library materials, including opening media cases; and operating computers for extended periods. Work performed and delivered are guided by precise deadlines. High cognitive demands include attention to detail, ability to focus for long periods of time, problem solving.
Excellent communication skills, customer service abilities, and multitasking are also essential for success in this role.
LIBRARY EXPECTATIONS
Listed below are expectations of all library employees:

• Provide excellent customer service by showing sensitivity to cultural differences and diverse backgrounds when interacting with patrons, volunteers, and co-workers.
• Maintain regular and reliable attendance.
• Knowledge and support of Kitsap Regional Library's principles of intellectual freedom.
• Knowledge and support of Kitsap Regional Library's policies and procedures.
• Effectively work both independently, with limited direction or supervision, as well as within a team.
• Flexibility to adapt to rapidly changing information, technology, work procedures and library services.
• Maintain confidentiality in dealing with patron and/or employee records.

SCHEDULE
This is a part-time, non-exempt position scheduled for 20 hours a week. Schedules may include weekends and evenings. Schedules are subject to change to meet the needs of the library.
APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS
To apply for this position and future positions, please visit our website at KRL.org and select "Careers" located at the bottom of the page. This position is open to all and will remain open through June 23, 2026.
Kitsap Regional Library is committed to developing a barrier-free recruitment process and work environment. If you require any accommodation, please email us at and we'll work with you to meet your accessibility needs.