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Library Associate Jobs in Downingtown, PA (NOW HIRING)

County of Chester, PA

Library Assistant

West Chester, PA · On-site

$16.78/hr

Associates degree from an accredited college or university in early childhood education, elementary education, or children's literature. * Experience working in a library with computerized systems.

County of Chester

Library Page

West Chester, PA

$15.68/hr

Associates degree or specific job-related post-secondary coursework. Experience working in a library with computerized systems. Knowledge of Chester County Library policies, procedures, services and ...

County of Chester, PA

Library Page

West Chester, PA · On-site

$15.68/hr

Associates degree or specific job-related post-secondary coursework. * Experience working in a library with computerized systems. * Knowledge of Chester County Library policies, procedures, services ...

Winterthur Museum

Sales Associate

Winterthur, DE · On-site

$15.60/hr

Winterthur Museum, Garden & Library encompasses an unrivaled museum of American decorative arts in ... Winterthur's Sales Associates provide exception customer service to our guests, ensuring their ...

Chatham Financial

Research Associate

Kennett Square, PA · On-site

$80K - $95K/yr

As a Research Product Associate at Chatham, you will help build the operating system behind the ... library through new dashboards, indices, benchmarking tools, micro-reports, thematic briefs, and ...

Chathamfinancial

Research Associate

Kennett Square, PA

$80K - $95K/yr

As a Research Product Associate at Chatham, you will help build the operating system behind the ... Help expand the Research Team's product library through new dashboards, indices, benchmarking tools ...

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All JobsLibrary Associate JobsLibrary Associate Jobs in Downingtown, PA

Library Associate information

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$34

How much do library associate jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 4, 2026, the average hourly pay for library associate in Downingtown, PA is $21.27, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.44 and $24.90 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a library associate?

Library Associates are staff members who assist with the daily operations of a library. They help patrons locate materials, check out and return books, organize resources, and may assist with library programs or events. Library Associates often provide customer service, answer basic reference questions, and support librarians in maintaining an organized and welcoming environment. Their responsibilities can vary depending on the size and type of library, but they play a vital role in ensuring smooth library operations.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a library associate, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Library Associate, you need strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and typically a high school diploma or equivalent, with some positions preferring library science coursework. Familiarity with library management systems, cataloging software, and basic computer applications is usually required. Excellent customer service, communication, and problem-solving skills help you effectively assist patrons and support library operations. These abilities are vital for maintaining an organized, accessible library environment and ensuring a positive user experience.

What are some common challenges library associates face when assisting patrons, and how can they effectively address them?

Library Associates frequently encounter challenges such as helping patrons locate specific materials, assisting with technology (like printers or public computers), and managing multiple requests during busy periods. To address these challenges effectively, it's important to develop strong communication and problem-solving skills, stay up-to-date with library catalog systems, and remain patient and resourceful when guiding patrons. Collaborating closely with librarians and other staff members also ensures that patrons receive comprehensive support and that workloads are balanced during peak times.

What is the difference between Library Associate vs Library Technician?

AspectLibrary AssociateLibrary Technician
Required CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; some roles may prefer post-secondary educationAssociate degree in library technology or related field
Work EnvironmentPublic, academic, or special libraries; customer service focusSimilar environments with more technical and cataloging responsibilities
Employer UsageCommonly employed in public and academic libraries for assisting patronsOften involved in cataloging, shelving, and technical support tasks
Search & Comparison IntentYesYes

The main difference between a Library Associate and a Library Technician lies in their educational requirements and technical responsibilities. Library Associates typically have a high school diploma and focus on customer service and daily library operations. In contrast, Library Technicians usually hold an associate degree and handle more technical tasks like cataloging and collection management. Both roles are vital in library settings, but Library Technicians often require more specialized training and perform more technical duties.

Can you get a job at a library with no experience?

Library associate positions often do not require prior experience, as on-the-job training is typically provided. Employers may look for strong customer service skills, organizational abilities, and a willingness to learn, making it possible for entry-level candidates to qualify. Some libraries may prefer or require a high school diploma or equivalent, but specific experience is usually not mandatory for starting roles.

What are the most commonly searched types of Library jobs in Downingtown, PA?

The most popular types of Library jobs in Downingtown, PA are:

What job categories do people searching Library Associate jobs in Downingtown, PA look for?

The top searched job categories for Library Associate jobs in Downingtown, PA are:

What cities near Downingtown, PA are hiring for Library Associate jobs?

Cities near Downingtown, PA with the most Library Associate job openings:

Library Associate jobs near you
Infographic showing various Library Associate job openings in Downingtown, PA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 65% Full Time, 32% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $44,242 per year, or $21.3 per hour.

Library Assistant

County of Chester, PA

West Chester, PA • On-site

$16.78/hr

Part-time

Re-posted 6 days ago

Job description

Salary: $16.78 Hourly
Location : Chester County Library - Exton, PA
Job Type: Part Time
Job Number: 04732
Department: Library
Division: Libraries P/T
Opening Date: 08/24/2026
Closing Date: Continuous
Weekly Hours: 18
Shift: Must be able to work nights and weekends.
Summary
The Library Assistant helps staff the Multimedia desk, supports patron engagement, and collection promotion and maintenance. While the Library Assistant is at the public desk they will answer phone calls, place requests for materials, assist with downloading and streaming the digital collection, and answer general questions.
Essential duties for this position includes assisting patrons in finding materials, using and troubleshooting the digital collections, provide readers advisory, answer phones and email inquiries, promote library collections and resources, answer questions of a non-professional nature and refer persons requiring professional assistance to a librarian, sort and shelve materials, assist with opening/closing the departments, participate in community outreach activities, and perform other duties, tasks and special projects, as required.
This position requires the ability to master basic online circulation functions, and demonstrate current computer proficiency including internet, email, and Microsoft 365 skills.
This position also requires the following physical abilities: to handle, lift, move, shift library materials weighing up to 25 lbs.; to wheel book carts weighing up to 125 lbs.; to operate a keyboard; to stand, sit, kneel, walk, stoop, reach repeatedly throughout the workday.
All library positions require the following criminal background and child abuse clearances: Report of criminal history from the Pennsylvania State Police (PSP); Child Abuse History Clearance from the Department of Human Services (Child Abuse); and Fingerprint based federal criminal history submitted through the Pennsylvania State Police or its authorized agent (FBI).
All employees of the Chester County Library are considered a mandated reporter of suspected child abuse under the Child Protective Services Law (Title 23 Pa. C.S.A. Chapter 63).
Essential Duties
Essential duties, tasks and accountabilities will vary by library unit and may include the following:
  • Staff the public service desks in the Multimedia department and occasionally the Teen Zone.
  • Assist patrons in finding materials and provide readers advisory.
  • Assist patrons with using and troubleshooting the digital collections.
  • Answer phone and email inquiries
  • Promote library collections and resources
  • Assist in planning and presenting programs for the public
  • Answer questions of a non-professional nature and refer persons requiring professional assistance to a librarian.
  • Sort and shelve materials.
  • Assist with opening/closing the departments
  • Participate in community outreach activities
  • Perform other duties, tasks and special projects, as required.

Qualifications/Preferred Skills, Knowledge & Experience
  • High School Diploma or General Education Degree (GED).
  • Basic office skills (typing, filing, answering phones, etc.).
  • Some previous experience working in library with computerized systems.
  • Some experience working with bibliographic resources on-line.
  • Ability to work effectively with people from diverse backgrounds.
  • Knowledge of library operations.
  • Excellent interpersonal and customer service skills.
  • Ability to work individually or as part of a team and proceed with objectives.
  • PA criminal background check.
  • PA child abuse clearance.
  • FBI fingerprint-based criminal background check.
Preferred Skills, Knowledge & Experience
  • Associates degree from an accredited college or university in early childhood education, elementary education, or children's literature.
  • Experience working in a library with computerized systems.
  • General knowledge of library operations or the principles and practices of public library service.
  • Knowledge of Chester County Library policies, procedures, services and programs.

Additional Information
Relevant background checks, clearances, physicals, drug tests, and any other assessments or evaluations will be conducted after an offer of employment is given per County policy.
Computer Skills:
To perform this job successfully, an individual should have:
  • Basic to Intermediate Office Suite Skills, (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Explorer)
  • Basic to Intermediate OutLook skills (Email and Calendar)
  • Proficiency with Library's online catalog
Physical Demands:
While performing the duties of this position, the employee is frequently required to sit; walk; stand; bend at the waist while working; kneel, stoop, crouch or squat; talk or hear; handle and lift up to 25 pounds; push a cart of books that weighs up to 75 pounds; and sit at a computer terminal for up to 4 hours at a time. Occasionally, the employee will need to work with arms above shoulders or reach above shoulder height.
The specific vision requirements for this position are as follows:
  • Close vision.
  • Color vision.
  • Ability to read, alphabetize and place items in numeric order.
Work Environment:
  • The noise level in the work environment is generally moderate.
Other:
  • Ability to work extended hours and weekends on rotation, as necessary.
  • Library is open seven days a week (total of 65 hours).

01
What is your highest level of education?
  • No formal Education
  • High School Diploma or GED
  • Associates Degree
  • Bachelors Degree
  • Masters Degree
  • Doctorate or higher (includes Juris Doctorate and Medical Doctorate)

Required Question

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