Library Temporary Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Salary : $6,242.22 - $7,731.71 Monthly
Location : Downey, CA
Job Type: Temporary/Part-Time
Job Number: 26-018
Department: City Manager
Division: Library
Opening Date: 08/19/2026
ABOUT THE POSITION
Note: This position is open on a continuous basis and may close without prior notice.
Under direction, perform a wide variety of professional library work involving the application of professional library knowledge to a variety of library activities.
There are two (2) current vacancies for temporary/part-time employment. However, the Eligibility List established from this recruitment may be used to meet full-time staffing needs.
Temporary/Part-Time Appointments:
Temporary/Part-time appointments do not qualify for City benefits, except for those required by law. The City does not belong to the Social Security system; however, enrollment in an alternative retirement program is mandatory which requires an employee contribution of 7.5% of base earnings. The City contributes 2.5% and the employee contributes 5% of base earnings. There are no rights to employment and employment may end with or without cause or advance notice.
Certain City operational budgets may not include funding for mandated CalPERS employer contributions; therefore, a qualified candidate who is a current member of CalPERS may be restricted from temporary/part-time employment with the City of Downey.
Part-Time shifts may not exceed 999 hours on a fiscal year basis (July 1 through June 30).
EXAMPLES OF ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
The following examples are intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed by persons assigned to this classification.

• Provide service to both external and internal library patrons.
• Provide research and reference services; prepare bibliographies.
• Assist readers in selecting materials and interpreting library resources for the public.
• Access electronic database, print materials, media and other collections for public information and professional development.
• Assist patrons in locating and borrowing items from other libraries through the Interlibrary Loan process.
• Maintain an awareness of community needs in the areas of library services.
• Evaluate and select library materials and resources based on community needs and popular requests and remove obsolete, non-relevant materials from library collection.
• Interpret and communicate library policies and programs to patrons and community groups.
• Plan, implement, and conduct programs and classes for library users of all ages.
• Assist in preparing library exhibits and displays.
• Demonstrate use of the library to students; conduct tours of the library.
• Analyze reviews, patron usage, surveys, recommended reading lists, publisher's catalogs, and other sources.
• Maintain records and statistics and prepare reports.
• Classify and catalog library materials using a bibliographic utility.
• Attend workshops and conferences and maintain professional awareness.
• Assist in training of new employees.
• Supervise the operations of the Library in the absence of the Library Administrator.
• Prepare library related publicity and news releases.
• Coordinate staff schedules; plan and coordinate the operation of a unit.
• May direct the work activities of clerical and technical personnel.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS
Any combination of education, training, and work experience to demonstrate possession of the knowledge, skills, and abilities to successfully perform in the position is qualifying. A typical combination is as follows:
Education: Master's degree in Library and Information Sciences from an American Library Association accredited college or university.
Experience: Entry level professional Librarian.
Knowledge of: Principles and practices of modern librarianship; reference sources, materials and library services; principles of classification and cataloging; reading guidance techniques for a public library; knowledge of public library service needs.
Ability to: Plan and organize work; evaluate library materials; gather statistics; communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing; accept responsibility when delegated; speak effectively in public; establish and maintain effective working relationships with fellow employees; think creatively; supervise and instruct subordinate personnel; work under pressure; conduct oneself in a professional manner; work effectively in team situations; get along well with people; be tactful and respectful of public needs; follow established policies and procedures. Must enjoy working with the public and be able to work irregular hours.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
License Requirements: A valid California Class C Drivers License or the ability to utilize an alternative method of transportation to carry out the essential functions of the position.
Physical Tasks and Environmental Conditions: The duties and responsibilities of this position are performed in an office environment and involve sitting, standing, and walking for prolonged or intermittent periods of time, and include reaching, bending, and twisting at the waist to perform desk work and operate general office equipment including a personal computer with keyboard for prolonged or intermittent periods of time.
The operation of a personal computer requires finger and wrist dexterity and the ability to withstand exposure to vibration, pitch and glare from the computer. Employee must be able to safely lift and carry books, files and reports weighing up to 25 pounds.
To view the benefit summary for this position please click
The City of Downey is proudly committed to continuously improving the quality of life for the Downey community by providing excellent service in a professional, ethical, and responsible manner. Our values include Integrity, Commitment, Respect, Teamwork, Engagement, Passion, and Excellence.
01
Which of the following best describes your level of completed formal education?

• High School graduate or equivalent
• Some College
• Associate's Degree
• Bachelor's Degree
• Coursework beyond Bachelor's degree
• Master's Degree or higher

02
Which of the following best describes your paid work experience dealing directly with the public?

• None
• Less than one year
• One (1) year
• Two (2) to or more years

03
Which of the following best describes your experience supervising staff in a public library?

• None
• One (1) to Four (4) years of experience
• Five (5) to seven (7) years of experience
• Eight (8) years or more of experience

04
If you responded "Other Related Field" to the question above, please describe.
05
How many staff members have you directly supervised (including hiring, evaluations, delegation and disciplinary decisions)?
06
Which of the following best describes your area of interest in public libraries?

• Adult Services
• Child Services
• Teen Services
• Tech Services
• Other

07
Which of the following best describes your skill level utilizing Polaris by Innovative or other automated library systems?

• None
• Beginner
• Intermediate
• Advanced

08
Spanish language skills are desired for this position, but are not required. Please indicate your Spanish language skill level:

• I do not speak Spanish
• Low - I know basic greetings, single words, short phrases, and present-tesnse verb conjugation
• Moderate - I can speak in simple sentences in past, present, and future tense
• Extensive - I can speak in complex sentences using professional speech and correct verb conjugation

09
If offered, would you be interested in temporary/part-time work in the position of Librarian?

• Yes
• No

10
Are you currently or have you ever been a member of the California Public Employees' Retirement System (CalPERS) through your employment with a previous public sector agency?

• Yes
• No

11
If "Yes", please indicate what agency(s) you are/were employed with and include the dates (mm/dd/yr) of employment under CalPERS.
12
What experience have you had with budgeting, grant writing, long range planning, and establishing goals?
13
In your opinion, what percentage of a librarian's time should be spent on/off the reference/public desk?
Required Question