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Local Library Jobs in Michigan (NOW HIRING)

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Local Library information

See Michigan salary details

$27K

$56.8K

$89.3K

How much do local library jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 1, 2026, the average yearly pay for local library in Michigan is $56,822.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $44,900.00 and $65,400.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a local library?

Local libraries are community-based institutions that provide access to a wide range of books, digital resources, and other educational materials. They offer services such as lending books, providing internet access, hosting events, and supporting literacy and lifelong learning for people of all ages. Local libraries are typically funded by local government and are free or low-cost to use, making them an important resource for education and community engagement.

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

To excel as a Local Librarian, you need a solid understanding of information management, cataloging, and library science, often backed by a degree in library science or a related field. Familiarity with integrated library systems (ILS), digital databases, and cataloging tools like MARC is typically required. Outstanding customer service, communication, and organizational skills help librarians engage with patrons and support diverse community needs. These combined skills ensure efficient resource management, improved access to information, and a welcoming environment for all library users.

What are some common challenges faced by staff working in a local library, and how can they be addressed?

Staff working in a local library often face challenges such as managing a diverse patron base, adapting to new technologies, and balancing multiple responsibilities like customer service, cataloging, and event coordination. Addressing these challenges involves strong communication skills, ongoing professional development, and collaboration with colleagues to share best practices. Many libraries also offer training sessions and encourage teamwork to create a supportive environment and ensure staff can effectively meet community needs.

What is the difference between Local Library vs Public Librarian?

AspectLocal LibraryPublic Librarian
CredentialsLibrary degree or certificationLibrary degree or certification
Work EnvironmentCommunity libraries, schools, or private institutionsPublic libraries, community centers
Employer & IndustryLocal government, educational institutionsMunicipal government, public sector
Search & Comparison IntentUnderstanding library roles, services, or locationsCareer info, job roles, or qualifications in public libraries

While both roles involve working in libraries, a Local Library refers to the physical library location or institution, whereas a Public Librarian is a professional who manages library services in public libraries. The Public Librarian typically holds similar credentials but focuses on providing community services, programs, and information access.

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

Many entry-level positions at local libraries, such as library assistants or clerks, do not require prior experience. Employers often look for good communication skills, a willingness to learn, and basic computer literacy; some positions may provide on-the-job training. Volunteering at a library can also help build relevant experience for paid roles.

What do you need to work at a local library?

To work at a local library, applicants typically need a high school diploma or equivalent, good communication skills, and the ability to handle customer service tasks. Some positions may require knowledge of library systems or computer skills, and a background check is often conducted. Volunteer experience or familiarity with books and information management can be beneficial.

What are the most commonly searched types of Library jobs in Michigan?

The most popular types of Library jobs in Michigan are:

What cities in Michigan are hiring for Local Library jobs?

Cities in Michigan with the most Local Library job openings:

Infographic showing various Local Library job openings in Michigan as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 50% Full Time, 30% Part Time, 10% Temporary, and 10% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $56,822 per year, or $27.3 per hour.

Library Assistant II | Collection Services Department

City of Grand Rapids, MI

Grand Rapids, MI • On-site

$25.89 - $28/hr

Part-time

Medical, Retirement, PTO

Posted 5 days ago


City Of Grand Rapids (Michigan) rating

9.0

Company rating: 9.0 out of 10

Based on 7 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

98th of 854 rated public administrative organizations


Job description

Salary: $25.89 - $28.00 Hourly
Location : Grand Rapids Public Library, Main Library, 111 Library St NE, Grand Rapids, MI
Job Type: Part-time
Job Number: 21-04409
Department: Library
Opening Date: 08/27/2026
Closing Date: 9/10/2026 11:59 PM Eastern
Nature of Work
This part-time, 20-hour-per-week position involves paraprofessional library work providing copy cataloging and data entry support for the Collection Services Department. This position performs data verification steps to make materials discoverable when patrons search the library catalog.
This position is regularly scheduled to work at the The hours of this position are flexible, but must be between 8:00 am - 5:00 pm, Monday - Friday with the final schedule determined and set upon hire. Saturdays and evenings may be required.
Core Competencies
Data Entry and Copy Cataloging
  • Record Retrieval & Modification: Search utility databases (such as OCLC Connexion) to find pre-existing cataloging records for books, media, and other physical or digital formats
  • Quality Control: Review and edit bibliographic data to match local library standards, classification schemes (e.g., Dewey Decimal or Library of Congress), and subject headings
  • Holdings Maintenance: Add local holdings information, barcode items, and prepare physical materials for circulation
  • Database Upkeep: Update, correct, and maintain existing item and bibliographic records within the local Integrated Library System (ILS)
Project Management & Operations
  • Prioritization & Adaptability: Ability to balance multiple creative projects simultaneously, managing a flexible schedule while staying organized under minimal supervision.
  • Detail-Oriented Administration: Strong administrative skills in maintaining precise records, collection maintenance, inventories, and general office functions.
  • Flexibility & Team Support: Highly adaptable and willing to step in to support various department staff workflows as operational needs arise.

Minimum Training and Experience
Required
  • Bachelor's degree, or any equivalent combination of training and experience.
Preferred
  • Previous experience in a public library
  • Ability to effectively communicate in Spanish

Other Necessary Qualifications
Ability to:
  • Provide consistently friendly, accurate, and efficient service to GRPL patrons and staff; ability to make independent and reliable decisions related to patron experience.
  • Demonstrate strong de-escalation skills to effectively manage challenging interactions.
  • Assist and instruct patrons around hardware and software issues as they relate to library resources and public workstations.
  • Effectively use and adapt to ongoing changes in technology including library-specific and office software.
  • Solve research problems and provide reader's advisory service; knowledge of community, books, and authors; knowledge of digital resources, reading devices and platforms; learn and apply modern library methods and techniques and to acquire familiarity with the GRPL system and services offered.
  • Establish and maintain positive working relationships with coworkers and the public; work collaboratively.
  • Manage emotions in the workplace and maintain professional composure and judgement.
  • Communicate effectively and professionally with diverse groups both verbally and in writing.
  • Add, subtract, and perform basic accounting calculations accurately and efficiently.
  • Set and meet priorities; adaptability and judgment to reprioritize as needed throughout the course of a shift.
  • Perform standardized processes accurately and consistently; follow procedures in processing forms and other communication.
  • Make independent and efficient decisions and work without close supervision.
  • Maintain an organized and effective work process; flexibility to adapt to changes and updates to processes.
  • Handle multiple projects at a time and prioritize effectively to meet deadlines.
  • Maintain library records, support collection maintenance needs, and prepare reports.
  • Work 20-24 hours per week; work evenings and weekends.
  • Learn GRPL's patron experience standards and library policies to provide basic account management, reference services, reader's advisory, technology support, and library information.
  • Apply patron privacy standards in a wide variety of circumstances with internal and external stakeholders.
  • Work with supervisor and process feedback regarding job performance.
Thorough knowledge of:
  • General office procedures, processes and equipment; ability to operate a variety of office equipment, including computer workstations, typical electronic devices, and software.
  • Electronic reading devices and platforms.

Other Information
Please note the following:
  • A cover letter is required
    • Please attach a cover letter in pdf format that describes your interest in the position, your interest in working at GRPL, and how these might tie in with personal or professional goals
  • All communication regarding this position will be done via email; it is your responsibility to ensure that your email address is up-to-date on your account profile
  • To be eligible for this position, you must apply through the City of Grand Rapids Job Opportunities page
Please visit the library's jobs page for a list of other open positions at Grand Rapids Public Library.
All inquiries related to this posting should be directed to:
Grand Rapids Public Library
111 Library St NE
Grand Rapids, MI 49503
616-988-5400 |
GRPL proudly promotes diversity and inclusion in employment, and strives to maintain a workplace culture where respect and positive recognition of differences are cultivated.
Grand Rapids Public Library provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination of any type without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, national origin, veteran status, disability, height, weight, familial status, marital status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law. GRPL will make reasonable accommodations for employees and job applicants with disabilities.
This applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including but not limited to recruiting, hiring, transfer, training, promotion, discipline, termination, leaves of absence, compensation, and benefits, as well as work-related events and activities.
GRPL | Part-time Employee Benefit Summary
  • Employer sponsored HealthiestYou by teledoc Healthcare
  • Paid time off
    • Paid holidays
    • Floating holidays
    • Vacation
    • Sick leave
    • Personal time
    • Bereavement leave
    • Parental leave
    • Jury duty leave
  • Retirement
    • 457 Deferred Compensation Plan
  • Tuition reimbursement
  • Employee Assistance Plan

01
Are you currently employed by GRPL?
  • Yes
  • No

02
Have you ever been employed at GRPL?
  • Yes
  • No

03
List all relatives employed at GRPL (enter "None" if you do not have any relatives working at GRPL).
04
Are you able to work the required schedule?
  • Yes
  • No

05
Are you verbally fluent in Spanish?
  • Yes
  • No

06
What is your highest level of education?
  • High school diploma/GED
  • Some college
  • Technical/vocational education or training
  • Associates degree
  • Bachelors degree
  • Masters degree
  • PhD or Doctorate

07
How many years of library experience do you have?
  • Greater than 2 years
  • 1-2 years
  • Less than 1 year

08
This position regularly uses technology to issue library cards, communicate with staff and patrons, access internal documentation, etc. as well as providing basic technology help to patrons on library computers and their personal devises such as phones and tablets. How comfortable are you with using technology?
  • Very comfortable
  • Comfortable
  • Not at all comfortable

09
In order to be considered for this position, you are required to submit a cover letter. Have you submitted a cover letter with your application?
  • Yes
  • No

Required Question

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