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Local Library Jobs (NOW HIRING)

NY · On-site

$70 - $75/hr

This is a full-time position (35 hours per week) offering a competitive salary, health benefits, and enrollment in the New York State Local Retirement System. The Library Director shall be the ...

New

Receive quotes from local companies for tasks that need to be completed around the library (HVAC, Boiler, Roof, Elevator, etc.) * Complete Maintenance projects around the library (including but not ...

New

NY · On-site

$70 - $75/hr

This is a full-time position (35 hours per week) offering a competitive salary, health benefits, and enrollment in the New York State Local Retirement System. The Library Director shall be the ...

New

Showing results 21-40

Local Library information

See salary details

$31K

$65.2K

$102.5K

How much do local library jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 2, 2026, the average yearly pay for local library in the United States is $65,193.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $51,500.00 and $75,000.00 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.
More about Local Library jobs

What cities are hiring for Local Library jobs?

Cities with the most Local Library job openings:

What are the most commonly searched types of Library jobs?

The most popular types of Library jobs are:

What states have the most Local Library jobs?

States with the most job openings for Local Library jobs include:

Infographic showing various Local Library job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 65% Full Time, 30% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $65,193 per year, or $31.3 per hour.

Library Assistant II | Collection Services Department

City of Grand Rapids

Grand Rapids, MI • On-site

$25.89 - $28/hr

Part-time

Posted 8 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

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 Main Library.

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 | jobs@grpl.org 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.


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