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Part Time Library Assistant Jobs in Reading, PA (NOW HIRING)

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Part Time Library Assistant information

See Reading, PA salary details

$8

$17

$26

How much do part time library assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 27, 2026, the average hourly pay for part time library assistant in Reading, PA is $17.94, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.52 and $20.34 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are Part Time Library Assistants?

Part Time Library Assistants are support staff who work in libraries on a part-time basis, assisting with daily operations such as checking books in and out, shelving materials, helping patrons locate resources, and maintaining library organization. They may also answer basic reference questions, assist with library programs or events, and help keep records updated. This role typically requires strong customer service skills, attention to detail, and basic computer proficiency. Schedules are usually flexible, making this position ideal for students or those seeking supplemental income.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Part Time Library Assistant, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Part Time Library Assistant, you need strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and preferably a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with library management systems, cataloging software, and basic office equipment is commonly required. Excellent customer service, communication, and teamwork abilities help you assist patrons and support library staff effectively. These skills ensure efficient library operations and a positive experience for all library users.

What Does a Part-Time Library Assistant Do?

A part-time library assistant provides support to the librarian and other staff members of a library. In this career, your responsibilities typically include administrative duties, such as shelving books, assisting with patron checkout, and maintaining the circulation desk area. It is often a public-facing position where you help a customer find the information they need. The scope of these jobs varies with the type of facility. There are many specialty libraries in addition to the familiar public institution, such as government, post-secondary college, and medical and law school libraries. Evening and weekend hours are commonplace, but you do not typically work on public holidays.

How much does a librarian make part-time?

Part-time library assistants typically earn between $10 and $15 per hour, depending on location, experience, and the library's size. They often work evenings, weekends, or flexible hours and may require basic customer service skills and familiarity with library systems.

What are the most common challenges faced by part-time library assistants, and how can they be managed?

Part-time library assistants often juggle a wide range of tasks, such as assisting patrons, shelving materials, and supporting library programs, sometimes within short shifts. One common challenge is effectively prioritizing and completing tasks during busy periods, especially when the library sees high foot traffic. Developing strong time management skills and maintaining clear communication with team members and supervisors can help manage these challenges. Additionally, staying adaptable and open to learning new library systems or procedures ensures a smoother workflow and positive patron experiences.

What qualifications do you need for a library assistant?

A library assistant typically needs a high school diploma or equivalent. Strong organizational skills, good communication, and basic computer literacy are important; some positions may require familiarity with library management software. Additional certifications are not usually required but can be beneficial.

How to become a library assistant with no experience?

To become a library assistant with no experience, focus on developing basic customer service and organizational skills, and consider volunteering or gaining experience in similar environments. Many libraries offer on-the-job training, and having a high school diploma or equivalent is often sufficient for entry-level positions. Familiarity with library catalog systems or computer skills can be helpful but are not always required initially.

Is there demand for library assistants?

The demand for library assistants remains steady, as many libraries and educational institutions continue to hire part-time staff to support daily operations, customer service, and cataloging. Employment opportunities can vary by region and library size, with skills in customer service and familiarity with library management systems being advantageous.
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Part Time Library Assistant jobs near you
Infographic showing various Part Time Library Assistant job openings in Reading, PA as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 73% Full Time, 23% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $37,318 per year, or $17.9 per hour.
Libraries Specialist, Thun Library, Berks campus

Libraries Specialist, Thun Library, Berks campus

Penn State University

Reading, PA • On-site

$15/hr

Part-time

Posted 7 days ago

Penn State University rating

7.8

Company rating: 7.8 out of 10

Based on 103 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

225th of 612 rated colleges and universities

Job description

APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS:
  • CURRENT PENN STATE EMPLOYEE (faculty, staff, technical service, or student), please login to Workday to complete the internal application process. Please do not apply here, apply internally through Workday.
  • CURRENT PENN STATE STUDENT (not employed previously at the university) and seeking employment with Penn State, please login to Workday to complete the student application process. Please do not apply here, apply internally through Workday.
  • If you are NOT a current employee or student, please click "Apply" and complete the application process for external applicants.

Approval of remote and hybrid work is not guaranteed regardless of work location. For additional information on remote work at Penn State, see Notice to Out of State Applicants.
JOB DESCRIPTION AND POSITION REQUIREMENTS
The Thun Library at Penn State Berks is looking for a Libraries Specialist to assist library patrons with advanced requests, serve as a resource for other part-time library employees, and navigate service interruptions. Applicants must commit to working 15 hours per week (during open library hours), including evenings and weekends, with core hours changing during breaks and summer to align with the academic year. This position is ideal for non-students, students with experience supervising or working independently in a customer service setting, and current Student Library Assistants. All are encouraged to apply. No prior library experience is required; library training will be provided.
Responsibilities include but are not limited to:
  • Welcome students, staff, faculty, and community members to the library

  • Check out/in books, equipment, and other library materials

  • Confirm study room reservations

  • Provide guidance on user accounts and library services

  • Follow library operation processes and procedures

  • May oversee library operations during opening or closing

  • Assist Student Library Assistants (SLAs) with service questions and override permissions

  • Address building concerns including, but not limited to, disruptive patron behavior or maintenance issues

  • Assist others with technology, referring to PSU IT when necessary

  • Answer general questions about the library and the Penn State Berks campus

  • Assist users and colleagues with advanced requests and support services

  • Refer in-depth questions to the library team and/or appropriate departments

  • Retrieve and shelve materials correctly in a 68,000+ item collection

  • Inform the library team of service concerns or suggestions

Looking for these qualifications:
  • Customer service experience
  • Non-students, students with experience supervising or working independently in a customer service setting, and current Student Library Assistants

  • Ability to clearly communicate through face-to-face and written communication

  • All members of the University Libraries community are responsible for, and expected to, exemplify and promote civility by following the University Libraries Civility Statement and Guidelines.

What We Can Offer:
  • A supportive team to assist, train, and mentor you

  • Reasonable accommodations

  • Opportunities to work with Thun team members on special projects

  • A starting rate of $15.00 per hour

To apply for this position, please submit:
  • Cover letter explaining why this opportunity is an ideal position for you

  • Resume

  • Morning, evening, and weekend availability during open hours (M-F 8:30am - 9pm and Sunday 2pm - 6pm)

Applications will be reviewed beginning August 3, and interviews will be conducted through the end of September. If you have any questions, please contact Melissa Millar, Library Services Manager, at muf107@psu.edu.
BACKGROUND CHECKS/CLEARANCES
Employment with the University will require successful completion of background check(s) in accordance with University policies.
CAMPUS SECURITY CRIME STATISTICS
Pursuant to the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act and the Pennsylvania Act of 1988, Penn State publishes a combined Annual Security and Annual Fire Safety Report (ASR). The ASR includes crime statistics and institutional policies concerning campus security, such as those concerning alcohol and drug use, crime prevention, the reporting of crimes, sexual assault, and other matters. The ASR is available for review here.
EEO IS THE LAW
Penn State is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to providing employment opportunities to all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or protected veteran status. If you are unable to use our online application process due to an impairment or disability, please contact 814-865-1473.
Penn State is committed to and accountable for advancing equity, respect, and belonging. We embrace individual uniqueness, as well as a culture of belonging that supports equity initiatives, leverages the educational and institutional benefits of inclusion in society, and provides opportunities for engagement intended to help all members of the community thrive. We value belonging as a core strength and an essential element of the university's teaching, research, and service mission.
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