Public Library Assistant Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

Be part of something special from the very beginning. The city of Cedar Rapids is preparing to open our Brand-New Library, we're looking to fill the Patron Service Specialist who's enthusiastic, customer-focused individuals who are passionate about creating exceptional experience for our community. As a Patron Service Specialist, you'll be one of the first friendly faces our visitors meet.

You'll play a vital role in making every visit welcoming, engaging, and memorable. If you're excited about helping shape the experience of a brand-new library and making a meaningful difference in the lives of our residents, we'd love to have you apply and join our team. About our Organization At the City, we are committed to employing individuals who reflect our community's diverse backgrounds and this position is crucial in the success and strategic direction of a growing and evolving community.

We appreciate and leverage the vast experience individuals bring beyond the technical requirements of a job. If you are an individual with similar experience listed here please consider applying. Experience and skills combined with commitment to our core values is key to building a greater community now and for the next generation.

About our Community Nestled in the heart of Iowa, Cedar Rapids is our vibrant and diverse community known for its rich history, culture, and natural beauty. Our city has a strong sense of community which can be seen at any of our numerous parks, recreational opportunities, and family-friendly events year round. You can also explore our thriving downtown district, filled with shops, restaurants, and entertainment options, or take a stroll along the Cedar River, which runs through the heart of the city.

Cedar Rapids - Why you should live here. About this Opportunity Provides active customer service, customer education in the area of library services and programs, provides reader's advisory service to customers. Works under general supervision and exercises discretion in carrying out work assignments within boundaries of established policy and procedure.

The City of Cedar Rapids does not offer sponsorship for employment authorization. Essential Duties & Responsibilities Job Duties and Responsibilities Greets patrons and provides proactive customer service Assists patrons with library account maintenance (check out, placing holds, fines, etc.) Discusses and offers meaningful recommendations for books, movies, and music Provides virtual customer service through phone and/or email communication Educates customers on how to use self-checkout stations, Provides patrons with general reference and technology assistance or guides to appropriate staff/resources Maintains a safe and welcoming environment for all patrons (ie. Snow shoveling, trash removal, etc.) Promotes library services, programs, and offerings Collects fine and fee revenue, utilizing library's POS software and reconciling cash balances Interacts with automated materials handling systems Provides Active Service on a regular basis to meet patron needs Interprets library policies, rules, and procedures with an understanding of Library Values and able to escalate issues to management when needed Performs related work as assigned by supervisor or manager Performs all work duties and activities in accordance with city policies, procedures, and safety practices Understands and supports core principles of equity, intellectual freedom, and privacy Ability to work varying shifts including nights and weekends Attends work regularly at the designated place and time Qualifications Required Knowledge and Abilities: Ability to interact and communicate a variety of topics in an engaging way to all ages Ability to create relationships and work closely with patrons, staff, and volunteers Ability to provide personalized advisory services to patrons in all collection formats and genres Intermediate Experience and ability to train and troubleshoot common issues of informational databases and third-party library content applications (Overdrive, Kanopy, RBDigital, etc) Intermediate experience and ability to assist and train patrons on Windows and Microsoft Office programs Intermediate experience and ability to assist and train library staff in library's primary software (ILS) and related 3rd party products-sorter, self-checkout, cash register interface, etc Willingness to learn on the spot in front of people and to continually learn new things on the job Ability to communicate new ideas, products, and services in a positive and engaging manner Enthusiasm for an environment of change Strong problem solving and troubleshooting skills Ability to focus on the customer, show integrity, be inclusive, enjoy learning, and have fun Ability to successfully work with varying demographics Ability to adhere to Cedar Rapids Public Library's Core Competencies Confidence and excitement in the services and resources the library has to offer Passionate about the mission of public libraries Comfortable with the principles of intellectual freedom and patron privacy Acceptable Experience and Training: 2 years of customer service experience Bachelor's Degree An equivalent combination of experience, training, and certification may be considered for substitution

Supplemental Information Work Schedule Tuesday: 8:30 - 5:00; Wednesday: 11:45 - 8:15; Thursday: 11:45 - 8:15; Friday: 8:45 - 5:15; Saturday: 8:45 - 5:15 Hourly Rate The Patron Services Specialist is covered under the Library Bargaining Union, and all new hires begin employment at $24.18 per hour, regardless of years of experience. Employees in this classification receive a step increase on their anniversary. The steps effective 7/1/2026 include: New Hire - Step 1 Step 2 Step 3 $24.18 $28.47 $29.33 Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Statement The City of Cedar Rapids is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer

All job applicants will receive consideration for employment free from discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, sexual orientation, or gender identity), national origin, age (40 or older), disability and genetic information (including family medical history). Applicants with Disabilities We respect and value people with disabilities and are committed to providing a workplace culture of disability inclusion. People with disabilities are supported during the hiring process and are encouraged to apply for employment with the City of Cedar Rapids.

In support of the Americans with Disabilities Act, reasonable accommodations will be provided to those in need of assistance with the application and interview process. To request an accommodation, contact the City's Human Resources department by phone at 319-286-5000 or by email at hr@cedar-rapids.org.