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Public Library Jobs in Hamilton, ON (NOW HIRING)

City of Ottawa

Mobile Services Assistant

Ottawa, ON · On-site

CA$32.08 - CA$37.54/hr

Ottawa Public Library Service: Branch Operations Employment Type: Up to 4 Casual Positions Work Hours: No Fixed Hours Various Shifts: Days, Evenings, Weekends Affiliation: CUPE 503 - Library/Casual ...

City of Ottawa

Customer Service Assistant

Ottawa, ON · On-site

CA$32.08 - CA$37.54/hr

Ottawa Public Library Service: Branch Operations Employment Type: 1 Temporary Full Time Position-Up to 18 months Work Hours: 25 hours per week Affiliation: CUPE 503 - Library/Full Time - Public ...

Uottawa

Assistant Professor - Library Science

Ottawa, ON · On-site

CA$99K/yr

Graduates f th prgram find emplyment in public, acadmic, and spializd librries, inluding institutins such as the Library f Prliamnt and th Supreme Curt f Canda, as well as in gvrnment infrmatin ...

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All JobsPublic Library JobsPublic Library Jobs in Hamilton, ON

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How much do public library jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 3, 2026, the average hourly pay for public library in Hamilton, ON is $23.45, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $13.55 and $30.38 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a public library?

A public library is a community-based institution that provides free access to books, digital resources, and various educational and cultural programs for people of all ages. Funded primarily by public money, these libraries offer lending services, internet access, research assistance, and spaces for study and community events. Public libraries aim to support literacy, lifelong learning, and equal access to information for everyone, regardless of background or income.

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

To thrive as a Public Librarian, you need a master's degree in library and information science (MLIS), knowledge of cataloging, and strong information literacy skills. Familiarity with integrated library systems (ILS), digital databases, and electronic resource management is typically required. Exceptional customer service, communication, and community engagement skills help librarians connect with diverse patrons and foster a welcoming environment. These competencies ensure effective resource management, information access, and impactful support for community learning and enrichment.

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

Public library staff often encounter challenges such as managing diverse patron needs, addressing technology-related questions, and handling periods of high visitor volume. To address these, staff receive ongoing training in customer service, digital literacy, and conflict resolution. Collaborative teamwork is essential, with librarians and support staff frequently communicating to ensure smooth daily operations and equitable service for all visitors. Many libraries also implement clear policies and utilize flexible scheduling to help staff manage workloads effectively.

What is the difference between Public Library vs Librarian?

AspectPublic LibraryLibrarian
CredentialsVaries; often requires a master's degree in library science (MLS)Typically requires an MLS or equivalent degree
Work EnvironmentPublic spaces serving community members, including children, adults, and seniorsLibraries, educational institutions, or archives; involves organizing and managing collections
Employer & IndustryPublic libraries, government agenciesLibraries, educational institutions, archives
Search & Comparison IntentUnderstanding what a public library offersRoles and responsibilities of a librarian

Public libraries are community-focused institutions providing access to books, resources, and programs. Librarians are professionals who manage library collections, assist patrons, and organize information. While public libraries are the setting, librarians are the key personnel working within these institutions. Both roles often require similar qualifications, but the library itself is a service point, whereas librarians are the staff delivering those services.

More about Public Library jobs

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For Public Library jobs in Hamilton, ON, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Public Library jobs in Hamilton, ON look for?

The top searched job categories for Public Library jobs in Hamilton, ON are:

What cities near Hamilton, ON are hiring for Public Library jobs?

Cities near Hamilton, ON with the most Public Library job openings:

Public Library jobs near you
Infographic showing various Public Library job openings in Hamilton, ON as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 80% Full Time, 15% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 92% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $48,778 per year, or $23.5 per hour.

Children's Programs & Public Service Assistant

City of Ottawa

Ottawa, ON • On-site

CA$35.06 - CA$41.02/hr

Full-time

Posted 15 days ago

Job description

Requisition ID: 23437

Department: Ottawa Public Library 

Service: Branch Operations 

Employment Type: 1 Permanent Full Time Position 

Work Hours: 28 hours per week

Affiliation: CUPE 503 - Library/Full Time - Public Service Job 

Salary Information: $35.060  - $41.020  per hour (2026 rates of pay)

Location: Ruth E. Dickinson Branch, 100 Malvern Drive

City: Ottawa, ON 

Job Category: Ottawa Public Library

Application Close: 01/09/2026 

JOB SUMMARY

Ottawa Public Library (OPL) provides accessible, innovative library and information services throughout the City of Ottawa, that meet the unique needs of diverse communities, delivered through a range of vehicles and reflecting a citizen-centred approach. The Public Service units are responsible for the customer-centric public library activities, programs and services offered by the Library's 33 branches, mobile and digital services, to meet the needs in their catchment area.

You provide information, reference and readers advisory services; develop, implement and conduct children's programs; provide circulation and page services in the Library and/or the community and/or mini-libraries, nursing homes and other locations; and perform routine collection maintenance duties.

You may be the senior person in charge or exercise responsibility for the day-to-day operation of the library branch.

Work is performed within the context of the policies and framework of the Library corporate culture as embodied in the Mission Statement, Core Values, Customer Experience Guidelines and the Canadian Federation of Library Association position statements on Intellectual Freedom and Diversity and Inclusion, with particular emphasis on providing customer service excellence.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

Completion of 2-year college diploma in Library and Information Technician, Early Childhood Education, or related field.

Minimum of 1 year of related experience working with children's programs.

KNOWLEDGE
  • Adult/children's literature in a variety of formats, readers' advisory services, trends in reading, literacy and ESL collections and adult programming.
  • Trends and techniques for developing effective library programming for children.
  • Reference resources in print, microform and electronic formats and of current developments in reference services.
  • Electronic database and other bibliographic searching techniques.
  • Principles of collection development and maintenance.
  • Methods and techniques for sorting and shelving library materials according to alphabetical, Dewey Decimal or other prescribed sequence and procedures.
  • Library circulation procedures and practices.
  • Methods and techniques of responding to inquiries and resolving patron complaints.
  • Desktop applications, intranet and internet and keyboarding procedures, to the extent where it may be required to demonstrate such usage to colleagues or library patrons.
  • General knowledge of library policies and procedures.
  • Knowledge of customer service techniques and protocols
  • Working knowledge of applicable occupational health and safety legislation.
  • General knowledge of Ottawa Public Library's policies and procedures related to health and safety.
COMPETENCIES, SKILLS AND ABILITIES
  • To deliver library programs to a range of users including pre-schoolers, school age and adults.
  • Use tact, discretion and confidentiality.
  • Excellent verbal communication skills.
  • Exercise effective judgement and independent decision-making capabilities.
  • Ability to design and create thematic displays.
  • Data entry, retrieval and keyboarding skills including use of standard office equipment and operation of an IBM compatible computer in Microsoft Windows.
  • To perform routine manual or clerical tasks and manoeuvre book carts and lift boxes up to 40 pounds.
  • Minimum keyboard skills of 25 wpm.
  • Perform multiple tasks concurrently.
  • Customer service orientation, including the use of tact, discretion and confidentiality
  • Attention to detail.
  • Strong interpersonal skills, ability to deal with the public and handle problems as they arise.
  • Flexibility, ability to adjust priorities.
  • Ability to work effectively as a team member.
  • Strongly committed to quality customer service.

 WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW

  • Language Requirement: Designated Day 1 Ready - immediate requirement for language proficiency: French: oral, reading, writing English: oral, reading, writing Candidates must meet language requirement for position upon hire.  
  • Police Record Check: The successful candidate will be required to complete a Vulnerable Sector Check (Level 3) with the Police Services detachment in their jurisdiction to the Ottawa Public Library's satisfaction.; Note: Under the age of 18, requires a Criminal Record and Judicial Matters (Level 2) check in place of the Vulnerable Sector Check.; Police record checks completed by a third-party company will not be accepted.
  • Additional vacancies may occur during the competition process. 
  • Alternative educational credentials combined with job-related experience, demonstrated performance, and ability may be considered in lieu of stated academic requirements. 
  • Please save a copy of the job poster. Once the closing date has passed, it will no longer be available.

We wish to thank all applicants for their interest and effort in applying for this position. Only candidates selected for interviews will be contacted. 

The Ottawa Public Library promotes the principles of diversity and inclusion and adheres to the tenets of the Canadian Human Rights Act and the Ontario Human Rights Code. We encourage applications from women, Aboriginal peoples and persons of all races, ethnic origins, religions, abilities, sexual orientations, and gender identities and expressions. The Ottawa Public Library provides accommodation during all parts of the hiring process, upon request, to applicants with disabilities. If contacted to proceed to the selection process, please advise us if you require any accommodation. 

The Ottawa Public Library provides accommodation to applicants during all parts of the hiring process, upon request. If contacted to proceed to the selection process, please advise us if you require any accommodation.

Accessible formats and communication supports are available upon request. Please contact the Employee Service Centre at 613-580-2424 extension 12211 or via email at esc-cse@ottawa.ca.

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