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Public Library Jobs in Renton, WA (NOW HIRING)

Delivery Driver I - Library

Seattle, WA · On-site

$28.23 - $34.22/hr

The Seattle Public Library Opening Date: 01/08/2025 Closing Date: Continuous Position Description Invitation to Compete #25-26: Delivery Driver I Central Library , Materials Distribution Services ...

Page - Library

Seattle, WA · On-site

$26.93 - $32.61/hr

Overview The Seattle Public Library's mission is to bring people, information, and ideas together to enrich lives and build community We view Seattle as a city where imagination and opportunity ...

Delivery Driver I - Library

Seattle, WA · On-site

$28.23 - $34.22/hr

This recruitment is open to the public and to The Seattle Public Library's employees and will remain open continuously. Candidates wishing to be considered in the first review should submit their ...

Library Associate

Bremerton, WA · On-site

$24.79 - $26.30/hr

Library Associate (30 hr) Mobile Services ANNOUNCEMENT NUMBER: 0626-29 Kitsap Regional Library ... This position is part of a bargaining unit represented by Washington Public Employees Association ...

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Public Library information

See Renton, WA salary details

$34.3K

$72.2K

$114.7K

How much do public library jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 19, 2026, the average yearly pay for public library in Renton, WA is $72,203.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $55,700.00 and $87,700.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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.

What jobs can I get at a library?

At a library, common jobs include librarian, library assistant, library technician, and circulation clerk. These roles involve tasks such as managing collections, assisting patrons, organizing events, and maintaining library systems, often requiring customer service skills and familiarity with library software. Some positions may require relevant certifications or degrees in library science.

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 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 the Qualifications to Work in a Public Library?

The qualifications you need to start a career in a public library depend on your job and its responsibilities. Library assistants need at least a high school diploma, while library technicians need previous experience and an associate degree or postsecondary certificate in library sciences. Librarians need a degree in library sciences. Most public libraries expect a master’s degree in library sciences (MLS), though some may hire specialists who have a related degree, such as a degree in information systems. All positions require customer service skills. Library directors and head librarians typically have 10 or more years of experience.

Can you work at a library without being a librarian?

Yes, many library jobs do not require a librarian certification and include positions such as library assistants, clerks, or technicians. These roles often involve tasks like shelving, customer service, and administrative support, and may require basic computer skills and a high school diploma or equivalent.

How difficult is it to get a job as a librarian?

Getting a job as a librarian typically requires a master's degree in library science or information studies, along with relevant experience or internships. Competition can be moderate, especially for positions in popular locations or specialized libraries, and strong organizational and technological skills are often needed.

Can you get hired at a library with no experience?

Public libraries often hire entry-level staff for positions such as library assistants or clerks, and these roles typically do not require prior experience. Candidates usually need good communication skills, a high school diploma or equivalent, and a willingness to learn about library operations and customer service. On-the-job training is common for new hires without experience in library work.
What are popular job titles related to Public Library jobs in Renton, WA? For Public Library jobs in Renton, WA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Public Library jobs in Renton, WA look for? The top searched job categories for Public Library jobs in Renton, WA are:
What cities near Renton, WA are hiring for Public Library jobs? Cities near Renton, WA with the most Public Library job openings:
Infographic showing various Public Library job openings in Renton, WA as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 75% Full Time, 17% Part Time, and 8% Contract. Highlights an 92% In-person, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $72,203 per year, or $34.7 per hour.

Delivery Driver I - Library

City of Seattle, WA

Seattle, WA • On-site

$28.23 - $34.22/hr

Part-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 17 days ago


Job description

Salary: $28.23 - $34.22 Hourly
Location : Central Library, 1000 Fourth Ave., Seattle, WA
Job Type: Civil Service Exempt, Regular, Part-Time
Job Number: IC #25-26
Department: The Seattle Public Library
Opening Date: 01/08/2025
Closing Date: Continuous
Position Description
Invitation to Compete #25-26: Delivery Driver I
Central Library, Materials Distribution Services
Regular, FLSA non-exempt, part-time (48 hours per pay period)
Salary range: $28.23 - $34.22 per hour
The anticipated work schedule for this position is every Thursday, Sunday, and Monday from 5:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
A pay period is two weeks in length that starts on Wednesday and ends on Tuesday. The listed schedule is subject to change based on the Library's current operational need and is part of a bargaining unit represented by AFSCME.
This recruitment is open to the public and to The Seattle Public Library's employees and will remain open continuously. Candidates wishing to be considered in the first review should submit their application, driving abstract, cover letter, and resume in NEOGOV by 5:00 p.m. on May 17, 2026. Please note that the application period may close at any time after the first consideration date.
Please note: This recruitment may be used for up to 90 days following the closing date of this posting to fill regular and temporary Delivery Driver I vacancies.
Overview
The Seattle Public Library is Seattle's center of information and knowledge and one of the most popular and valued services in the city. Library staff members are highly regarded by the public for their knowledge, quality of service and caring. Staff members are committed to the Library's organizational values of respect, partnership, engagement, diversity, transparency and recognition. In particular, they demonstrate respect, engage in partnerships, and are transparent in their communications and intentions. A strategic priority of the Library is to foster an internal culture of innovation which focuses on creativity, engagement, learning and staff development.
The Library also supports the City of Seattle's Race and Social Justice Initiative to end institutionalized racism by eliminating barriers to access, providing the staff and public with opportunities for growth, and developing equitable access to the programs and services we offer. If you share those values and meet the qualifications, the Library invites you to apply for the Delivery Driver I position.
This position is part of the Materials Distribution Services team located at both the Central Library and Georgetown (Maintenance Operation Center), which includes a Specialist who oversees shipping, receiving and mail room services, Drivers and Automated Material Handling System Operators who report to a Materials Distribution Services Manager. The Central and Branch Libraries support a high volume of patron traffic daily. Many of the facilities are open seven days a week, including evenings and weekends. This position is responsible for transporting materials between Library locations.
Library activities require the flow of large quantities of books, materials, supplies, mail and equipment among some 26 neighborhood libraries and the Central Library, as well as to other agencies in the area. This position follows a pre-set schedule which includes daily delivery routes throughout the City of Seattle. The position must safely operate a delivery truck and move, load and unload mail, materials, equipment and supplies. The position sorts Library materials and mail and systematically loads and unloads the vehicle and assures the efficient and safe delivery of materials and equipment.
Delivery of the materials includes pushing and pulling of a hand-truck, transporting of totes via hand trucks, lifting and carrying of items such as books, laptops, data projectors, book group kits and other Library materials, equipment, and supplies. This position works in a team environment and engages with others and provides input to procedures and processes.
The Delivery Driver I will provide some support on The Automated Material Handling System (AMHS). The AMHS is used to check in, sort and distribute nearly 80% of all circulating materials in the Library system. The AMHS sorting has been in operation since the opening of the Central Library in May 2004.
The AMHS operator simultaneously juggles the roles of operating the AMHS sort machine, deploying delivery carts and bins, moving materials between the sorter and storage areas, and monitoring and troubleshooting problems with software and machinery. The operator must be able to follow safety procedures when working around mechanical lifts, conveyors, sorting arms and devices. Accomplishing this requires the ability to recognize problems quickly, to recall operating procedures quickly and accurately, and the ability to perform in a fast-paced work environment that is usually controlled by the speed of the sorter.
Job Responsibilities
The primary responsibilities for the Delivery Driver I include:
  • Safely and efficiently operate up to a Class 6 (GVWR 26,000) vehicle in the City of Seattle in residential and urban traffic and situations with limited space.
  • Deliver a variety of library materials, supplies, mail and equipment to and from the Central Library, twenty-six neighborhood library locations and other agencies in the Seattle area.
  • Pack, load and unload Library materials safely and efficiently.
  • Perform daily pre and post-trip vehicle inspection and cleaning of library vehicles; monitor and report vehicle maintenance and repair needs.
  • Sort incoming branch mail from respective delivery routes.
  • Provide support for Mobile Services deliveries as needed.
  • Maintain an accurate and complete log of all delivery activities.
  • Perform other duties as assigned.

Additionally, this position may provide support on The Automated Material Handling System (AMHS) when needed. Responsibilities include:
  • Operate the automated materials handling system equipment: This includes operating work positioners, hand trucks, conveyors, and devices that load, sort and stack library materials; starting up and shutting down the equipment; and troubleshooting problems with sorting and equipment.
  • Constantly monitor the equipment through visual inspection and auditory attention: Stay aware of developing flow problems, equipment deployment needs, mechanical malfunctions and sorting glitches. This position requires walking among the sorting belts and power loaders, pushing bins and carts into, and out of, the sorting area and moving from one point to another, arranging materials and making quick adjustments.
  • Communicate and coordinate activities with other AMHS operators quickly and efficiently: The operator removes jams and makes minor adjustments to the sorting and sensing devices. In order to avoid backups and jams, the operator uses PC controls to prioritize the sorting of materials and to determine which materials should be sorted first.

Qualifications
  • High School Diploma or GED
  • Possession of valid Washington State Driver's License: Candidates must have a valid Washington Driver's License and have the ability to provide the Library with a recent Washington State Driver's Abstract which demonstrates an excellent driving record.
  • Driving and Delivery Experience: A minimum of 2 years' delivery experience that demonstrates an ability to safely operate trucks with ratings up to a Class 6 (GVWR 26,000) vehicle in residential and urban traffic. Demonstrated skill and ability to safely maneuver vehicles in situations with limited space. Experience must also demonstrate an ability to follow delivery routes, maintain schedules, and load, unload, sort and arrange large quantities of items quickly and accurately. Familiarity with the geography of the Library service area is preferable. Ability to adapt and adjust to changes in service delivery based on changes in service levels.
  • Customer Service Experience: A candidate's experience must demonstrate the ability to apply friendly and responsive customer service in working with the public.
  • Communication: Candidates must be able to effectively respond to patron and co-worker communications in person and via telephone-specifically the ability to listen to and understand customer concerns, assess available options, resolve conflicts, and respond accurately and appropriately. Candidates must be able to follow oral and written instruction and to effectively communicate in English, verbally and in writing, as well as comprehend spoken and written English. Candidates must have experience and skills working constructively with diverse populations.
  • Organizational Skills: Candidates must be able to sort books or other materials alphabetically and numerically, quickly, accurately and safely, as well as learn sorting and Library filing schemes such as the Dewey Decimal system.
  • Ability to organize tasks and work independently: Candidates must be able to organize their workload and prioritize tasks appropriately and have the ability to understand and follow oral and written instructions. Candidates must also demonstrate the ability to work constructively and effectively with others as part of a team.

  • Ability to carry and push materials for transport: The work in this position requires the following: bend, stretch, stoop, lift book bins weighing up to 50 lbs and transport totes of material and book carts which require a push/pull ratio of 50 lbs. Additionally, this work requires the ability to regularly apply hand pressure to squeeze hand bars and release interagency bin brakes.

Additional Information
How to Apply
This recruitment will be open continuously. Candidates wishing to be considered in the first review should submit their application, driving abstract, cover letter, and resume in NEOGOV by 5:00 p.m. on May 17, 2026. Your application will not be considered if these items are missing or incomplete.
  1. Complete online application.
  2. A current, State-certified, driving abstract. Abstracts may be obtained at Washington State Department of Licensing offices and should be scanned and included with the online application.
  3. A cover letter that describes how your experience and skills align with the stated job responsibilities and qualifications. Please let us know why you are interested in this position.
  4. Current resume that summarizes relevant education, professional experience, training and skills.

Applicants will be screened for competitiveness, completeness, and written communication skills. Initial screening will be based on a review of application materials. The employment history detailed in your application materials MUST validate/support your responses to the supplemental questions. If your responses cannot be validated, you will not proceed to the next steps of the review/selection process. The most competitive candidates will be invited to participate in a series of one or more interviews.
Benefits and Salary Information
The full salary range for this position is $28.23 - $34.22 per hour.
The City of Seattle offers a comprehensive benefits package including vacation, holiday, and sick leave as well as medical, dental, vision, life, and long-term disability insurance for employees and their dependents. More information about employee benefits is available on the City's website at:
Information about retirement plans can be found at: https://www.seattle.gov/retirement
Additional Information
If you have questions regarding this bulletin or employment at The Seattle Public Library, please send an email to The Library promotes diversity and inclusion in employment. If accommodations are needed during the selection process, please contact us. Please keep in mind that job offers are contingent on a review of criminal history as well as verification of information provided by the applicant as part of the application process.
The City of Seattle offers a comprehensive benefits package including vacation, holiday and sick leave as well as medical, dental, vision, life and long-term disability insurance for employees and their dependents.
More information about employee benefits is available on the City's website at:
01
Are you able to work the anticipated work schedule for this position: Every Thursday, Sunday and Monday from 5:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m?
  • Yes
  • No

02
I understand that this position is for 48 hours per pay period. Please note: this position may periodically have the option to work additional hours. A pay period is two weeks in length.
  • Yes
  • No

03
Did you attach a current, State-certified, driving abstract to your application package? Abstracts may be obtained at Washington State Department of Licensing offices and should be scanned and included with the online application.
  • Yes
  • No

04
Do you have experience driving a 16-foot box truck or something equivalent?
  • Yes
  • No

05
I affirm that the information I have included in my online application, resume, cover letter and answers to the above supplemental questions are true and correct.
  • Yes
  • No

Required Question