Seattle Public Library Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Salary: $26.93 - $32.61 Hourly
Location : Seattle Public Library - Central Library, WA
Job Type: Civil Service Exempt, Regular, Full-time
Job Number: IC #34-26
Department: The Seattle Public Library
Opening Date: 06/05/2026
Closing Date: 6/15/2026 5:00 PM Pacific
Position Description
Invitation to Compete #34-26: Page (Multiple Positions)
Central Library, Shelving Operations, 1000 4th Ave., Seattle
Regular, FLSA non-exempt, full-time (80 hours per pay period)
Central Library, Shelving Operations, 1000 4th Ave., Seattle
Regular, FLSA non-exempt, full-time (80 hours per pay period)
Central Library, Shelving Operations, 1000 4th Ave., Seattle
Regular, FLSA non-exempt, full-time (80 hours per pay period)
Central Library, Shelving Operations, 1000 4th Ave., Seattle
Temporary, FLSA non-exempt, part-time (64 hours per pay period)
This temporary appointment is expected to end December 30, 2026, which could be extended or end prior to the expected duration.
Salary Range: $26.93 - $32.61 per hour
A pay period is two weeks in length that starts on Wednesday and ends on Tuesday. Hours will include weekdays, weekends and evenings. Schedules are 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. Please read the How to Apply section of this bulletin for more information. Candidates are asked to submit their application materials in NEOGOV by 5:00 p.m. on June 15, 2026.
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 continue to thrive. Since 1891, we have grown from a single reading room in Pioneer Square to a world-class library system with 27 locations.
The Library works every day to foster and support a healthy city and a healthy democracy. We do this work guided by the principles of intellectual freedom, literacy and the love of learning, racial equity, privacy and confidentiality, respect for the community, strong partnerships and innovation. We are an active and committed partner in the City of Seattle's Race and Social Justice Initiative.
Library employees are highly regarded by the public for their knowledge, quality of service and caring. As a workplace, we value respectful and transparent communication, partnership and engagement. We are enriched individually and organizationally because of our diversity. We take time to recognize and celebrate the achievements of others.
If you share these values and meet the qualifications, the Library invites you to apply for the Page position.
The Page classification is a rewarding, albeit physically demanding, position; playing an important role in the flow of materials throughout the library system. This position is responsible for sorting, shelving, retrieving, and checking the accuracy and appearance of materials on the shelves at the Central Library. Pages also provide directional assistance to Library patrons and collaborate with staff in other departments on special projects and assignments.
Job Responsibilities
Assists with the flow and organization of materials: Unpacks, sorts, files, shelves and routes books and a wide variety of other materials; transports books and materials using book carts, hand trucks and similar equipment; locates or retrieves materials for processing using automated systems.
Assists patrons and other staff members: Locates and retrieves materials at staff and patron request. Assists patrons and staff with locating materials throughout the Library. Works with patrons to understand and follow our Community Use Agreements. Assists patrons with the navigation and use of the Central Library building. Coordinates with Safety Officers, Janitorial Staff and Building Maintenance Staff to address a multitude of building issues. Works with staff throughout the building to create a safe and welcoming space.
Maintains proper order and appearance of shelf materials and library environment: Gathers and re-shelves materials left behind by patrons and other staff. Organizes, straightens and re-balances materials on shelves. Pushes in and redistributes chairs and stools to proper locations. Straightens tables and ensures appearance of shelves and spaces are orderly to maintain a welcoming environment for patrons.
Other duties: Additional duties may include work on special projects as part of a team or alone, assisting with arranging and maintaining Library equipment and materials, and reporting building and Library materials issues as needed.
Qualifications
Customer Service Experience: Experience that demonstrates an ability to provide welcoming and respectful service to Library patrons with diverse backgrounds and life experiences. The ability to adapt to changes in environment and remain aware and respond appropriately to issues as they arise that could prevent patrons from effectively using the Library.
Effective Written and Verbal Communication Skills: Candidates must have the ability to effectively communicate in English, both verbally and in writing, and have the ability to understand and apply verbal and written instructions. Candidates must be able to effectively respond to patron requests for information and assistance. Candidates must also be able to approach patrons and effectively provide information required for the patron to successfully use the Library and Library collections.
Organizational Skills: Candidates must have the ability to quickly, accurately, and safely shelve Library materials alphabetically and numerically. Work experience sorting books or other materials alphabetically and numerically is desired.
Experience using Computers: Candidates must have basic experience with computer operations and software; including experience using menu-based commands and staff terminals to obtain, interpret, and display inventory data and information. Candidates with experience using internet browsers, online catalogs and e-mail programs (such as Microsoft Outlook) are preferred.
Candidates must be flexible in adjusting work hours and locations: Candidates must be available to work part-time at the authorized hours of the positions as listed. Candidates who are not eligible to work 20 hours per week or more are not eligible for these positions.
Other Required Skills and Abilities:

• Candidates must demonstrate the ability to work alone and be the only staff member in areas of the building with frequent contact with the public. Candidates must also demonstrate the ability to work with others as part of a team and to support teammates in situations and spaces that are demanding.
• Candidates must also be able to bend, stretch, stoop, and lift bins up to 40 lbs. in weight and push wheeled book carts weighing up to 200 lbs.

Desired Qualifications:

• Fluency in a language other than English, particularly American Sign Language, Amharic, Chinese, Oromo, Somali, Spanish, Tigrinya or Vietnamese.
• Experience with shipping and receiving.
• Experience with merchandise handling and/or inventory tracking.

Additional Information
How to Apply
Candidates who meet the qualifications are asked to submit the following items in NEOGOV by 5:00 p.m. on June 15, 2026 to be considered for this position:

1. Online application with responses to the supplemental questions.

1. A cover letter that briefly 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.
2. Current resume

Applications that do not include a cover letter and complete online application will not be considered.
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 $26.93 - $32.61 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:https://www.seattle.gov/human-resources/benefits/employees-and covered family-members/most employees-plans
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 job.applications@spl.org. 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 weekdays, evenings and weekends?

• Yes
• No

02
Are you able to work at least 20 hours per week?

• Yes
• No

03
Please briefly describe your experience sorting, shelving, or organizing materials alphabetically and/or numerically (for example, books, files, merchandise, or inventory). How do you ensure accuracy and efficiency? Type N/A for no experience.
04
This position involves assisting patrons with wayfinding, locating materials, and supporting a safe and welcoming public environment. Please briefly describe your experience working directly with the public in a busy or complex setting, including how you respond to unexpected situations. Type N/A for no experience.
05
Pages often work independently while also collaborating with teammates. Please briefly describe a work experience where you successfully balanced independent work with team support. Type N/A for no experience.
06
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