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Seattle Public Library Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Teen Services Librarian

Seattle, WA · On-site

$44.92 - $54.46/hr

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 ...

Content Strategist

Seattle, WA · Hybrid

$111K - $135K/yr

The Seattle Public Library is Seattle's center of information and knowledge and one of the most popular and valued services in the city. We are always looking for new ways to enhance the user ...

Custodian

Seattle, WA · On-site

$27.64 - $33.44/hr

The Seattle Public Library Opening Date: 08/11/2026 Closing Date: Continuous Position Description Invitation to Compete #41-26: Custodian Facilities and Capital Improvement Programs Regular , FLSA ...

Custodian

Seattle, WA · On-site

$27.64 - $33.44/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 ...

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Seattle Public Library information

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How much do seattle public library jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 10, 2026, the average yearly pay for seattle public library in the United States is $64,190.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $49,500.00 and $78,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a librarian at the Seattle Public Library do?

A librarian at the Seattle Public Library assists patrons in finding and using resources, including books, digital materials, and community programs. They organize and maintain library collections, host educational events, and provide research support and technology help. Librarians also contribute to outreach initiatives, ensuring the library remains a welcoming, inclusive space for all members of the Seattle community.

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

To thrive as a Seattle Public Library Librarian, you need a Master of Library and Information Science (MLIS) degree, strong research abilities, and familiarity with library cataloging standards. Experience with integrated library systems (ILS), digital resource platforms, and database management is typically required. Outstanding customer service, communication, and community engagement skills help librarians connect with diverse patrons and foster an inclusive environment. These competencies are vital for delivering accessible information services, supporting lifelong learning, and meeting the evolving needs of library users.

What are some common challenges faced by library staff at the Seattle Public Library, and how are they addressed?

Library staff at the Seattle Public Library often encounter challenges such as assisting patrons with diverse needs, managing high-traffic service desks, and adapting to evolving technologies. Staff receive ongoing training to handle a wide range of reference questions and digital resources, and they collaborate closely with colleagues to ensure efficient service. The library also supports staff with clear communication channels and opportunities for professional development, helping them address challenges while maintaining a welcoming environment for all patrons.

What is the difference between Seattle Public Library vs Library Technician?

AspectSeattle Public LibraryLibrary Technician
Required CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; some roles may require a bachelor's degreeHigh school diploma; some positions may prefer post-secondary coursework in library science
Work EnvironmentPublic library branches, community centers, administrative officesPublic library branches, assisting librarians and patrons
Employer & Industry UsagePublic library system serving Seattle residentsLibraries, educational institutions, community centers

Seattle Public Library staff typically hold a high school diploma and work in public library branches, focusing on customer service and library operations. Library Technicians also work in libraries but often require less formal education and assist librarians with daily tasks. Both roles serve the community but differ mainly in educational requirements and scope of responsibilities.

How to get a job at the Seattle Public Library?

To apply for a job at the Seattle Public Library, visit their official website and review current openings in various roles such as librarian, library assistant, or support staff. Submit an online application and ensure you meet the position's qualifications, which may include relevant experience, education, or certifications. The library may also require background checks and interviews as part of the hiring process.
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What cities are hiring for Seattle Public Library jobs?

Cities with the most Seattle Public Library job openings:

What job categories do people searching Seattle Public Library jobs look for?

The top searched job categories for Seattle Public Library jobs are:

Infographic showing various Seattle Public Library job openings in the United States as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 50% Full Time, and 50% Part Time. Highlights an 87% In-person, and 13% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $64,190 per year, or $30.9 per hour.

Adult Services Librarian, Archivist - Seattle Public Library

Tacoma, WA • On-site

$44.92 - $54.46/hr

Other

Posted 9 days ago


Key responsibilities

  • Implement the archival collection preservation program at Seattle Public Library Special Collections.

  • Collaborate with the Special Collections team on archival donations and collections, and serve as the primary subject matter expert on archival processes and best practices.

  • Develop and implement workflow practices for appraisal, donation guidelines, processing standards, descriptive practices, preservation/conservation, deaccession, and disposition.


Job description

Adult Services Librarian, Archivist - Seattle Public Library
  • Invitation to Compete #21-26: Adult Services Librarian, Archivist
  • Central Library
  • 1000 Fourth Ave. Seattle, WA 98104
  • Regular, FLSA non-exempt, benefitted, full-time (40 hours per week)
  • Salary range: $44.92 - $54.46 per hour
  • Schedule: Monday – Friday, 8:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Overview

The Seattle Public Library is actively seeking an innovative archival professional who sees collection engagement with the communities we serve as essential to all aspects of developing, delivering, evaluating and improving programs, services and content. The successful candidate will be a creative, self-directed professional with a strong work ethic, a collaborative work style, and a good sense of humor. They will have the ability to thrive in an environment that requires supportive teamwork to maintain a safe and welcoming service environment for patrons and staff.

Under the direction of the Special Collection Services Manager, the role will implement the archival collection preservation program at Seattle Public Library Special Collections. The position also serves as the primary subject matter expert on archival processes and best practices for the Special Collections unit, collaborating with the Special Collections team members on archival donations and the collections. This position will anticipate and respond to the evolving needs of existing and future archival materials by developing and implementing workflow practices for appraisal, donation guidelines, processing standards, descriptive practices, preservation/conservation, deaccession and disposition. The role works within budgets established for archival and preservation work and supplies in consultation with the Special Collections Services Manager. The position is responsible for performing processing work and documenting the progress of that work, including archival collection statistics. This role will also serve as a representative for emergency response for historical and cultural materials as defined by the system and through mutual aid agreements.

Qualifications
  • Education: Must have an MLS/MLIS from an ALA‑accredited library school, or Washington State Librarian Certification; or Masters Degree in Information Science or Archives and Records Administration or Accredited Certification alongside a Washington State Librarian Certificate. (Note: Washington State Law prohibits an individual from being hired as a librarian unless they have obtained a Washington State Certification for Librarianship which requires a Master's Degree from an ALA‑accredited Library School.)
  • Exemplary Customer Service: The successful candidate will have a proven commitment to public service and providing exceptional customer service. Candidates must possess excellent interpersonal communication, problem solving, customer relations and teamwork skills, a sense of humor, and demonstrate a positive and enthusiastic commitment to public service.
  • Excellent written, verbal, and listening communication skills with a customer-oriented approach.
  • Leadership: Applicants must be able to utilize their knowledge, skills, and abilities to effect positive change. They must actively seek out information from the library, archives, and museum profession and other industries; pursue opportunities to develop networks with the intent to learn about best practices from other organizations and share The Seattle Public Library’s best practices; take initiative in helping the organization to meet its goals; and be able to communicate how the Library is fulfilling its mission.
  • Technology and Informational Resources: Must have current working knowledge of PCs in a Windows environment and library applications and be able to use online Internet searching methods and information resources. Working knowledge and ability with office productivity applications (e.g. MS Office and Excel). Experience with archives information management applications, modern digital preservation software solutions and integrated library systems is highly desirable.
  • Intellectual Freedom: Applicants must have a strong commitment to intellectual freedom as defined by the American Library Association's Bill of Rights.
  • Race and Social Justice Initiative: Applicants must be able to support the City of Seattle's Race and Social Justice Initiative and have a strong commitment to providing equitable services to marginalized or underserved populations throughout Seattle, and an understanding of how collection description and cataloging can contribute to equitable access to and representation within library collections for historically marginalized communities.
  • Project Management and Teamwork Skills: Experience managing projects from inception through completion, delivering high-quality results. Planning programs and outreach, developing and implementing a project, and evaluation using outcomes-based evaluation methods. Experience serving as a member on a working committee or project team in lieu of the above experience may be considered.
  • Effectively manages stressful situations and ambiguity.
  • Effective conflict resolution skills with experience in de‑escalating stressful situations.
  • Experience with an integrated library system (ILS), catalog databases, streaming media, and other electronic resources.
  • Basic knowledge and experience with a variety of office equipment (such as computers, photocopiers, and printers), and office applications (such as SharePoint, Microsoft Outlook, Word, and Excel).
  • Other Required Skills and Abilities: Candidates must be flexible, able to handle multiple competing priorities and tasks, adaptable to change, and able to work effectively in a fast‑paced, high‑volume environment. Must have strong research skills. An ability to incorporate and apply newer/emerging technologies in support of creative, effective library services is desirable. Must have ability to lift and carry up to 40 lbs. intermittently.
  • Resiliency: Applicants must be resourceful and able to deal with evolving and emerging dynamics in the community as well as the workplace, cope with pressures, and learn from failures in ways that respond to the needs of those the position serves and help the organization move forward. Must have the ability to maintain a high level of professionalism and customer service.
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