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Substitute Library Assistant Jobs in Denver, CO (NOW HIRING)

Librarian - Adult Services

Aurora, CO · On-site

$54K - $68K/yr

Oversees programming conducted by Library Assistants. * Performs high level readers advisory and ... substituted for the minimum education and experience requirements on a year for year basis ...

Substitute Library Assistant information

See Denver, CO salary details

$22.6K

$65.9K

$96.2K

How much do substitute library assistant jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 24, 2026, the average yearly pay for substitute library assistant in Denver, CO is $65,931.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $58,700.00 and $85,400.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a substitute library assistant?

Substitute Library Assistants are individuals who temporarily fill in for regular library staff when they are absent or when extra help is needed. Their responsibilities typically include checking books in and out, shelving materials, assisting patrons with finding resources, and maintaining library order. Substitute Library Assistants may work on an on-call basis and in various departments, adapting quickly to different library environments. This role is ideal for those who are flexible, customer-service oriented, and interested in supporting the daily operations of a library.

How does the role of a substitute library assistant differ from a regular library assistant?

As a Substitute Library Assistant, you may be called on short notice to fill in for regular staff, so adaptability and quick learning are essential. Your daily tasks will typically include checking materials in and out, assisting patrons with finding resources, and shelving books, but you may work in different branches or departments depending on immediate needs. Unlike regular assistants, you might not have a set schedule or long-term projects, so flexibility and the ability to quickly familiarize yourself with new systems and team members are important. This role offers a unique opportunity to gain experience in various library settings and can be a stepping stone to a permanent position.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a substitute library assistant?

To thrive as a Substitute Library Assistant, you need a basic understanding of library procedures, strong organizational skills, and often a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with library management systems, cataloging software, and common office equipment is typically required. Excellent customer service, adaptability, and effective communication help you assist diverse patrons and manage changing tasks. These skills ensure smooth library operations, positive patron experiences, and the ability to step into various roles as needed.

What is the difference between Substitute Library Assistant vs Library Clerk?

AspectSubstitute Library AssistantLibrary Clerk
Required CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; some positions may prefer library experienceHigh school diploma; customer service experience often preferred
Work EnvironmentPublic or school libraries; variable shifts; temporary or on-call basisPublic or school libraries; regular hours; administrative and customer service tasks
Employer & Industry UsageLibraries hiring temporary staff for coverageFull-time or part-time staff handling daily library operations
Comparison Search IntentUnderstanding temporary vs permanent library rolesClarifying administrative vs support roles in libraries

The Substitute Library Assistant typically works on a temporary, on-call basis, providing coverage as needed, while a Library Clerk usually holds a more permanent, regular position with ongoing responsibilities. Both roles require similar educational backgrounds but differ mainly in employment status and job stability.

Is there demand for substitute library assistants?

Substitute library assistants are in steady demand as libraries require flexible staffing to cover absences and peak times. Employment opportunities can vary based on library size and location, with some positions requiring basic customer service skills and familiarity with library systems. Overall, the role offers consistent opportunities in many public and academic libraries.

What cities near Denver, CO are hiring for Substitute Library Assistant jobs?

Cities near Denver, CO with the most Substitute Library Assistant job openings:

Infographic showing various Substitute Library Assistant job openings in Denver, CO as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 75% Full Time, 19% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $65,931 per year, or $31.7 per hour.

Librarian - Adult Services

City of Aurora

Aurora, CO • On-site

$54K - $68K/yr

Full-time

Retirement

Posted 6 days ago


Job description

JOB LOCATION

14949 E Alameda Pkwy Aurora, Colorado 80012-1563

Cityof Aurora,Colorado


It is an exciting time to work for the City of Aurora, we're growing and looking for dedicated and collaborative individuals to join our team of talented and valued employees. Excellent organizations have a set of principles, or core values, that are used to implement their mission and vision. Those values represent the touchstone for the organization, guiding the decisions of the individuals and the organization. At the City of Aurora, we demonstrate our excellence by modeling the CORE 4 Values of:Integrity,Respect, Professionalism, andCustomer Service, and we welcome all who share these values to apply.
Why Work for Aurora?

  • Make a difference in the lives of real people every day
  • Diverse community
  • Competitive total compensation package
  • Well-Funded General Employees Retirement Plan
  • Light rail station minutes away
  • On-site fitness center and overall employee well-being programs Internal educational programs to assist with career advancement
  • Access to innovation workspaces

PRIMARY DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

Salary to be commensurate with experience

The hiring range for this position is $54,402 - $68,003 annually.

The deadline to submit applications is August 31st, 2026. Please note, The City of Aurora will conduct ongoing screenings of applications on a first come, first-serve basis; as soon as we determine to have a qualified pool of applicants, this position may close quickly and without notice.

Overview of Department / Position:

The Library and Cultural Services Departments vision is to empower an environment of lifelong learning and cultural enrichment by stimulating learning and literacy, inspiring creativity, and integrating arts,cultureand history into the lives ofAurorans. We have two divisions within the department: Library and Cultural Services,both offering a variety of free services to the community, including 5 public libraries, the Aurora History Museum and Historic Sites, Aurora Fox Arts Center, The People's Building, and community events, programs, and activities for all ages.Please go towww.AuroraGov.org/LCStolearn more about the City of Aurora, Library and Cultural Services Department.

The City of Aurora's Library and Cultural Services Department is looking for a Librarian specializing in Adult Services to provide professional level support assisting customers using library resources, computers and conducting research. This position will be responsible for developing and conducting Adult Services library programs and training as directed; they will also be responsible for assisting with collection and library resource management as assigned.

This position will primarily be located at the Central Library, however, hours and location are subject to change dependent upon department needs.

Primary Duties & Responsibilities:

  • Provides friendly, efficient, and professional service to customers in-person, by telephone and email.
  • Functions as the on-site person in charge overseeing staffing and facility customer related functions in the absence of the Supervisor.
  • Develops, plans, oversees, and conducts programs on a wide range of topics.
  • Oversees programming conducted by Library Assistants.
  • Performs high level readers advisory and reference searches using library resources, on-line databases, and other reputable sources.
  • Assists customers with accessing and using library resources (books, databases, computers, etc.) and computer questions related to Microsoft Office products, internet navigation, email services, third party web sites and other software applications on public computers.
  • Coordinates volunteers including training, scheduling, and tracking time.
  • May work on joint regional library service committees and user groups representing the Aurora Public Library
  • May assist in collection/inventory management duties including weeding, sorting, shelving, cataloging assistance, interlibrary loan, and database input/maintenance when directed by supervisor.
  • Performs additional duties as assigned.

The listed primary duties and responsibilitiesarenot a comprehensive list of expectations for the job. Duties and responsibilities may change at any time with or without notice.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS & WORKING CONDITIONS

A combination of relevant education and experience may be substituted for the minimum education and experience requirements on a year for year basis
Education:

  • Master of Library Science Degree from an ALA accredited program.

Experience:

  • 2 years of professional library experience
  • Lead experience preferred.
  • Experience in Library Adult Services preferred.

Knowledge:

  • Knowledge of the principles, organization, and practices of library service.
  • Library classification system.
  • Internet computerized systems and their applications to assigned functions.
  • Basic trouble-shooting in computer operation.

Abilities:

  • Ability to deal with stressful situations with tact and diplomacy.
  • Communicate with diverse customers/staff of all ages in a professional, age and culturally, appropriate manner.
  • Communicate effectively in writing; use general office equipment, computers, calculators, and copy/fax machine.
  • Perform basic mathematical calculations.
  • Follow oral and written instructions.
  • Ability to speak a second language a plus.

WORKING CONDITIONS

Essential Personnel:

  • When a local announcement of emergency or disaster is declared by the City, all City of Aurora employees may be required to work as essential personnel

Physical Demands:

  • Light to sedentary physical work requiring the ability to lift 40 pounds with or without assistance
  • Frequent lifting, carrying, walking and standing
  • Hand/eye coordination to operate office equipment, carts, and moveable shelving
  • Vision to read and interpret reports, documents and other written information
  • Frequent speech communication and hearing to maintain communication with employees and citizens


Work Environment:

  • Works primarily in clean, comfortable environment with shared work stations and equipment


Equipment Used:

  • Uses standard office equipment including personal computer and common office software such as email, internet, Word, Excel and menu driven databases as a part of the Library automated systems.
  • This position may require the incumbent to use personal equipment (e.g. vehicle, cell phone, tools, etc.) in the course of their employment.

The city of Aurora will implement furlough days (unpaid days off) for most employees in 2026. The scheduled furlough dates are January 16, April 10, July 2, and December 24.

For Veterans preference: Please show all of your employment history, including military service and related documentation (DD214) on the application.
The City of Aurora is an equal opportunity employer. We are required by state and federal agencies to keep certain statistical records on applicants. It will not be used in any way to discriminate against you because of your sex, race, age, sexual orientation, creed, national origin, disability or military status, gender identity, unless related to a bona fide occupational qualification as defined by the Colorado Civil Rights Commission and the Equal Opportunity Commission.
Despite the changes in Colorado law, the City of Aurora maintains a drug-free workplace. A positive test of marijuana is grounds for disqualification and ineligibility for employment with the city for one year or termination once hired.

Drug Testing, Thorough Criminal Background Check, and Employment References:
As a condition of employment, all applicants selected for employment with the City of Aurora must undergo a thorough criminal background check.

Applicants selected for safety-sensitive positions are required to complete and pass a drug screening as a condition of employment. Safety sensitive positions include Civil Service positions within Police and Fire Departments and positions where their job responsibilities have direct and substantial responsibility that would impact the health and safety of others.


Employment references will be conducted on finalists for City of Aurora vacancies.