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Summer Library Assistant Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

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Summer Library Assistant information

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How much do summer library assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 7, 2026, the average hourly pay for summer library assistant in Chicago, IL is $19.25, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.58 and $21.78 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a summer library assistant?

Summer Library Assistants are temporary staff members who help support library operations during the busy summer months. They typically assist with tasks such as shelving books, helping patrons locate materials, organizing summer reading programs, and maintaining a welcoming environment. This role is ideal for students or individuals interested in gaining experience in library services. Summer Library Assistants work under the supervision of librarians and may also help with clerical duties or special events.

Is there demand for summer library assistants?

Summer library assistants are in demand during peak seasons when libraries experience increased patron activity. Many libraries hire temporary staff to help with programs, shelving, and customer service, making it a competitive seasonal position for students and community members. Availability of these roles often depends on local library budgets and community needs.

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

AspectSummer Library AssistantLibrary Clerk
Required CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; some positions may prefer related courseworkHigh school diploma or equivalent; no special certifications typically required
Work EnvironmentPublic library, often seasonal, assisting with summer programs and patron supportPublic or academic library, handling daily patron interactions and administrative tasks
Employer & Industry UsageSeasonal role mainly during summer months in public librariesYear-round position in libraries, including public, academic, and special libraries
Common Search & Comparison IntentUnderstanding seasonal library roles and responsibilitiesLooking for ongoing library support roles

The Summer Library Assistant typically works seasonally during summer, focusing on assisting with programs and patron services, while the Library Clerk is a year-round position handling daily administrative and customer service tasks. Both roles require similar educational backgrounds but differ mainly in duration and scope of work.

How to become a summer library assistant with no experience?

To become a summer library assistant with no experience, focus on demonstrating enthusiasm for books and community service, and highlight any relevant skills such as organization or customer service. Many libraries offer on-the-job training and do not require prior experience, so applying with a simple resume and a positive attitude can increase your chances. Volunteering at a library beforehand can also improve your application.

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

To thrive as a Summer Library Assistant, you need strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and basic literacy or library-related knowledge, often supported by a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with library catalog systems, circulation software, and digital resources is typically required. Excellent customer service, communication, and teamwork abilities help you assist patrons and support library staff effectively. These skills ensure smooth daily operations, positive patron experiences, and efficient resource management during the busy summer period.

What are some typical challenges a summer library assistant might face when working with patrons during busy periods?

Summer Library Assistants often experience increased patron traffic due to summer reading programs and school breaks, which can result in long lines and higher demand for assistance. Managing multiple requests at once—such as checking out materials, answering inquiries, and helping with public computers—requires strong multitasking and customer service skills. Staying organized, remaining patient, and communicating clearly with both patrons and team members are key strategies for handling these busy times effectively.
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What cities near Chicago, IL are hiring for Summer Library Assistant jobs? Cities near Chicago, IL with the most Summer Library Assistant job openings:
Infographic showing various Summer Library Assistant job openings in Chicago, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 75% Full Time, 21% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $40,030 per year, or $19.2 per hour.

ADULT SERVICES PROGRAMMING LIBRARIAN

Fountaindale Public Library

Bolingbrook, IL • On-site

$30.45/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted yesterday


Job description

Description:

Full-time position: Non-exempt position (37.5 hours per week) includes day, evening and weekend hours


Salary Range: $30.45-$47.05 with a starting hourly wage of $30.45/hour


Benefits:

  • Paid Time Off (vacation, holidays, personal and sick time)
  • Pension through the Illinois Municipal Retirement Fund (IMRF)
  • Health Insurance (medical, dental and vision)
  • Company-Paid Life & AD&D Insurance
  • Flexible Spending (medical and dependent care)
  • NCPERS Voluntary Life Insurance
  • 457(b) Plan
  • Staff Library Card
  • Employee Assistance Program
  • Professional Development

Closing date: Until position is filled


Objective:

Responsible for planning, organizing and implementing community partnerships, programs and cross­ departmental programs that meet the goals of Adult Services and the library, and that satisfy the needs of the community and library patrons.


Duties:

1. Provides consistent, gracious and friendly service to internal and external customers.

2. Understands and enforces District policies and procedures while safeguarding intellectual freedom and patron privacy.

3. Oversees the planning, preparation, scheduling, budgeting and administration of Adult programming for the District. Responsible for coordinating event and staff scheduling with Departmental staff. Hires performers in collaboration with the Adult & Teen Services management team.

4. Works with Adult & Teen Services management team to lead the assessment of and assesses functionality and productivity of cross ­departmental programming committees or projects, with assistance from Adult & Teen Services Librarians.

5. Coordinates, supervises, hires, trains, and schedules Adult & Teen Services Specialists to provide programming, patron assistance, reader’s advisory, promotion of library services and programs to patrons in the Library District. Actively participates in the developmental plans of subordinate employees.

6. Responsible for collaborating with the Communications Manager on promotional needs.

7. Coordinates Adult and Staff Summer Reading activities in conjunction with, or absence of, the Reader’s Services Librarian.

8. Provides in­depth research, reference and reader’s advisory to patrons and staff.

9. Keeps informed of current information and trends at the local and regional library level. Participates in professional development activities relating to areas of responsibility.

10. Works with Adult & Teen Services Management staff to establish benchmarks, and to develop, design and integrate initiatives and services for patrons and fellow staff.

11. Analyzes data from the integrated library system and other sources to determine effectiveness of current services and collections and makes appropriate recommendations.

12. Leads library wide committees for special projects, strategic planning, new library initiatives, departmental development, and consortia wide development.

13. Helps to review, plan, coordinate, and implement the use of technology.

14. Performs all duties of Adult & Teen Services Librarians or Adult & Teen Services Specialists, when needed.

15. Prepares and submits required records, purchase requests and reports in keeping with the policies and procedures of the library.

16. Serves as building responsibility lead.

17. Performs other miscellaneous duties as assigned.



Requirements:

Education: Requires expertise acquired through completion of a MLS program from an ALA accredited library school. Emphasis in Adult Services preferred.


Experience: At least one year of Adult Services experience in a comparable school, business, organization, or library preferred.


Skills:

Office & Library

  • Knowledge of Adult and Teen services, principles, trends, practices and technology.
  • Basic knowledge of Adult literature, popular materials and reference materials in a variety of formats.
  • Knowledge of productivity suites and integrated library systems.
  • Knowledge of reference techniques and digital information retrieval.
  • Ability to incorporate technology into programming and other public services.
  • Ability to effectively use a variety of tablets and similar devices.
  • Ability to exercise reasonable and independent judgment and discretion.
  • Ability manage and prioritize multiple tasks.
  • Ability to analyze and synthesize data to produce new or revised processes and procedures.
  • Ability to adapt to and effectively implement change.

Communication

  • Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationship with staff and public.
  • Communicates effectively with a variety of programmers and vendors from diverse backgrounds.
  • Communicates effectively in English, both orally and in writing. Spanish speaking skills are a plus.
  • Ability to stay calm and effective in difficult situations.
  • Ability to empathize and relate to the needs of all patrons.
  • Prepares and delivers oral presentations.

Supervisory Responsibility: Position has supervisory responsibility. Interview, hire, train, review work, assist, develop, counsel, evaluate, discipline and enforce library rules and policies.


Contacts:

Internal: Library staff and management

External: Patrons, school staff, performers, community organizations, vendors and staff from other libraries.


Physical Requirements: The physical requirements described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the functions of this job. Physical requirements for this position include: good speaking, hearing and vision ability, ability to push carts of library materials weighing up to 100 pounds rarely, lifting materials weighing up to 50 pounds rarely and lifting materials up to 25 pounds frequently.


Working Conditions: Work is performed in a typical library environment. Full­-time position. Requires weekend and evening work.