Temporary Library Data Entry Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Salary: $27.94 - $33.89 Hourly
Location : Seattle Public Library - Central Library, WA
Job Type: Civil Service Exempt, Regular, Part-Time
Job Number: IC #36-26
Department: The Seattle Public Library
Opening Date: 06/25/2026
Closing Date: 7/6/2026 5:00 PM Pacific
Position Description
Invitation to Compete #36-26: Library Associate I
Northeast Branch, 6801 35th N.E., Seattle
Regular, FLSA non-exempt, part-time position (48 hours per pay period)
Schedule:
Week 1: Wed 9:30am-6pm, Thurs 11:30am-8pm, Fri OFF, Sat OFF, Sun OFF, Mon 9:30am-6pm, Tues OFF
Week 2: Wed OFF, Thurs 11:30am-8pm, Fri OFF, Sat 9:30am-6pm, Sun 9:30am-6pm, Mon OFF, Tues OFF
Salary Range: $27.94 - $33.89 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. The schedule listed is subject to change based on the Library's current operational need. This position 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 submit your application, cover letter and resume in NEOGOV by 5:00 p.m. on July 6, 2026 be considered.
Please note: This recruitment may be used for up to 90 days following the closing date of this posting to fill regular and temporary Library Associate I vacancies.
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 Library Associate I position.
The Library Associate I classification is part of a public service team that provides courteous and responsive service to patrons. Library Associate I staff are responsible for shelving, retrieving materials and checking the accuracy of materials that are on the shelves in the Library system. Additional duties may include: answering telephones, typing and data entry, providing basic directory services to patrons at circulation desks, assisting patrons with using Library equipment and resources, and limited circulation services (such as library card registration and checking materials in and out).
Job Responsibilities
Assists with the flow and organization of materials: Sorts, files, shelves and routes books and a variety of other materials; lifts and transports books and materials using book carts, hand trucks and similar equipment; empties book drops and uses computer-based automated systems to check in materials; locates and retrieves materials for processing; maintains the order and appearance of materials; and retrieves materials for patrons and Library staff.
Performs support duties: Gathers information or data, when instructed, and maintains records and files; compiles statistics; and assists with various projects, such as processing damaged materials, updating circulation records and/or developing circulation-related reports.
May provide circulation services to patrons: Serves as a back-up for circulation desk staff, providing friendly, responsive customer service to patrons by phone or in-person. Performs duties such as: checking materials in and out; renewing and reserving materials; collecting fees; registering patrons for library cards; providing directions or information to patrons regarding the location and use of materials, equipment and resources; and responding to a variety of related issues.
Qualifications
Education: A high school diploma or a Graduate Equivalency Degree (GED) is required.
Customer Service Experience: At least one year of work experience that demonstrates an ability to provide welcoming and respectful service to Library patrons with diverse backgrounds and life experiences, 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. Candidates who understand the nuances of providing customer service in an environment that is open to public use are desired.
Excellent Written and Verbal Communication Skills: Candidates must be able to effectively respond to patrons' communications in person and on the telephone, specifically the ability to listen to and understand concerns, assess available options, and respond accurately and appropriately. Candidates must also be able to respond to patrons' requests for directional assistance. Candidates must be able to effectively communicate in English, verbally and in writing, as well as comprehend spoken and written English.
Organizational Skills: Candidates must be able to learn sorting and library filing schemes, such as the Dewey Decimal system. Candidates with work experience sorting books, files or other materials alphabetically and numerically, quickly, accurately and safely are desired.
Experience using Personal Computers and Office Equipment: Candidates must have experience using office equipment including photocopiers, printers and cash registers. Candidates must also have experience using internet browsers, online catalogs and email (such as Microsoft Outlook). Candidates must have the ability to learn and operate computer-based customer account systems that use menu-based commands to obtain, interpret and display data, and information related to customer accounts.
Other Required Skills and Abilities: Candidates must be flexible in adjusting their work hours and locations. Candidates must also demonstrate the ability to work with others as part of a team on projects and have the ability to understand and apply verbal and written instructions. Candidates must also be able to bend, stretch, stoop, and lift bins up to 40 pounds in weight and push wheeled book carts weighing up to 200 pounds. Candidates must also have the ability to squeeze and release hand brakes on Interagency (IA) bins.
Desired Qualifications:

• The ability to speak and read Amharic, Oromo, Somali, Spanish, Tigrinya or Vietnamese; fluency in American Sign Language.

• Work experience in a public library.
• Experience working with people who are insecurely housed and/or individuals living with addiction and/or mental illness

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 July 6, 2026 to be considered for this position.

1. Online application with complete responses to the supplemental questions.

1. 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/these position(s).

1. Current resume that summarizes relevant education, professional experience, training and skills.

Applications that do not include a cover letter, resume, 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 $27.94 - $33.89 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:
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 weekdays, evenings, and weekends?

• Yes
• No

02
I have reviewed and acknowledge acceptance of the anticipated schedule for this position below. Schedule:Week 1: Wed 9:30am-6pm, Thurs 11:30am-8pm, Fri OFF, Sat OFF, Sun OFF, Mon 9:30am-6pm, Tues OFFWeek 2: Wed OFF, Thurs 11:30am-8pm, Fri OFF, Sat 9:30am-6pm, Sun 9:30am-6pm, Mon OFF, Tues OFF

• Yes
• No

03
Do you have a high school diploma or a Graduate Equivalency Degree (GED)?

• Yes
• No

04
Please briefly describe your experience providing customer service to people from diverse communities, including immigrant families, new English speakers, people experiencing housing insecurity, and/or individuals living with addiction and/or mental illness? Type N/A if no experience.
05
Please briefly describe your experience working and/or volunteering in a public library. Type N/A if no experience.
06
I understand that this position may be deployed to any Seattle Public Library location.

• Yes
• No

07
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