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Volunteer Library Assistant Jobs in Washington, DC

Library Aid

Andrews, MD · On-site +1

$15.30 - $17/hr

The primary purpose of this position is to provide general office and to assist management in ... Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National ...

Library Aide

Burke, VA · On-site

$21.18 - $29.12/hr

Circulation Assistant Provides circulation assistance to library customers. Performs essential ... Paid Leave (annual, sick, parental, volunteer activity, and more!) * Paid Holidays * Contributory ...

New

Library Aide

Reston, VA · On-site

$21.18 - $29.12/hr

Circulation Assistant Provides circulation assistance to library customers. Performs essential ... Paid Leave (annual, sick, parental, volunteer activity, and more!) * Paid Holidays * Contributory ...

New

Library Aide

Fairfax, VA · On-site

$44K - $77K/yr

May assist with outreach and other library programs. Required Knowledge Skills and Abilities (The ... volunteering in a library; or six months of full-time experience or the equivalent amount of ...

The primary purpose of this position is to provide general office and to assist management in ... Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National ...

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Volunteer Library Assistant information

See Washington, DC salary details

$12

$22

$30

How much do volunteer library assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 25, 2026, the average hourly pay for volunteer library assistant in Washington, DC is $22.13, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $18.51 and $23.94 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a volunteer library assistant?

Volunteer Library Assistants are individuals who offer their time and support to libraries without receiving financial compensation. They help with a variety of tasks, such as shelving books, assisting patrons in finding materials, organizing library events, and performing administrative duties. These volunteers play a crucial role in supporting library staff, enhancing library services, and helping maintain a welcoming environment for the community. Their work allows libraries to offer more programs and extend their reach to more patrons.

What are the typical responsibilities of a volunteer library assistant?

Volunteer Library Assistants often help with shelving books, organizing materials, assisting patrons in locating resources, and supporting library events or programs. Their work ensures that materials are accessible and the library remains a welcoming, organized space. Volunteers may also assist with checking in and out materials under supervision, helping with displays, or aiding staff during busy periods. This role is collaborative, often involving communication with both staff and patrons, and offers valuable experience in customer service and library operations.

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

To thrive as a Volunteer Library Assistant, you need strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and basic literacy, often with a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with library cataloging systems and common office software is beneficial for managing collections and assisting patrons. Excellent communication, reliability, and a helpful attitude are standout soft skills in this role. These qualities ensure efficient library operations and create a welcoming environment for visitors.

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

AspectVolunteer Library AssistantLibrary Clerk
Required CredentialsNone typically required; some familiarity with library operations helpfulHigh school diploma or equivalent often required; some positions may need basic computer skills
Work EnvironmentPublic library, community centers, or school libraries; volunteer basisPublic or academic libraries; paid position
Employer & Industry UsageNonprofit organizations, community libraries, schoolsPublic libraries, government agencies, educational institutions
Common Search & Comparison IntentUnderstanding volunteer roles in librariesJob responsibilities and qualifications for library support staff

Volunteer Library Assistants typically support library operations on a volunteer basis without formal credentials, working in community or school libraries. Library Clerks are paid staff members with basic educational requirements, working in similar environments. Both roles assist with shelving, customer service, and administrative tasks, but the Volunteer Library Assistant role is unpaid and often more flexible.

Can I be a volunteer library assistant with no experience?

Yes, many volunteer library assistant positions do not require prior experience. These roles often provide on-the-job training and focus on basic tasks like shelving, organizing, and assisting patrons, making them accessible to newcomers.

What qualifications do you need for a volunteer library assistant?

Volunteer library assistants typically need good communication skills, basic computer literacy, and a responsible attitude. Some positions may require age restrictions, background checks, or completion of a volunteer application. Formal education is usually not required, but a high school diploma or equivalent can be beneficial.

What are popular job titles related to Volunteer Library Assistant jobs in Washington, DC?

For Volunteer Library Assistant jobs in Washington, DC, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Volunteer Library Assistant jobs in Washington, DC look for?

The top searched job categories for Volunteer Library Assistant jobs in Washington, DC are:

Infographic showing various Volunteer Library Assistant job openings in Washington, DC as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 67% Full Time, 29% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 93% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $46,029 per year, or $22.1 per hour.

Assistant Circulation Manager (Library Assistant II)

Fairfax County

Fairfax, VA • On-site

$50K - $88K/yr

Full-time, Part-time

Posted 4 days ago


Fairfax County rating

8.1

Company rating: 8.1 out of 10

Based on 68 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

344th of 849 rated public administrative organizations


Job description

Job Announcement Manages the operations of the Circulation Department in the absence of the circulation manager and serves as person-in-charge as needed. Serves on branch management team. Responds to the needs of library customers and resolves customer issues.

Performs all essential circulation and support duties. Performs other duties as may be assigned to further the goals and objectives of Fairfax County Public Library. Fairfax County Public Library supports the goals of One Fairfax, fostering equity and opportunity in the delivery of programs and services.

Note: This job announcement may be used to fill future Assistant Circulation Manager vacancies. Schedule: Scheduling flexibility is imperative. Standard hours may include day and/or evening hours to include weekdays and weekends.

The schedule may vary depending on the needs of the library. The selected applicant's starting hourly rate will be in the minimum to midpoint range ($24.3179 - $33.4371) of the advertised compensation range (Note: Compensation rules per Fairfax County personnel regulations apply for current Fairfax County Government and Fairfax County Public Schools employees). To learn more about a career with Fairfax County Public Library, watch our video "Library Staff Share Why They Love Working at the Library"

Illustrative Duties (The illustrative duties listed in this specification are representative of the class but are not an all-inclusive list. A complete list of position duties and unique physical requirements can be found in the position job description.) Assists in the overall management of the circulation department of a large library (regional library); Communicates circulation policies and procedures; Prepares daily and biweekly circulation or page schedules, ensuring efficient branch coverage; Assists in the management of the circulation department; Interviews, selects, trains and evaluates the performance of subordinates and volunteers; Serves as manager-in-charge of circulation department as required; Communicates circulation policies and procedures; Resolves non-routine circulation problems and clients' account issues, referring as appropriate; Performs all general public service circulation duties and support tasks; Serves as a member of the Branch Management Team; May schedule staff and plan workflow to ensure adequate coverage; May serve as branch Person-In-Charge; May assist with outreach and other library programs. Serves as volunteer coordinator

Required Knowledge Skills and Abilities (The knowledge, skills and abilities listed in this specification are representative of the class but are not an all-inclusive list.) Ability to lead and supervise a large team; Ability to prioritize and manage multiple projects simultaneously; Ability to perform complex and diverse work required at a large library (regional library); Ability to establish and maintain good working relationships with others; Ability to exercise tact, good judgment and initiative; Ability to deal with stressful situations and difficult customers; Knowledge of library policies and procedures; Ability to work independently within established policies, procedures, and guidelines; Ability to evaluate procedures and recommend improvements; Ability to analyze problems and recommend solutions; Ability to supervise and coordinate the work of others; Ability to effectively train others; Ability to learn and independently use office equipment, including software suites and specialized databases; Ability to operate a library's automated circulation system; Knowledge of word processing and computer applications; Ability to adapt to workplace change; Ability to communicate effectively in English, both orally and in writing; Knowledge of English grammar, spelling, and punctuation; Ability to sort alphabetically and numerically; Ability to perform basic arithmetic. Employment Standards MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS: Any combination of education, experience, and training equivalent to the following: (Click on the aforementioned link to learn how Fairfax County interprets equivalencies for "Any combination, experience, and training equivalent to") Completion of two years (60 semester hours) of course work at an accredited college or university; plus, two years of full-time library experience or the equivalent amount of part-time library experience, including one year performing duties comparable to Library Assistant I. NECESSARY SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS: The appointee to this position will be required to complete a criminal background check and child protective services check to the satisfaction of the employer

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS: Two or more years of experience working in a public library, to include supervisory experience and customer service experience. PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS: Ability to input, access, and retrieve information from a computer. Ability to lift up to 15 lbs.

Ability to perform repetitive hand, arm, wrist and shoulder movements. Ability to push and pull 4-wheeled book bins filled at 90% capacity, requiring 20 lbs of initial (starting) force, and a sustained force of 10 lbs after initial acceleration. Ability to push and pull 4-wheeled book carts filled at 70% capacity, requiring 14 lbs of initial (starting) force, and a sustained force of 7 lbs after initial acceleration.

Ability to shelve materials at all height levels. Ability to stand for 2 hours at a time. Ability to stoop, bend, reach, squat, and kneel.

Ability to travel to various locations throughout Fairfax County to provide coverage, attend meetings and trainings. Physical requirements are applicable to all duties. All duties performed with or without reasonable accommodations.

SELECTION PROCEDURE: Panel interview and may include exercise. Fairfax County is home to a highly diverse population, with a significant number of residents speaking languages other than English at home (including Spanish, Asian/Pacific Islander, Indo-European, and many others.) We encourage candidates who are bilingual in English and another language to apply for this opportunity. Fairfax County Government prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, pregnancy, childbirth or related medical conditions, age, marital status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetics, political affiliation, or military status in the recruitment, selection, and hiring of its workforce

Reasonable accommodations are available to persons with disabilities during application and/or interview processes per the Americans with Disabilities Act. TTY 703-222-7314. DHREmployment@fairfaxcounty.gov EEO/AA/TTY

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