City of Grand Rapids, MI is hiring: Library Assistant II | Yankee Clipper Branch

Salary: $23.71 - $25.64 HourlyLocation : Grand Rapids, MIJob Type: Part-timeJob Number: 937-0825Department: LibraryOpening Date: 08/21/2025Closing Date: 9/4/2025 11:59 PM Eastern Nature of WorkThis part-time position provides paraprofessional and customer service support to various areas of Grand Rapids Public Library with the overall goal of helping patrons access library resources.The main priority of this position is direct public service and involves helping patrons access library resources in-person, over the phone, and via email. Work is performed under the general supervision of a librarian and may involve coordinating the work of other library employees and volunteers. Other functions include assisting librarians with collection development, programming, presentation of programs, and creating displays.This particular position has an emphasis on working in a youth services capacity, so applicants need to be passionate and excited working with children, teens, families, and adult caregivers. In addition to the points outlined in the job description, applicants will need to enjoy engaging with the public, performing storytime, and leading and participating in programs and classes for youth of all ages.This position is regularly scheduled at the Yankee Clipper Branch:Monday - Tuesday: 4:00 - 8:00 pmWednesday - Thursday: 2:00 - 6:00 pm Friday: OffSaturday: 2:00 - 6:00 pmOccasionally required- Sunday: 1:00 - 5:00 pmExamples of work:Greets visitors; responds to inquiries and answers general questions related to library services and processes, and/or guides them to appropriate staffEffectively manages challenging patron interactions through de-escalation Provides assistance to library patrons including basic account management, reference services, reader's advisory, technology support, and library informationCommunicates with internal and external stakeholders to facilitate service to the publicReceives training to provide support systemically at all public service desks; works in other library departments at all locations as neededDevelops meaningful relationships with families and helps build community among program participantsRepresents GRPL at community events and outreach opportunitiesAssists with planning and implementation of programs and servicesAssists other staff with special projects, research and idea generation; may write, proofread, or edit reports or other documents as neededPerforms general administrative duties in support of the location or department; may include cash handling, placing supply orders or service requests, and assisting with location equipment issues and maintenanceCollects, compiles, and reports statistics related to library resources and programsEnsures the maintenance, presentation, and accessibility of GRPL's collectionRespond to and/or direct inquiries to GRPL spaces and servicesManage patron expectations and behavior in public spaces; ensures a safe and welcoming environment for staff and patronsAssist in navigating internal and external technology resources, including but not limited to digital resources, basic email and word processing, internet access, and personal devices.Ensures patron privacy and abides by library procedures and state lawsPerforms other tasks of a similar nature as assigned Minimum Training and Experience Required:High school diploma or a GEDStrongly Preferred:A college degree2 years of customer service experience, library experience, cash handling experience, office experience, or some equivalent combinationAbility to communicate effectively in Spanish Other Necessary Qualifications Ability to:Provide consistently friendly, accurate, and efficient service to GRPL patrons and staff; ability to make independent and reliable decisions related to patron experienceDemonstrate strong de-escalation skills to effectively manage challenging patron interactionsEstablish and maintain positive working relationships with coworkers and the public; work collaborativelyAssist and instruct patrons around hardware and software issues as they relate to library resources and public workstationsConduct storytimes in front of varying groups and demographicsManage emotions in the workplace and maintain professional composure and judgementCommunicate effectively and professionally with diverse groups both verbally and in writingAdd, subtract, and perform basic accounting calculations accurately and efficientlySet and meet priorities; adaptability and judgment to reprioritize as needed throughout the course of a shiftPerform standardized processes accurately and consistently; follow procedures in processing forms and other communicationMake independent and efficient decisions and work without close supervisionMaintain an organized and effective work process; flexibility to adapt to changes and updates to processesMaintain library records and prepare reportsWork 20-24 hours per week; work evenings and weekendsWork at various desks and locationsLearn GRPL's patron experience standards and library policies to provide basic account management, reference services, reader's advisory, technology support, and library informationApply patron privacy standards in a wide variety of circumstances with internal and external stakeholdersWork with supervisor and process feedback regarding job performanceUnderstanding of:General office procedures, processes, and equipment; ability to operate a variety of office equipment including computer workstations, typical electronic devices, cash register and POS systems, and softwareEarly childhood learning, literacy, and Every Child Ready to Read philosophiesModern library methods and techniquesGrand Rapids community, books, and authors Other Information Please note the following:A cover letter is requiredApplicants should attach a cover letter in PDF format that describes their interest in the position, their interest in working at GRPL, and how these interests connect with personal or professional goals.All communication regarding this position will be done via email. Please ensure that your email address is up-to-date on your account profile.To be eligible for this position, you must apply through Please visit the for a list of other open positions at Grand Rapids Public Library.All inquiries related to this posting should be directed to:Grand Rapids Public Library111 Library St NEGrand Rapids, MI 49503616-988-5400 | GRPL proudly promotes diversity and inclusion in employment, and strives to maintain a workplace culture where respect and positive recognition of differences are cultivated.Grand Rapids Public Library provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination of any type without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, national origin, veteran status, disability, height, weight, familial status, marital status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law. GRPL will make reasonable accommodations for employees and job applicants with disabilities.This applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including but not limited to recruiting, hiring, transfer, training, promotion, discipline, termination, leaves of absence, compensation, and benefits, as well as work-related events and activities.GRPL | Part-time Employee Benefit Summary Employer sponsored HealthiestYou by teledoc Healthcare Paid time off Paid holidays Floating holidays Vacation Sick leave Personal time Bereavement leave Parental leave Jury duty leave Retirement 457 Deferred Compensation Plan Tuition reimbursement Employee Assistance Plan01 Are you currently employed by GRPL? Yes No 02 Have you ever been employed at GRPL? Yes No 03 List all relatives employed at GRPL (enter "None" if you do not have any relatives working at GRPL). 04 This position has the following regular schedule:Monday - Tuesday 4:00 - 8:00 pmWednesday, Thursday, Saturday: 2:00 - 6:00 pmAre you able to work these hours? Yes No 05 In addition to the regularly scheduled hours, this position occasionally works on rotating Sunday afternoons between Labor Day and Memorial Day when the Main Library is open. This currently works out to around 3 Sundays per year. Are you able to work some Sundays? Yes No 06 This position is regularly scheduled at the Yankee Clipper Branch (2025 Leonard St NE). Are you able to work at this location? Yes No 07 This position may occasionally require you to work a shift at a different branch location. Would you be able to accommodate this requirement? Yes No 08 What is your highest level of education? High school diploma/GED Some college Technical/vocational education or training Associates degree Bachelors degree Masters degree PhD or Doctorate 09 Do you have at least 1 year of work experience providing service to culturally and economically diverse populations in an urban setting? Yes No 10 Are you verbally fluent in Spanish? Yes No 11 This position frequently helps patrons navigate computers, smart phones, tablets, and printers. How comfortable are you guiding someone through using different forms of technology? Very comfortable Somewhat comfortable Not at all comfortable 12 How many years of customer service experience do you have? Greater than 2 years 1-2 years Less than 1 year 13 Briefly describe your approach to customer service. 14 In order for your application to be considered, we require a cover letter to be attached. Have you attached a cover letter to your application? Yes, I have attached a cover letter No, I haven't attached a cover letter Required Question