Library Assistant I-Youth Services Department

Job Title: Library Assistant I-Youth Services Department
Departments: Children's - PART TIME Position

Library Introduction

The Haverford Township Free Library (HTFL) is located in Haverford Township, which is the 5th largest township in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania in the outskirts of Philadelphia. Our friendly and professional staff is dedicated to providing stellar customer service and informational resources to all people. HTFL is one of the largest of the 28 Delaware County Libraries (DCL). HTFL is a vital and active leader within the library community.

Position Definition

To assist the Library Administration in creating a welcoming, pleasing, creative, vibrant and dynamic space for individuals of all ages in the library setting. The Library Assistant I works under the direct supervision of an assigned Department Manager to keep the library running smoothly during daily operations. Performs a wide variety of general library work to assist customers in using the library’s services and facilities, and in the daily operational needs of the Library including other departments.

Primary Responsibilities

● Helps to establish and maintain a high customer service performance standard

● Provides a welcoming atmosphere to all customers

● Assists customers in use of library services and facilities

● Responds to requests for assistance or refers customers to Reference Librarian

● Receives and resolves complaints or refers customer to a Manager, Business Manager and/or Library Director

● Assists with planning, organizing, and implementing on-going and special programs for children, tween, and teen usage

● Educates and assists children, tween, teen and adults in the selection and use of library material and technology

● Takes responsibility for being fully informed of all library programs, events and specific needs

● Opens and closes the Youth Services Department using associated procedures

● Completely knowledgeable about security system-how to engage and disengage alarm and accompanying procedures

● Performs full range of circulation desk duties including issuing library cards, checking materials in and out, reserving books, collecting fines and fees, answering the telephone, DCLS van procedures, etc.

● Sorts and shelves returned library material

● Prepares returned and checked in items for routing to owning library

● Inspects returned library material for receipts/papers left in books, damage, relabeling, re-covering; counts and inspects number and condition of discs/parts prior to check out and check in, etc. and follows proper procedure to deal with problem items

● Knowledgeable in HTFL Policies and Procedures

● Assists in maintaining a neat, organized, and safe, secure and welcoming atmosphere at HTFL

● Knowledge of the collections and displays

● Maintains photocopier paper supply, toner, etc.

● Pick-up items from HTFL Remote Book Drop locations

● Works in other library departments as required including the Circulation Desk and MakerSpace

Additional Duties

● May assist in training new library assistants on computer systems and library policies and procedures

● Participates in staff meetings to discuss and resolve problems, discuss ideas for improvement, and keep updated on library plans and activities

● Maintains the library’s public area in clean and orderly fashion by maintaining displays, table surfaces, hand-outs/literature both inside the library and the lobby area, and the cleaning of computer monitors/keyboards

● Performs other related duties as assigned by Department Manager and/or other Managers

● Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with Managers and co-workers and work effectively as a member of a team

● Meets, communicates, and deals with the public in a calm, pleasant, constructive, and courteous manner

● Works with accuracy and maintains customer record confidentiality

● Understanding of computer technology and use of computers and other technologies in library services

● Knowledge of basic public library services

● Filing with alphabetical and numerical accuracy

● Ability to move and shelve heavy books and other library material

● Carries out instructions furnished in written, oral or schedule form

● Learns library procedures and priorities in a short period of time

● Ability to learn and become skilled in the library’s automated computer system

● Multi-tasks and work with interruptions

● Enjoys reading and using other library materials and helping others of all ages enjoy the library

● Provide staff assistance in other departments as directed by Department Manager, Library Director, and/or other Managers of HTFL as needed

Qualifications

● Two years of college preferred; will consider high school diploma or GED and experience

● One-year work experience dealing with the public

● Ability to foster a culture of diversity, equity and inclusion for staff and patrons

● Ability to accept supervision and direction from Youth Services Manager, Library Director, and other department managers

● Stellar customer service skills

● Creativity and flexibility

● Computer literate

● Must be able to work days, nights, and weekends

● Must have a valid driver’s license

Wages/Salary

$15/hour, up to 20 hours a week. Schedule will include nights and weekends; preference will be given to candidates who are comfortable working either two nights a week and/or more than one weekend a month. One weekend a month is required for all Library Assistant positions at HTFL.

Application Process

Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled. To be considered; please send a cover letter, resume, and the name, title, and contact information of three professional references to: Julie Schultz at [email protected] by June 4, 2026.

Job Type: Part-time

Pay: $15.00 per hour

Benefits:

• Professional development assistance

Application Question(s):

• Do you have the availability to work 2 nights per week and/or 2 weekends per month in addition to the required 1 weekend per month by all staff?

Shift availability:

• Day Shift (Preferred)
• Night Shift (Preferred)

Ability to Commute:

• Havertown, PA 19083 (Required)

Work Location: In person