Middle & High School Services Assistant

The Oak Park Public Library seeks a part-time Library Assistant to join the Middle & High School Services team.

About the Oak Park Public Library

The Oak Park Public Library strategically prioritizes equity, anti-racism, engagement, learning, and stewardship. We proudly serve a diverse population at our three locations and out in the Oak Park community. Our vision is to empower every voice in our community, and our mission is to share the information, services, and opportunities that fulfill Oak Park’s aspirations.

Position Summary 

Under the direction of the Supervising Librarian of Middle and High School Services, the person in this position will support the effective operations of the Middle and High School Service areas and advance the library’s vision, mission, and strategic direction by:

• Ensuring a welcoming and safe environment for all patrons


• Upholding library policies and procedures with a focus on equitable access and fair treatment


• Engaging with patrons by providing assistance and fostering a positive experience

Bilingualism in English and Spanish (or another language relevant to Oak Park’s community) is a plus; while not required, fluency in another language will enable you to provide exceptional customer service and build relationships with more of our community members.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities 

Community Engagement 

• Supports programs and services at all library branches (Main, Maze, and Dole) in alignment with the library’s strategic plan


• Establishes and maintains working relationships with peers, community,  youth support systems, and resource staff to achieve established program plan goals 


• Collaborates across the organization to address patron safety,  initiatives, and organizational strategies 

Programming 

• Supports department programs


• Assist with passive programs

Service Points 

• Adheres to library policies and proactively enforces the A Library for Everyone policy and refers issues to Supervisors and/or Managers as required

Education and Experience

• High school diploma or equivalent


• Experience serving or working with middle and/or high school students

Preferred

• Experience working in a library, retail, or hospitality setting


• Bilingual skills in a language relevant to Oak Park’s community

A combination of education, professional, and lived experiences that demonstrate the ability to meet the position’s requirements successfully may be considered.

Required Qualifications

• Understands, supports, and advances the vision, mission, and strategic priorities of the library


• Service-oriented and committed to providing exceptional service to our patrons, staff, and community 


• Verbal and written communication skills. Ability to express oneself clearly and effectively to internal and external stakeholders 


• High level of professionalism and integrity with the capacity to maintain confidentiality


• Ability to exercise good judgment and independent thinking 


• Must be able to engage youth and willing to use restorative practices to handle conflict


• Must be available and willing to work evenings

Details

This part-time position reports to the Supervising Librarian of Middle and High School Services. The schedule includes five shifts per week, totaling 19 hours, with consistent hours (Monday through Thursday, 3 pm to 7 pm, and Friday, 3 pm to 6 pm).

As part of the greater compensation package, part-time (less than 20 hours per week) staff receive benefits, including:

• Paid Time Off: 36 hours of paid health leave annually, 20 hours of paid personal leave annually, up to 13 paid holidays each year (only if regularly scheduled to work on the day of the holiday), and eight weeks of paid parental leave


• Professional Development: Tuition assistance for continuing education and paid learning opportunities


• Lifestyle Spending Account: $150 to use to enhance your physical, financial, and emotional well-being

The starting hourly rate range is $20.00 to $22.00. Offers are made within this range based on competencies, experience, and internal equity.

Please apply by Wednesday, August 13, to be considered for this position.

The Oak Park Public Library is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to creating and supporting an environment of anti-racism, diversity, equity, and inclusion for the benefit of our staff, collections, programs and services, patrons, and community. Members of traditionally marginalized groups and those committed to working in a diverse cultural environment are encouraged to apply.