Library Assistant

POSTING WILL CLOSE AFTER 100 APPLICATIONS RECEIVED

About the Alameda Free Library

The Alameda Free Library is more than a place to borrow books, it's a welcoming community hub where people of all ages can learn, connect, and thrive. Guided by its 2026–2030 Strategic Plan, the Library is committed to fostering individual and community enrichment, resourcefulness, and meaningful connections through exceptional customer service, accessible collections, inclusive spaces, and innovative programs that meet the evolving needs of the Alameda community. 

With locations serving neighborhoods throughout Alameda, the Library offers lifelong learning opportunities, literacy programs, cultural events, technology resources, and welcoming spaces that inspire curiosity and belonging. Employees play an important role in creating an inclusive environment where every visitor feels valued and empowered to explore, discover, and connect.

About the Position

The Alameda Free Library is seeking a customer focused Library Assistant to join the Circulation team at the Main Library. As a primary point of contact for patrons, you'll provide exceptional customer service by assisting with checkouts, account questions, and resolving complex circulation issues while handling cash transactions and supporting daily operations. This role also plays a key part in training and onboarding staff, maintaining consistent circulation practices, supporting programs such as LINK+ interlibrary borrowing and home delivery, and serving as a dependable operational resource. We're looking for a collaborative problem-solver who thrives in a fast-paced public service environment and is passionate about creating a welcoming experience for every library visitor.

• 37.5-hour work week
• CalPERS Retirement: Classic Members: 2% at 55 formula, 8.868% contribution; New Members 2% @ 62 formula, 8.75% contribution
• Medical: The City contracts with CalPERS to provide comprehensive health coverage to employees. Multiple HMO and PPO plans available, with a generous City contribution.
• Dental: Comprehensive dental coverage provided to employees and their eligible dependents
• Vacation: Starting with 75 hours annually and increasing with years of service
• Holidays: 11 City Holidays 
• Floating Holidays: 6 days
• Sick Leave: 90 hours per year; any unused sick leave is converted to service credit at retirement
• Deferred Compensation:  Up to 1% 457(b) matching City contribution after 1 year of continuous service

Work in this class requires knowledge of library techniques, functions, services, and the means for their most effective implementation and the ability to serve the public.

The following list of duties is intended only to describe the various types of work that may be performed and the level of technical complexity of the assignment(s) and is not intended to be an all -inclusive list of duties. The omission of a specific duty statement does not exclude it from the position if the work is consistent with the concept of the classification or is similar or closely related to another duty statement. 

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform these essential functions. 

Essential Duties

1. Interacts with the public at service desks and maintains effective working relationships with employees and the public.
2. Performs basic reference, circulation, and customer service duties including but not limited to shelving materials, checking materials in and out, collecting fees, reader’s advisory, delivering materials between locations and assisting with technology. 
3. Assists and educates patrons in the use of the library and library services.
4. Interprets and enforces library policies and procedures.
5. Develops, prepares and presents programs to various age groups that meet community needs and aligns with the strategic priorities. 
6. Prepares displays, exhibits, booklists, press releases, and publicity materials.
7. Participate in community events outside of the library.
8. Enters and receives orders, processes materials, creates purchase orders and requisitions, and performs copy cataloging. 
9. Prepares and maintains statistical records; prepares various reports.
10. Maintains and updates various records and files.
11. Trains and supervises volunteers and library aides. 
12. May function as acting librarian as needed. 

Other Duties:

WORKING CONDITIONS

• Primarily indoor environment in a publicly accessible building
• Ambient office sounds and noises such as speaking, working office equipment and software
• Regular loud talking and other noises made by the public
• Regular work in non-office environments such as parks, schools and day care facilities.
• Travel to City work sites and locations to conduct work.
• Frequent evening and weekend shifts.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

• Ability to push, pull, drag, and lift up to fifty (50) pounds.
• Frequent bending or stooping.
• Dexterity of hands and fingers to operate computer keyboard, library machinery, and library materials.
• Seeing to read a variety of materials.
• Sitting or standing for extended periods of time.
• Hearing and speaking to exchange information and make presentations

Education/Experience

Any combination equivalent to education and experience likely to provide the required knowledge and abilities.  A typical way to obtain the knowledge and abilities would be:

Education: Graduation from high school or equivalent.

Experience: Two years of relevant experience in customer service, early childhood education or library work.  

Knowledge

Knowledge of modern public library functions, services, practices, procedures, terminology and materials; modern library equipment operation, including electronic information retrieval systems and online catalogs; library classification, circulation and cataloging. 

Ability

Ability to effectively perform library work; administer assigned services and functions; perform technical library tasks and operate computerized and other library equipment with speed and accuracy; interpret, apply, and explain established policies and procedures; establish and maintain accurate records; prepare reports; maintain level of knowledge required for satisfactory job performance; communicate effectively; establish and maintain effective working relationships with employees and the general public.

Selection Process: The examination process may include an application and supplemental questionnaire evaluation, a written exam, a performance exam, and/or an oral interview. The examination process may test for, but is not limited to, the essential knowledge and abilities listed in the job specification and announcement and will be designed to provide a comprehensive review of each candidate's technical knowledge and overall suitability for the position. Qualified applicants will be notified of the exact date, time, and location of examinations approximately two weeks in advance. Candidates passing all components of the examination process will be placed on an Eligible List. A list of names is certified to the department(s) having vacancies based on the type of examination conducted pursuant to the provision of the City's Civil Service Rules. Final selection will be made from the Eligible List by the Department Head subject to approval by the City Manager. The Department Head may utilize additional selection procedures to make a final hiring decision. Placement on an Eligible List does not guarantee employment. Prior to appointment, a thorough reference check will be conducted which may include a credit check and background. The selection process may be evaluated and revised based on the number of qualified applicants. Federal law requires that prior to employment, you must furnish proof of your identity and eligibility for employment in the United States, as required by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services.

E-Verify: The City of Alameda utilizes the Federal government's E-Verify program and new employees must provide documentation to establish both identity and work authorization, which includes showing a valid United States Social Security card at the time of hire (photocopies not accepted).

Veteran's Preference Credit: A job applicant qualifies as a veteran if honorably discharged from active military, reservist, or National Guard duty of at least 18 consecutive months within the past five (5) years of the date of application. In case of discharge attributable to service-connected injuries or illnesses, the 18 months active-duty requirement need not be fulfilled. An applicant claiming veteran's preference credit must attach to their application, a legible copy of their DD-214 verifying the type of discharge and date(s) of active service. NO OTHER DOCUMENTATION WILL BE ACCEPTED.

Candidates passing all components of the examination process will be placed on an Eligible List. A list of names is certified to the department(s) having vacancies based on the type of examination conducted pursuant to the provision of the City's Civil Service Rules. Final selection will be made from the Eligible List by the Department Head subject to approval by the City Manager. The Department Head may utilize additional selection procedures to make a final hiring decision. Placement on an Eligible List does not guarantee employment. Prior to appointment, a thorough reference check will be conducted which may include a credit check and background. The selection process may be evaluated and revised based on the number of qualified applicants. Federal law requires that prior to employment, you must furnish proof of your identity and eligibility for employment in the United States, as required by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services.

AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER: The City of Alameda is proud to be an Equal Employment Opportunity and affirmative action employer. We celebrate diversity and do not discriminate based on race, religion, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, age, veteran status, disability status, or any other applicable characteristics protected by law. In compliance with local, state and federal laws and regulations, the City of Alameda will employ and promote qualified individuals without regard to disability. The City is committed to making reasonable accommodations in the examination process and in the work environment. Individuals requesting reasonable accommodations in the examination process must do so no later than the final filing date for receipt of applications, otherwise it may not be possible to arrange accommodations for the selection process. Such requests should be addressed to the Human Resources Department | 1-510-747-4900 | hr@alamedaca.gov| 2263 Santa Clara Avenue, Rm. 290, Alameda, 94501. Requests can be made via email, phone, or in writing via U.S. mail.