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.
Under general supervision performs library work; may be responsible for specialized library clerical functions; performs other related work as required.
BENEFITS OF EMPLOYMENT
For a comprehensive list of benefits, see the Benefits Matrix HERE (Download PDF reader)
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37.5-hour work week
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CalPERS Retirement: Classic Members: 2% at 55 formula, 8.868% contribution; New Members 2% @ 62 formula, 8.75% contribution
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Medical: The City contracts with CalPERS to provide comprehensive health coverage to employees. Multiple HMO and PPO plans available, with a generous City contribution.
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Dental: Comprehensive dental coverage provided to employees and their eligible dependents
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Vacation: Starting with 75 hours annually and increasing with years of service
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Holidays: 11 City Holidays
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Floating Holidays: 6 days
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Sick Leave: 90 hours per year; any unused sick leave is converted to service credit at retirement
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Deferred Compensation: Up to 1% 457(b) matching City contribution after 1 year of continuous service
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 | [email protected]| 2263 Santa Clara Avenue, Rm. 290, Alameda, 94501. Requests can be made via email, phone, or in writing via U.S. mail.
The information contained herein is subject to change and does not constitute either an expressed or implied contract.
