JOB
Invitation to Compete #36-26: Library Associate I
Northeast Branch, 6801 35th N.E., Seattle
Regular, FLSA non-exempt, part-time position (48 hours per pay period)
Schedule:
Week 1: Wed 9:30am-6pm, Thurs 11:30am-8pm, Fri OFF, Sat OFF, Sun OFF, Mon 9:30am-6pm, Tues OFF
Week 2: Wed OFF, Thurs 11:30am-8pm, Fri OFF, Sat 9:30am-6pm, Sun 9:30am-6pm, Mon OFF, Tues OFF
Salary Range: $27.94 - $33.89 per hour
A pay period is two weeks in length that starts on Wednesday and ends on Tuesday. Hours will include weekdays, weekends and evenings. The schedule listed is subject to change based on the Library’s current operational need. This position is part of a bargaining unit represented by AFSCME.
This recruitment is open to the public and to The Seattle Public Library’s employees. Please submit your application, cover letter and resume in NEOGOV by 5:00 p.m. on July 6, 2026 to be considered.
Please note: This recruitment may be used for up to 90 days following the closing date of this posting to fill regular and temporary Library Associate I vacancies.
Overview
The Seattle Public Library’s mission is to bring people, information and ideas together to enrich lives and build community. We view Seattle as a city where imagination and opportunity continue to thrive. Since 1891, we have grown from a single reading room in Pioneer Square to a world-class library system with 27 locations.
The Library works every day to foster and support a healthy city and a healthy democracy. We do this work guided by the principles of intellectual freedom, literacy and the love of learning, racial equity, privacy and confidentiality, respect for the community, strong partnerships and innovation. We are an active and committed partner in the City of Seattle's Race and Social Justice Initiative.
Library employees are highly regarded by the public for their knowledge, quality of service and caring. As a workplace, we value respectful and transparent communication, partnership and engagement. We are enriched individually and organizationally because of our diversity. We take time to recognize and celebrate the achievements of others. If you share these values and meet the qualifications, the Library invites you to apply for the Library Associate I position.
The Library Associate I classification is part of a public service team that provides courteous and responsive service to patrons. Library Associate I staff are responsible for shelving, retrieving materials and checking the accuracy of materials that are on the shelves in the Library system. Additional duties may include: answering telephones, typing and data entry, providing basic directory services to patrons at circulation desks, assisting patrons with using Library equipment and resources, and limited circulation services (such as library card registration and checking materials in and out).
EXAMPLE OF DUTIES
Assists with the flow and organization of materials: Sorts, files, shelves and routes books and a variety of other materials; lifts and transports books and materials using book carts, hand trucks and similar equipment; empties book drops and uses computer-based automated systems to check in materials; locates and retrieves materials for processing; maintains the order and appearance of materials; and retrieves materials for patrons and Library staff.
Performs support duties: Gathers information or data, when instructed, and maintains records and files; compiles statistics; and assists with various projects, such as processing damaged materials, updating circulation records and/or developing circulation-related reports.
May provide circulation services to patrons: Serves as a back-up for circulation desk staff, providing friendly, responsive customer service to patrons by phone or in-person. Performs duties such as: checking materials in and out; renewing and reserving materials; collecting fees; registering patrons for library cards; providing directions or information to patrons regarding the location and use of materials, equipment and resources; and responding to a variety of related issues.
SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION
How to Apply
Candidates who meet the qualifications are asked to submit the following items in NEOGOV by 5:00 p.m. on July 6, 2026 to be considered for this position.
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Online application with complete responses to the supplemental questions.
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A cover letter that describes how your experience and skills align with the stated job responsibilities and qualifications. Please let us know why you are interested in this/these position(s).
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Current resume that summarizes relevant education, professional experience, training and skills.
Applications that do not include a cover letter, resume, and complete online application will not be considered.
Applicants will be screened for competitiveness, completeness, and written communication skills. Initial screening will be based on a review of application materials. The employment history detailed in your application materials MUST validate/support your responses to the supplemental questions. If your responses cannot be validated, you will not proceed to the next steps of the review/selection process. The most competitive candidates will be invited to participate in a series of one or more interviews.
Benefits and Salary Information
The full salary range for this position is $27.94 - $33.89 per hour
The City of Seattle offers a comprehensive benefits package including vacation, holiday, and sick leave as well as medical, dental, vision, life, and long-term disability insurance for employees and their dependents. More information about employee benefits is available on the City's website at: https://www.seattle.gov/human-resources/benefits/employees-and-covered-family-members/most-employees-plans
Information about retirement plans can be found at: https://www.seattle.gov/retirement
Additional Information
If you have questions regarding this bulletin or employment at The Seattle Public Library, please send an email to [email protected]. The Library promotes diversity and inclusion in employment. If accommodations are needed during the selection process, please contact us.
Please keep in mind that job offers are contingent on a review of criminal history as well as verification of information provided by the applicant as part of the application process.
