The Edison Public Library is a vibrant cornerstone of one of New Jersey’s most diverse and dynamic communities. Serving over 110,000 residents across three locations—the Main Library, North Edison Branch, Clara Barton Branch - plus mobile services, the library acts as a vital "community crossroads" where technology, education, and people intersect. Our mission is to provide an inclusive and welcoming environment that promotes cultural enrichment and lifelong learning through a collection of over 200,000 items, cutting-edge digital resources, and specialized programming. As we continue to evolve into a modern 21stcentury community hub, we are looking for dedicated individuals to join our team in maintaining the high standard of service and organization that makes our library a trusted destination for all Edison residents.

The Library is seeking highly motivated Library Assistants to join our team part time. The successful candidate should be enthusiastic, curious, patient, and have a strong sense of community. The successful candidate will demonstrate commitment and the ability to deliver superior customer-driven services to the entire community. A proactive nature, flexibility, and a knack for creative problem solving are essential. The Library is a member of the STELLA consortium (formerly LMxAC) and has an Enhanced Institutional Membership with the NJ Library Association.

This position reports to the Supervising Library Assistant and Branch Manager.

Qualifications for a Successful Candidate:

• Ability to build rapport and communicate effectively with patrons of all ages

• Excellent customer service & interpersonal skills

• A passion for, and ability to serve, people of diverse backgrounds

• Fluency in English, and preferably a second language as well

• Desire to work in a collaborative environment

• Strong communication skills and a creative problem-solving attitude

• Ability to recognize and set priorities, use initiative and work independently

• Strong technical skills, including good command of standard office software, Internet searching, and use of library information technology

• Experience with Polaris/LEAP or other circulation systems preferred

• Familiarity with word processing and spreadsheets, experience with Microsoft Office and G-Suite preferred

• Ability to navigate email and online calendars

• Ability to push/pull book carts, and kneel and bend frequently

• Ability to perform various tasks of a routine nature while maintaining a close attention to detail

• Ability to handle multiple tasks at the same time in a busy workplace environment

Daily Responsibilities Include:

• Welcome & assist patrons from any service desk or area of the library

• Check out, discharge, and renew library materials

• Register patrons for new library cards; update expired cards

• Locate and retrieve items to fill requests

• Shelve materials in a timely manner

• Pack, unpack and process delivery of materials

• Ability to multitask and manage interruptions

• Assist patrons with readers’ advisory and other questions

• Aid patrons in using the catalog and other library resources

• Help with programs and library services as needed

• Assist patrons in putting items on HOLD

• Other duties as required for an evolving and growing Library

Education: High School diploma or equivalent; some college preferred

Hours: 20-25 hours; includes a rotation of hours during week, evening and weekends (includes Saturdays and Sundays)

Benefits: Vacation: 5 days (after 6 months of employment)/year; Sick 2 hours/month to completion of first year (6 days/year, not to exceed 24 hours after completion of first year of service); Personal 13 hours/ year prorated; Floating Holiday: 2 days/year. Staff are members of the New Jersey Library Association.

Pension eligible: DCRP (PERS when eligible)

Application Instructions:

To apply, please submit:

1. A cover letter addressing your qualifications and interest in the role

2. A current resume

3. Contact information for three (3) professional references

Submit materials to: hr@edisonpubliclibrary.org.

Only candidates under consideration will be contacted.

The selected candidate will be required to successfully pass a six month probationary period.

Pre-employment background checks and drug tests are required for Edison Public Library employees.

The Library will only consider candidates who submit all required paperwork.

The Edison Public Library operates under NJDOP and EOE Guidelines.

As a New Jersey First Act Employer, new employees must establish a primary residence in New Jersey within one year unless an exemption applies.

Application Deadline: Open until filled

Start Date: As soon as possible or mutually agreed upon