Library Public Service Associate I

City of Vancouver; Vancouver; On-site; CAD 30,000 - 60,000; Part time

Job summary

A public library system in Vancouver seeks individuals for a part-time role providing customer service and supporting library programming. Applicants should have a high school diploma and experience in customer service, preferably in libraries. The position involves physical tasks such as shelving materials and engaging with the community. A welcoming attitude and excellent communication skills are essential for success. Competitive pay and a diverse work environment offered.

Qualifications

• Completion of Grade 12 supplemented by relevant courses and/or experience.
• Experience in a customer service environment; library services preferred.
• Ability to work physically, including lifting up to 40lbs.
• Knowledge about library methods and procedures is an asset.

Responsibilities

• Create a welcoming, patron-centered experience through library services.
• Support library programming and community-led approaches.
• Handle materials including shelving and assisting patrons.

Skills

Excellent customer service skills

Diplomacy and tact

Written and oral communication

Organizational skills

Ability to handle large volumes of materials

Education

Completion of Grade 12

Job description

Requisition ID: 44445

Company: Vancouver Public Library is a place where learning, joy, community, and recreation (see also: fun) come together. This is where we introduce people to the ideas and information that could change their lives and where everyone is truly welcome.

We are the third largest public library system in Canada, with more than 800 staff members offering services at 21 locations across the city. We lend over 5 million items per year to our community, including books, streaming content, musical instruments, and more. Nearly 200,000 people attend our programs and events to learn, be inspired, and connect with others.

We are looking for positive people with excellent customer service skills, who can confidently and respectfully deliver library services to our incredibly diverse communities. We are constantly evolving to meet the changing needs of the public; being adaptable and open to learning will help you as you start your career with VPL.

Does this sound like you? This innovative, inclusive, and rewarding workplace could be the next step in your career journey, so reach out to us today.

Worksite: nə́c̓aʔmat ct Strathcona Branch

Job Summary: Working collaboratively within their team and system-wide, the incumbent creates a welcoming, patron centred experience through the delivery of responsive circulation and basic information service. Supports library programming. Understands and supports community-led approaches. Represents the Library’s vision, mission and values by demonstrating and modeling conduct that reflects the library’s policies and procedures.

Job Requirements:

Education/Qualifications:

• Completion of Grade 12 supplemented by relevant courses and/or experience

Experience:

• Experience in a customer service environment. Related experience in the provision of library services preferred.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:

• Libraries are all about people. We want folks with excellent customer service skills and who come to work with patience, warmth, and curiosity for other people. Not every interaction is easy; diplomacy, tact, and empathy are a must. Please highlight your skills, particularly with conflict de-escalation.

• The LPSA role is a physical role involving large volumes of materials handling including shelving of materials and occasional lifting of totes (containers with books) weighing up to 40lbs. Physical movements such as bending, reaching, lifting, squatting, gripping and pushing book trucks are involved throughout a shift. Experience with lifting and handling large volumes of materials is necessary for this role. Shelving is generally repetitive work, but requires a high degree of focus and accuracy.

• Knowledge about library methods and procedures is an asset.
• Familiarity and comfort working with technology and handling multiple tasks in a fast-paced environment are also an asset.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills. We are looking for people who are flexible and like working with others, showing kindness and being clear communicators when speaking with the public or writing an e-mail.
• We are looking for those who can plan, are organized, carry out assigned duties on time, fulfill commitments, and who take pride in doing good work.
• Working knowledge of the objectives, organization, procedures, services and resources of a public library is an asset.

Affiliation: CUPE 391
Employment Type: Posted Part Time
Salary:$25.93 to $30.41 per hour
Work Schedule:

Monday 3:10pm-8:10pm

Saturday 8:40am-5:10pm

Sunday 8:40am-5:10pm

Note: Work schedule may change with reasonable notice.

Closing date: Monday, Aug. 18th, 2025, at 11:59pm

As VPL is responsible for the well-being of its patrons including vulnerable sector patrons, a Police Information Check clearance is a condition of employment. Please refer to our policy for further information. Personal information collected is used in accordance with the BC Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act.

Representing the community we serve is a priority at VPL. We are always seeking ways to support equity, diversity and inclusion in our work, and we encourage applicants from diverse backgrounds and identities to apply. Should you require an accommodation during the selection process, please provide details to the hiring committee if you are shortlisted.

As part of a City of Reconciliation, we seek to reflect and celebrate Indigenous cultures, language and history, particularly those of the Musqueam, Squamish and Tsleil-Waututh people.

While the Library thanks you in advance, only those candidates being considered will be contacted.