Library Assistant

City of Bellingham; Bellingham (WA); On-site; USD 29,000 - 38,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

EAP

Paid sick leave

Flexible hours

Job summary

The City of Bellingham Library is seeking a part-time Library Assistant to perform routine support tasks such as checking in, shelving and retrieving materials, and to assist with program support. The role focuses on accurate materials handling and friendly patron service across branches.

Typical schedule is up to 16 hours per week, year-round, with Saturday and Sunday rotation; may vary by branch (Central Library, Barkley, Bellis Fair, or Fairhaven).

Qualifications

• Ability to read and understand decimals and to arrange items alphabetically and numerically.
• Experience with the organization of materials preferred.

Responsibilities

• Check in, shelve and retrieve library materials.
• Support patrons with routine assistance and program help.

Skills

Read decimals and decimals handling

Alphabetical/numerical sorting

Material organization experience

Job description

Nature of Work

The Library Assistant keeps our library thriving—retrieving and maintaining materials, updating collections, and supporting patrons with upbeat service. If you’re passionate about libraries and eager to make a meaningful impact in your community, we’d love to have you on our team!

Job Summary

Performs routine support tasks related to checking in, shelving and retrieving library materials or related to mending and repairing damaged materials. Provides routine patron support and assistance with programs.

For more information, please review the job classification.

This position is typically scheduled up to 16 hours/week, year-round and includes taking part in a rotation for Saturday and Sunday shifts. Shifts may be assigned at any of the local Bellingham Library Branches (Central Library, Barkley, Bellis Fair, or Fairhaven).

WHY JOIN OUR TEAM?

Joining the City of Bellingham means becoming a part of a team that believes our greatest impact comes from working together with purpose, humility and a shared commitment to our community. Every employee contributes to delivering meaningful results for the people who live, work and visit here. We value people who approach challenges with curiosity, respect and collaboration. If you are motivated by building a career in public service, we encourage you to apply.

Salary And Benefits

This position will start at Step 1 ($21.08/hour). Employees receive step increases on completion of 2080 hours in accordance with the Collective Bargaining Agreement and City policy. The full hourly range for this position is $21.08 - $27.49.

At the City of Bellingham, we offer the following benefits that help you thrive in both your career and personal life.

• Work up to 69 hours per calendar month and flex up to full time for up to four months each calendar year.
• Access to an Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• 1 hour of Washington State paid sick leave accrued for every 40 hours worked.

This position is not eligible for benefits, except as required by law.

This position becomes represented by the Local 1937 bargaining unit after the completion of 1040 hours working an average of at least 12 hours per week, on an annual basis. You can find more details on our employment benefits page and labor agreements page.

Closing Date/Time: Mon., Nov, 2 2026 at 8:30 AM Pacific Time

Experience and Training

• Ability to read and understand decimals and to arrange items alphabetically and numerically.
• Experience with the organization of materials preferred.

Necessary Special Requirements

• Employment contingent upon passing a criminal convictions check and child and vulnerable adult abuse records check (See Fair Hiring Practices below).
• Ability and willingness to work various shifts depending on the needs of the Library.
• Some positions may require a valid Washington State driver's license and good driving record. A three-year driving abstract must be submitted prior to hire for those positions.
• Verification of ability to work in the United States by date of hire.

The City of Bellingham is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We do not make decisions on the basis of an individual's race, religion, creed, color, national origin, sex, marital status, age (40+), disability, retaliation, sexual orientation or gender identity, honorably discharged veteran or military status, status as a victim of domestic violence, sexual assault, and stalking, use of a trained dog guide or service animal by a person with a disability, or any other basis prohibited by local, state, or federal law. All are encouraged to apply for employment.

Fair Hiring Practices

• The City provides individuals who have been arrested or convicted of a criminal offense an equal and fair opportunity to obtain employment.
• The City will not inquire about an applicant's criminal history until after a conditional job offer has been made.
• The City will disregard the prior arrest and conviction record of an otherwise qualified individual unless the offense is directly related to the job position for which the individual has applied.
• The City will notify an otherwise qualified applicant about a potentially disqualifying conviction and give the applicant an opportunity to submit information regarding the accuracy of the criminal records as well as evidence of mitigation or rehabilitation, as appropriate.

In a regular non-benefit position with the City of Bellingham, employees are allowed to work up to 69 hours per calendar month. These positions are not eligible for benefits, except as required by law.

The Library currently has 2 vacancies available.