Library Circulation Assistant

Town of Needham; Needham Heights (MA); On-site; USD 42,000 - 54,000; Full time

Job summary

The Town of Needham's Needham Free Public Library is seeking two dedicated Library Circulation Assistants to provide direct patron services at the circulation desk, register library cards, and assist with borrowing and returns. Under the Library Circulation Supervisor, you'll help maintain welcoming spaces and support inclusive programming for all ages.

If you value customer service and collaboration, you'll thrive in a busy team that integrates technology, catalog systems, and interdepartmental

Qualifications

• Associates Degree or two years of technical/business school or equivalent.
• 1–3 years of relevant experience.
• Knowledge of general public library policies and procedures.
• Excellent customer service and communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Performs circulation desk tasks and direct patron services.
• Registers patrons for library cards and handles borrowing/returns.
• Assists with material locating using catalog and databases.
• Maintains holds shelves and processes requests via interlibrary systems.
• Mentors part-time staff and volunteers when supervisor is away.
• Supports cross-departmental library initiatives and outreach.
• Ensures a welcoming environment by following library policies.

Skills

Customer service

Communication

Inclusion awareness

Public library policies

Education

Associates Degree

Job description

The Town of Needham is seeking passionate, dedicated individuals to fill two (2) full time vacancies for the position of Library Circulation Assistant at the Needham Free Public Library. Under the direction of the Library Circulation Supervisor, this position provides direct patron services at the circulation desk for library card registration, borrowing/returning of materials, and assists with general patron questions. The ideal candidate will have exemplary customer service and communication skills, an interest in supporting and building a culture of inclusion for patrons of all ages, and a commitment to serve the Needham community.

It is an exciting time to join the Needham Free Public Library team! Our Strategic Plan and Annual Action Plans position the library to continue to meet the community's needs for years to come. In addition, our recent Library Space Utilization Study reimagines the library's interior space in four phases to enhance the work we do for our patrons and the community with our newly opened 4,000-square-foot Teen Room being the first phase. Along with diverse collections, plentiful programming, and great services, the Needham Free Public Library is on track to be the go-to place for new and current library workers.

#1 Circulation Assistant

Schedule:37.5 hours / week

• Mondays: 12:30-9:00 p.m.
• Tuesdays and Wednesdays: 8:45 a.m.-5:15 p.m.
• Thursdays and Fridays: 9:00 a.m.-5:30 p.m.
• Every fourth Saturday with the Preceding Friday Off: 9:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m.

#2 Circulation Assistant

Schedule: 37.5 hours / week

• Mondays and Thursdays: 8:45 a.m.-5:15 p.m.
• Tuesdays:12:30 p.m.-9:00 p.m.
• Wednesdays and Fridays: 9:00 a.m.-5:30 p.m.
• Every fourth Saturday with the Preceding Friday Off: 9:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m.

Applications will be accepted until 11:59 AM on September 8, 2026.

CON # 27020 & 27021

Duties and Responsibilities

• Performs circulation desk procedures and direct patron services, such as checking in and borrowing of materials, emptying book drop, retrieving mail, registering patrons for library cards, collecting monies, assisting with general questions, and explaining and enforcing library policies.
• Advise and assist patrons in selecting, locating, and utilizing library resource materials through knowledge of print materials, computerized catalog, electronic databases, and the Library of Things.
• Ensures the smooth daily operation of lending or borrowing materials via the Minuteman Library Network, Commonwealth Catalog, and OCLC by processing requests, managing reports, and maintaining holds shelves.
• Assists in collection maintenance including weeding, orderliness, moving materials, and helping with displays.
• Provides guidance and training to part-time library assistants and volunteers as required and answers questions in the absence of the Circulation Supervisor.
• Supports Library initiatives through cross-departmental work, community outreach efforts, and communication with vendors, organizations, and other Town departments.
• Creates a welcoming environment for all patrons by ensuring library policies and procedures are followed.

Requirements

The following requirements may be substituted by any equivalent combination of education, training and experience which provides the necessary knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform the job:

• Extensive technical or specialized training such as that which would be acquired by an Associates Degree or two years of technical or business school.
• One (1) to three (3) years relevant experience.
• Knowledge of general public library policies, procedures, and best practices.
• Ability to provide information and assistance effectively to patrons while ensuring high customer service standards.
• Skill in technology, including the application of office software and web applications in support of Departmental operations.
• Skill in effective verbal and written communication with internal and external stakeholders including patrons of all ages, Library staff, and other Town employees.

Supplemental Information

The Town of Needham is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to fostering an inclusive and encouraging workplace. There shall be no discrimination on the basis of race, age, gender, national origin, disability, religion or belief, sexual orientation, marriage/civil partnership, pregnancy/maternity, veteran status, or any other protected class. We are an inclusive organization and actively promote equality of opportunity for all with the right mix of talent, skills, and potential. We welcome all applications from a wide range of candidates. Selection for roles will be based on individual merit alone.

For general employment inquiries, please contact us at [e-mail].

The Town of Needham will endeavor to provide reasonable accommodation to a qualified applicant with a disability unless the accommodation would impose an undue hardship on the operation of our business. If you believe you require such assistance to complete this form or to participate in an interview, please contact us at [e-mail].