Library Clerk (Multiple Positions)

City of Palo Alto; Palo Alto (CA); On-site; USD 28,000 - 39,000; Part time

Job summary

The City of Palo Alto Library is seeking Library Clerks – Hourly for the Downtown and Rinconada libraries. These part-time, on-site positions offer front-desk experience, customer-service engagement, and hands-on library duties, including shelving, circulation, and public computer assistance.

Ideal candidates bring library or customer-service experience, strong communication, and reliability, with a willingness to learn new technology and assist in program setup and daily operations.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent and 6 months experience working in a library.

Responsibilities

• Welcome customers and assist with questions, accounts, fines and library services.
• Help customers use library computers and other technology.
• Shelve and organize library materials so customers can find what they need.
• Maintain accurate information in the library system.
• Support daily branch operations and help maintain an organized, accessible environment.
• Work with colleagues to provide reliable public service.

Skills

Customer service

Front-desk

Library experience

Technology literacy

Attention to detail

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Tools

Library catalog system

Job description

Grow Your Library Career | Join the City of Palo Alto Library

The City of Palo Alto Library is looking for dependable, service-oriented individuals to join our team as Library Clerks – Hourly at the Downtown and Rinconada libraries plus additional positions.

This is an excellent opportunity for people with library or customer-service experience who are ready to take the next step in their careers. You’ll expand your responsibilities, gain valuable front-desk experience, and help create a welcoming and positive library experience for every customer.

If you’re passionate about public libraries, enjoy helping people, and are ready to grow your skills in a community-centered environment, we encourage you to apply.

Multiple Library Clerk – Hourly positions will be filled through this recruitment.

Available Schedules

Downtown Library

• Friday: 12:00 p.m.– 4:00 p.m.
• Saturday: 9:15 a.m.–6:15 p.m.
• Preference is for both days all day as budget allows

Rinconada Library

• Friday: 2:15 p.m.– 6:15 p.m.
• Sunday: 9:15 a.m.–6:15 p.m.
• Preference is for both days all day as budget allows

At least one additional position in Support Services or Public Service is expected to become available.

Public service positions require a regularly scheduled weekend day and may include evening hours based on operational needs.

The Opportunity

Library Clerks are an important part of the customer experience and daily operations at each library branch.

As a Library Clerk, you will:

• Welcome customers and assist them with questions, accounts, fines, and library services.
• Help customers use library computers and other technology.
• Shelve and organize library materials so customers can find what they need.
• Maintain accurate information in the library’s computer system.
• Support daily branch operations and help maintain an organized, accessible, and welcoming environment.
• Work collaboratively with colleagues to provide responsive and reliable public service.

Who We’re Looking For

We’re seeking individuals who are excited to grow their library experience and take on greater customer-service responsibilities.

The ideal candidate enjoys helping people, communicates clearly, and brings patience and professionalism to every interaction. They are dependable, attentive to detail, comfortable learning new technology, and able to balance independent responsibilities with the needs of a collaborative team.

Previous library or customer-service experience will help you thrive in this role.

Why the City of Palo Alto Library?

The City of Palo Alto Library is recognized for its innovative approach to public service and its commitment to creating welcoming spaces where people can discover, learn, and connect.

Our five libraries serve a community that values lifelong learning, intellectual curiosity, and equitable access to information. Here, you’ll have the opportunity to build your skills while working alongside talented colleagues who are passionate about exceptional library service.

Why You’ll Love Working Here

• Build valuable customer-service and front-desk experience.
• Expand your knowledge of library services and branch operations.
• Strengthen your communication, technology, and problem-solving skills.
• Take on increased responsibility within a supportive and collaborative team.
• Help create welcoming spaces where community members can learn, discover, and connect.
• Gain experience that can help prepare you for future opportunities in libraries and public service.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES:

Essential and other important responsibilities and duties may include, but are not limited to, the following:

• May answer customers' questions.
• Checks in/out items; performs standard, holds, special handling and sorts; issues library cards.
• Works at the Accounts Desk; handles customer accounts and fines; provides computer assistance; performs shelving.
• May assist customers with library technology.
• Maintains computer files for library materials; adds, deletes and updates information.
• Data entry of bibliographic data into the online library system.
• Communicates with vendors to request approved items or to ask questions; refers further communications to the supervisor.
• Accepts and unpacks deliveries and shipments of library materials; checks for accuracy; returns incorrect or damaged materials to vendors.
• Receives and invoices materials into the library's computer system.
• Performs RFID tagging Performs shelf reading.
• Assists in the setup of programs; performs program cleanup.
• Processes LINK+ items and locates items listed on hold for the library branch or on reserve for LINK+.
• Assists with special projects and programs.
• May perform mail delivery.
• Provides basic assistance to customers.
• Performs related duties and responsibilities as required.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

Sufficient education, training and/or work experience to demonstrate possession of the following knowledge, skills, and abilities which would typically be acquired through:

• High school diploma or equivalent and 6 months experience working in a library