Materials Services Department - Materials Services Associate (Two Positions Open)

Illinois; River Forest (IL); On-site; USD 17,000 - 25,000; Part time

Job summary

River Forest Public Library is seeking a part-time Materials Services Associate to work at the materials desk under the Materials Services Manager. You will handle circulation tasks, process renewals, holds, and card issues, balance cash, and assist with interlibrary loan and mail duties.

Flexibility for evenings and weekend shifts is required. The role requires cash handling experience, a high school diploma, and proficiency with Microsoft Office.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma is required.
• Cash handling experience is required.
• Paid Leave For All Workers time accrued at 1 hour per 40 hours worked

Responsibilities

• Assist public at Materials Services desk with circulation tasks (check in/out, renewals, holds).
• Balance cash register and record totals; manage cash in the till.
• Process holds, renewals, and library cards; assist with interlibrary loan and mail routing.
• Provide courteous customer service and interpret policies for patrons.

Skills

Customer service

Cash handling

Lifting & carrying

Attention to detail

Education

High School Diploma

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

Description: The Materials Services Associate is a part-time position under the supervision of the Materials Services Manager.

Responsibilities and Duties:

Responsibilities include working with the Materials Services Manager and other staff members to provide library services to the public at the Materials Services desk by:

• Understands and responds to the needs of library patrons by providing courteous, knowledgeable assistance in all aspects of circulation, including checking in and checking out library materials, collecting fines (cash and credit card), and handling renewals.
• Demonstrates effective communication skills in interpreting policies to the public.
• Checking the Circulation email and entering daily totals in appropriate spreadsheet, responding to patron requests, updating staff with information sent and printing and clearing the hold shelf.
• Balancing the cash register, entering totals in appropriate spreadsheets and replenishing cash in the register as needed.
• Searching for and placing holds on library materials.
• Issues and renews all library cards.
• Shelves all formats of library materials, shifting materials as necessary.
• Opens interlibrary loan bins, empties book drop(s).
• Assists with meeting room setup including AV setup and takedown.
• Check in materials; place items in transit/on hold for library patrons.
• Handles telephone inquiries and routes calls as appropriate.
• Goes through the library stacks to retrieve items for patrons and staff.
• Sorts incoming mail and routes to appropriate personnel.
• Other duties as assigned.

Necessary Knowledge, Skills, Abilities:

• Computer literate and experience with Microsoft Office.
• Ability to arrange alphabetically and numerically.
• Ability to reach, bend, lift and retrieve materials.
• Ability to show initiative, use good judgment in making decisions and exercise discretion with patrons and staff.
• Must be able to lift and carry at least 20 lbs. and push or pull carts loaded with library materials.
• Flexibility to work weekdays, evenings, and at least two weekend shifts a month.

Education/Qualification:

• High School Diploma is required.
• Cash handling experience is required.
• Paid Leave For All Workers time accrued at 1 hour per 40 hours worked

Requirements:

• Ability to work desired schedule:

Position One:

Tuesday 8:30-1pm

Thursday 8:30-1pm

2 or more weekend shifts

Position Two:

Tuesday 2-6pm

Thursday 2-6pm

2 or more weekend shifts

Expected start date is December 28th, 2026.

River Forest Public Library
735 Lathrop ave
River Forest , IL 60305

River Forest Public Library, Cook County

Hours

Position One:
Tuesday 8:30-1pm
Wednesday 5-9pm
Thursday 8:30-1pm
2 or more weekend shifts
Position Two:
Tuesday 2-6pm
Thursday 2-6pm
2 or more weekend shifts