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
- Ability to read and understand decimals and to arrange items alphabetically and numerically.
- Experience with the organization of materials preferred.
- 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.
*You are encouraged to print a copy of this job announcement for your reference as the process moves along**
Please ensure your application is complete and all required information has been provided. Standard completeness means all application fields (contact information, personal information, education, work experience, references, and supplemental questions). Application materials should comprehensively document your experience and skills related to the position responsibilities and experience/training requirements. As part of the City’s commitment to reducing bias in the hiring process, Human Resources redacts personally identifiable information for reviewers. Only the documents listed as required will be reviewed.
A list of qualified individuals will be retained for up to six (6) months to fill future vacancies. The Library currently has 2 vacancies available.
Complete applications will be sent to the department for further review. The Library will contact the top candidates to schedule interviews.
Please Note: Candidates will receive updates regarding application status via email. Please be sure to check your email frequently, including your spam folders for messages filtered by your email providers.
Equal Opportunity: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.
