Library Associate (Community Learning, Part-Time)

Library Associate (Community Learning, Part-Time)

Salary

$17.55 Hourly

Location

Downtown Suffolk Library, Suffolk, VA

Job Type

Part Time

Job Number

04579

Department

LIBRARY

Opening Date

07/17/2026

Closing Date

8/2/2026 11:59 PM Eastern

• Description
• Benefits
• Questions

Description

Under general supervision, the Library Associate in the Community Learning Department moderates and assists with programs, classes and events, promotes the librarys collection and services through classes, events, and other programs and activities, and provides professional customer and information services through in-person, phone and virtual customer service in Suffolk's various library locations. Reports to Community Learning leadership.

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform the essential job functions satisfactorily. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the primary job functions herein described. Since every duty associated with this position may not be described herein, employees may be required to perform duties not specifically spelled out in the job description, but which may be reasonably considered to be incidental in the performing of their duties just as though they were actually written out in this job description.

Essential Job Functions

Assists in planning, coordinating and facilitating classes, events, and other programs and special events for all ages in virtual and in-person environments. Examples include: assisting with programs for homeschool students, story times, and adult craft programs.

Conduct reference interviews and research, which requires a broad knowledge of print, non-print and electronic resources, to determine the most complete and efficient method or source in order to satisfy the information needs of customers; develop appropriate search strategies to respond to ambiguous and/or complex search requests; may respond to system-wide requests for assistance with difficult reference questions to satisfy the customer's information needs; and demonstrate an awareness of materials, current events, trends and popular authors to respond to the information needs of customers.

Prepares statistical and financial reports for levels of service in reference, public usage, program participation, financial fees for lost inventory and equipment use.

Instructs and assists users with the public computers and other library technology and equipment.

Instruct users in the use of the library online catalog, electronic resources, print and non-print materials and library equipment to enable them to use library resources independently.

Assists customers in finding and/or requesting materials that will meet their needs.

Ability to maintain cooperative and effective relationships with departmental personnel.

Registers customers for library cards.

Provide training to staff and volunteers to orient them to their tasks and responsibilities.

Refers customers to and/or directly contact, community, state and national agencies and organizations, if required, to satisfy the information needs of customers.

Demonstrates awareness of materials, current events, trends and popular authors

Interprets, explains and applies library policy and procedures to respond to customer concerns.

Processes requests and provides information to customers about their library account.

Searches and updates the circulation system and check materials in and out. Develops and maintains the collection, processes items for rotation between facilities; reassigns, rotates, and shelves items; suggests purchases for the branch and system.

Monitors current and forthcoming reading and format trends to anticipate and meet patron needs.

Plans guidelines for tasks, organizes projects and performs duties in circulation, reference and public services.

Analyzes and assesses any risk factors associated with the facility and surrounding environment that may impact the safety of the public or staff due to weather conditions, power outages or unpredictable behavior from individuals and thieves.

Secures the facility, including making sure the building is clear of patrons, equipment is turned off and alarm is activated.

Performs related work as required.

Required Qualifications

A combination of higher education and/or experience equivalent to 5 years, 1 of which must have been in a library setting or closely related customer service field; or any equivalent combination of training and experience which provides the required skills, knowledge and abilities. Requires a valid driver's license.

Supplemental Information

• Knowledge of library routine and procedures.
• Knowledge of OPAC, the library's filing system and various types of informational materials in the library.
• Knowledge of bookkeeping and/or accounting/clerical practices and procedures.
• Knowledge of literature for juveniles, young adults and adult patrons.
• Skilled in data entry, typing and operating general office equipment.
• Ability to use standard library methods and principles in bibliography, circulation and reference services.
• Ability to use a variety of office machines. Is able to follow established procedures and to perform work requiring some detail.
• Ability to instruct patrons in the use of various office machines, computer programs and library reference materials.
• Ability to express ideas effectively orally and in writing.
• Ability to maintain statistical records and prepare clear reports from them.
• Ability to deal tactfully and courteously with library patrons and the general public.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships as necessitated by work assignments.
• Knowledge of books, magazines, and related materials available to the public.
• Ability to follow established procedures and perform work requiring some detail.
• Is able to exercise tact and courtesy in frequent contact with City employees, City officials, professionals, and the general public.
• Ability to compare and/or judge the readily observable, functional, structural, or compositional characteristics (whether similar to or divergent from obvious standards) of data, people or things.
• Ability of speaking and/or signaling people to convey or exchange information. Includes receiving assignments and/or directions from supervisors.
• Ability to read a variety of informational and legal documents, City and state codes, law books, etc. Requires the ability to prepare correspondence, memorandum, opinions, contracts, notices, petitions, etc. Must be able to speak with poise, voice control and confidence, and to articulate information to others.
• Ability to plan work and develop procedures; to learn and/or evaluate complex information in order to make judgments and decisions.
• Ability to record and deliver information, to explain procedures, to follow oral and written instructions. Must be able to communicate effectively and efficiently in a variety of technical or professional languages including legal and municipal terminology.
• Ability to utilize mathematical formulas; to add and subtract; multiply and divide; utilize decimals and percentages.
• Ability to inspect items for proper length, width and shape.
• Ability to deal with people beyond giving and receiving instructions. Must be adaptable to performing under stress and when confronted with (persons acting under stress) (emergency situations).

Seasonal Employees- No Benefits

Part-time Employees - Sick Leave (See below)

Full Time Employees are eligible for the following benefits;

Retirement (Virginia Retirement System employer) for employees hired on or after 1/1/14 - Hybrid Members

Hybrid plan members contribute 4 percent of creditable compensation to the defined benefit plan and 1 percent to the defined contribution plan each month. Members may voluntarily contribute up to an additional 4 percent in 0.5 percent increments to the defined contribution plan each month. Members can increase or decrease their voluntary contributions on a quarterly basis. With the mandatory and voluntary contributions to the defined contribution component of the plan, members can contribute a maximum of 5 percent with a 3.5 percent match from the employer. Members invest in various investment options that best fit their needs.

Vested after 5 years in the defined benefit part of the plan. Vested in phases based on years in the Defined Contribution part of the Plan. The retirement eligibility for a full or reduced retirement pension in the Hybrid Plan is very detailed. Please contact the Virginia Retirement System or the Human Resources Department for details.

Paid Time Off (PTO)

Yearly earnings

120 Hours (1-59 months), 144 Hours (60-119 months), 168 Hours (120- 179 months), 192 Hours (180 and over)

Sick Leave

Part Time employees earn 4 hours per month Sick leave accrues at the end of the month and may be accrued with no ceiling.

Personal Leave

All regular full time employees are granted 24 hours of personal leave each calendar year. Personal leave must be preapproved and is not cumulative.

Health Insurance

Coverage available for you and your eligible dependents using pre-tax payroll deductions if elected.

Supplemental Insurances

Employees may purchase the following supplemental insurance policies: short term and long term disability, cancer, accident, supplemental hospitalization, and group universal life insurance.

Employer Sponsored Short Term and Long Term Disability

Provides disability coverage for employees work and non-work related disabilities. Work related disabilities are covered starting on day one (1). Non work related disabilities are covered starting on day eight (8), after you have been employed for one year.

Flexible Spending Accounts

Employees may participate in the Health Reimbursement, Dependent Care Reimbursement and Premium Reimbursement Accounts. All deductions are made on a pre-tax basis and will reduce your taxable income.

Life Insurance

The city pays the entire premium for life insurance coverage in the amount of 2 times annual salary for natural death and 4 times annual salary for accidental death.

Optional Life Insurance

Employees have the option of electing additional life insurance coverage in the amount of 1, 2, 3 or 4 times their annual salary. Employees may only purchase optional life insurance on spouses and children if they are enrolled in optional life insurance for themselves.

Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA)

12 weeks of job protected leave for leaves approved in accordance with the Family Medical Leave Act. Employees receive continuation of health insurance, job protection and consideration for a comparable job when available, or an equivalent job, upon return to work.

Funeral Leave

24 hours of paid leave of absence in case of death in immediate family.

Holidays

Suffolk follows the Virginia State holiday calendar as set by the Governor of the Commonwealth of Virginia.

Jury Duty

Time off with pay with difference between jury pay and regular pay or use annual leave and keep check.

457 Deferred Compensation, ROTH IRA, Traditional IRA

Offered through ICMA Retirement Corporation as a way to shelter a portion of your salary from income taxes and save for retirement.

Employee Assistance Program

Offers employees and immediate family members (3) free, confidential counseling sessions related to a broad range of issues such as marital or family conflict, job or personal stress, alcohol or drug abuse, financial or legal worries, etc.

Workers Compensation

Should an employee have an on the job injury, he/she could be eligible for Workmens Compensation Benefits, except in cases of willful neglect.

Pay Days

Employees will be paid on the 15th and last working day of each month.

Credit Union

A Suffolk Credit Union is available to employees.

Legal Services

Employees may prepay for access to legal assistance.

Notary Public Services

Services available in the Human Resources Department.

Alternative Work Schedule

For some positions -Offers 4 Alternative Work Schedule options to provide employees with greater control over their personal and professional time, as well as reducing absences.

01

Do you have a valid drivers license?

• Yes
• No

02

Do you have a high school diploma or GED?

• Yes
• No

03

Do you have a combination of higher education and/or experience equivalent to 5 years, 1 of which must have been in a library setting or closely related customer service field?

• Yes
• No

04

How many years of experience do you have in public libraries, education or a closely related field?

• None
• Less than 6 months
• 1 year
• 2 years
• 3 years
• 4 years
• 5 years
• More than 5 years

05

In 2-3 sentences, what do you hope to gain professional from this position?

06

This position is scheduled for 21 hours per week, with two potential scheduling options: · Three to Four evenings a week & every other Saturday · Three weekdays per week, with a rotating schedule that includes every other Saturday in place of one weekday Which schedule do you prefer or are most available for?

• Evenings + Every Other Saturday
• Three Weekdays + Every Other Saturday (in place of a weekday)
• I'm available for either option

Required Question

Employer City of Suffolk

Address 442 W. Washington Street, Suite 1044

Suffolk, Virginia, 23434

Phone 7575144110

Website http://www.suffolkva.us