Jobs search

Substitutes

Portland Public Library • Maine, ME, US • from $16 / hour • 3w ago

POSITION DESCRIPTION

Business Title: SUBSTITUTE LIBRARY WORKER
Department: VARIES BY ASSIGNMENT

Location: ALL PPL LOCATIONS
Grade: DEPENDENT ON ASSIGNMENT

Bargaining Unit: N/A
Full Time or Part Time: PER DIEM

Hours per Week: AS SCHEDULED; HOURS VARY
End Date (if Term Appointment): N/A

Reports to: VARIES BY ASSIGNMENT

ABOUT PPL
Portland Public Library is an equal-opportunity employer dedicated to providing everyone with safe and free
access to educational and cultural resources. PPL is Maine's most visited cultural institution and is a valued
community asset, serving residents and visitors for over 150 years.

PPL offers free shared resources - books, film, history, big ideas - in a welcoming environment to foster
meaningful connection and positive change in our dynamic City. PPL believes we are stronger the more fully
we align our work and our resources toward equity, accessibility, inclusion, and representation of diverse
experiences and perspectives. To succeed as a library team member requires commitment to curiosity,
inclusiveness, collaboration, and creativity. We enthusiastically invite you to apply.

PPL is committed to hiring and maintaining a diverse workforce of highly qualified staff to ensure broad
perspectives, promote equity and inclusion, and connect to our wide community. Applicants with racially,
ethnically, or culturally diverse identities or backgrounds are strongly encouraged to apply.

POSITION SUMMARY
Substitute Library Workers provide essential per-diem coverage across all Portland Public Library branches.
Reporting to the supervisor on duty, substitutes support a wide range of public service functions, including
staffing service desks, assisting patrons, performing circulation tasks, and helping maintain a welcoming
environment for all.

Substitute Library Workers may be assigned to any PPL branch and may work at multiple service points at the
Downtown Branch, including Lending, Children’s, Teen, Reader’s Advisory, Reference, the Portland Room,
and Interlibrary Loan.

This position is ideal for individuals who enjoy flexible, as-needed work and who are committed to excellent
service in a community-focused setting.

NATURE & SCOPE

Provide friendly and consistent customer service to patrons of all ages, backgrounds, and abilities.
Staff public service desks as assigned, including circulation and basic information service points.
Assist patrons with locating materials, navigating the catalog, and using library equipment.

Perform circulation duties such as checking materials in and out, issuing library cards, managing

holds, and processing returns.

Support the maintenance and organization of library collections, including shelving, shifting, and

tidying public spaces.

Assist patrons with standard technology, including computers, printers, and personal devices.
Develop proficiency with PPL’s circulation system and digital resources (training provided).
Maintain patron confidentiality in accordance with library policy and state law; uphold PPL’s

commitment to intellectual freedom and the right to read.

Contribute to maintaining a safe, welcoming, and inclusive environment for all visitors.
Flexibly adapt to varying desk assignments, locations, schedules, and workflow demands.
Other tasks that arise within the scope of public library services.

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS

Customer service experience preferred, especially in settings with diverse populations.
Ability to provide friendly, patient, and professional service to patrons of all ages.
Comfort learning new tasks and adapting across multiple service desks and locations.
Ability to organize and complete assignments independently and collaboratively.
Basic proficiency with commonly used technology—including email, web browsers, and office

software—and a willingness to learn library-specific systems.

Ability to communicate clearly and effectively, both verbally and in writing.
Ability to move through public service areas and perform shelving and lifting tasks as needed.
A strong service orientation and a positive, welcoming demeanor.
Prior library experience is helpful but not required.

ADDITIONAL ATTRIBUTES

Fluency or proficiency in a language other than English is a plus.
Experience working with children, teens, or English language learners is helpful but not required.
Interest in books and other media, learning, and community engagement.
Flexibility and comfort working in fast-paced or changing environments.
Appreciation for the role of public libraries in protecting the freedom to read and supporting diverse

viewpoints.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

This position requires regular use of computers
This position requires regular movement through library service areas
This position may require lifting up to 30 lbs.

WORK ENVIRONMENT
This position is performed in a busy and diverse public library environment where public interaction can
sometimes present challenging situations. The library hours vary, and this position may include occasional
evening and weekend hours.