Requisition ID: 44398Company: Vancouver Public Library is a place where learning, joy, community, and recreation (see also: fun) come together. This is where we introduce people to the ideas and information that could change their lives and where everyone is truly welcome.
We are the third largest public library system in Canada, with more than 800 staff members offering services at 21 locations across the city. We lend over 5 million items per year to our community, including books, streaming content, musical instruments, and more. Nearly 200,000 people attend our programs and events to learn, be inspired, and connect with others.
We are looking for positive people with excellent customer service skills, who can confidently and respectfully deliver library services to our incredibly diverse communities. We are constantly evolving to meet the changing needs of the public; being adaptable and open to learning will help you as you start your career with VPL.
Does this sound like you? This innovative, inclusive, and rewarding workplace could be the next step in your career journey, so reach out to us today.
Worksite: This position is at our Carnegie Branch, which is located in the Downtown Eastside at 401 Main Street (inside the Carnegie Community Centre).
Job Summary: Working collaboratively within their team and system-wide, the incumbent creates a welcoming, patron centred experience through the delivery of responsive circulation and basic information service. Supports library programming. Understands and supports community-led approaches. Represents the Library’s vision, mission and values by demonstrating and modeling conduct that reflects the library’s policies and procedures. The incumbent provides clerical support to the worksite team and provides direction and guidance to the Library Public Service Associate I and Library Service Assistant staff in the absence of a direct supervisor.
Job Requirements:
Minimum Qualifications: Candidates must possess the Education/Qualifications and Experience listed below in order to be deemed as meeting minimum qualifications. Please ensure these minimum qualifications are clearly listed in your application. Note that this does not guarantee being shortlisted.
For Library Public Service Associate II, “considerable related library experience” equates to 1 year of library experience.
Education/Qualifications:
Completion of Twelfth grade, supplemented by relevant commercial or library technician courses.
Experience:
Considerable related library experience.
Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:
Libraries are all about people. We want folks with excellent customer service skills and who come to work with patience, warmth, and curiosity for other people. Not every interaction is easy; diplomacy, tact, and empathy are a must. Please highlight your skills, particularly with conflict de-escalation.
The LPSA role is a physical role involving large volumes of materials handling including shelving of materials and occasional lifting of totes (containers with books) weighing up to 40lbs. Physical movements such as bending, reaching, lifting, squatting, gripping and pushing book trucks are involved throughout a shift. Experience with lifting and handling large volumes of materials is necessary for this role. Shelving is generally repetitive work, but requires a high degree of focus and accuracy.
Some knowledge of the objectives, organization, procedures, services and resources of a public library is an asset, as is any prior experience you may have using library software.
Having the ability to assess and implement new or revised work procedures and be open to change is important.
Familiarity and comfort working with technology and handling multiple tasks in a fast-paced environment are also important, along with the ability to learn new technologies and applications as needed.
Good team-building and leadership skills are important in order to provide direction and guidance to the clerical staff team.
Excellent oral and written communication skills. We are looking for people who are flexible and like working with others, showing kindness and being clear communicators when speaking with the public or writing an e-mail.
We are looking for those who can plan, are organized, carry out assigned duties on time, fulfill commitments, and who take pride in doing good work.
Affiliation: CUPE 391Employment Type: Posted Part-TimeSalary: $27.04 to $31.66 per hour Work Schedule:
Tuesday 9:30am-6:00pm
Friday 9:40am-6:10pm
Saturday 8:40am-5:10pm
Note: Work schedule may change with reasonable notice.
Closing date: Monday, Aug. 18th, 2025, at 11:59pm
As VPL is responsible for the well-being of its patrons including vulnerable sector patrons, a Police Information Check clearance is a condition of employment. Please refer to our policy for further information. Personal information collected is used in accordance with the BC Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act.
Representing the community we serve is a priority at VPL. We are always seeking ways to support equity, diversity and inclusion in our work, and we encourage applicants from diverse backgrounds and identities to apply. Should you require an accommodation during the selection process, please provide details to the hiring committee if you are shortlisted.
As part of a City of Reconciliation, we seek to reflect and celebrate Indigenous cultures, language and history, particularly those of the Musqueam, Squamish and Tsleil-Waututh people.
While the Library thanks you in advance, only those candidates being considered will be contacted.
