Careers

Circulation Assistant

$15-$18 an hour

Full-timeHealth insurancePaid time off

Position Summary

The Circulation Assistant supports the Mattoon Public Library’s mission by providing friendly, helpful service at the circulation desk, assisting patrons with check-out and returns, registering library cards, and helping maintain an organized, welcoming library environment. This position is ideal for someone who enjoys working with people of all ages, appreciates books and media, and values community service.

Key Responsibilities

• Greet library patrons and assist with check-out, return, renewals, and holds.
• Register new patrons and renew library cards; manage patron account information
• Answer phone and in-person inquiries about library services, location of materials, due dates, fines/fees, and general library policies.
• Help patrons use public computers, catalog systems, copiers, scanning/printing/fax (if offered), or other library equipment — or refer to appropriate staff when needed.
• Sort, shelve, and shelf-read returned materials; shift and organize collections as needed to maintain order and accessibility.
• Process inter-library loan materials, holds, and transfers (if applicable).
• Assist with opening and closing procedures of the library, and other circulation-related tasks as assigned.

Qualifications & Skills

• High school diploma or GED required.
• Previous customer-service experience preferred; library or retail/clerical experience a plus.
• Basic computer literacy — able to use catalog/ILS systems, manage patron accounts, answer simple troubleshooting questions, and operate standard office/library equipment.
• Strong communication skills (in person, by phone, and via email), friendly demeanor, and ability to interact courteously with diverse patrons of all ages.
• Ability to work flexible hours, including some evenings and weekends, as needed.
• Physical ability to perform routine library tasks: shelving, pushing book carts, occasional lifting or carrying of library materials (books/media), standing or walking for extended periods.

Work Schedule & Compensation

(This section should be customized when you post a real opening — the following is a placeholder example.)

• Part-time (approximately 15–25 hours per week) with a rotating schedule that may include evenings and Saturdays.
• Hourly rate consistent with the library’s wage scale/compensation policy.

Apply Now