Library Assistant

Overview

Oakville Public Library is hiring a Library Assistant for its White Oaks Branch. This is a permanent part-time CUPE5348 position created due to an internal movement. The role is scheduled for 20 hours per week and requires flexibility to work all shifts, including days, evenings, and weekends. The hourly pay range is $24.81 to $29.19.

About the Role

Working under branch leadership, the Library Assistant helps deliver public service at the branch, supports materials and collection workflows, and contributes to day-to-day library operations. The library is looking for someone who values excellent service, is curious and eager to learn, works well with others, shares knowledge, and supports literacy and innovation in public libraries.

Key Duties

• Welcome customers and provide friendly, customer-first assistance in every interaction, while promoting library services and directing people to the right staff when needed.
• Explain and support the library’s collections, spaces, programs, services, and technology, while following policies, procedures, and service messaging accurately.
• Help customers find holds and specific items, answer wayfinding questions, assist at self-checkout stations when appropriate, and connect customers to other staff for additional support.
• Carry out materials-handling tasks such as emptying book drops and sorters, checking items in with RFID technology, sorting and shelving materials, shelf-reading, maintaining shelf order and displays, operating and troubleshooting sorting equipment, and processing circulation and collection-maintenance lists.
• Identify problems with library materials and report issues as needed.
• Support branch operations by helping with collection maintenance, room setup for programs and bookings, general tidying, and opening and closing routines.
• Escalate issues to in-charge staff or branch/on-call leadership when appropriate.
• Take part in professional learning, working groups, and other development activities to strengthen skills and improve performance.
• Follow AODA customer service requirements, occupational health and safety laws, workplace safety and insurance requirements, and the library’s health and safety program.
• Complete other assigned tasks as needed.

What Success Looks Like

The ideal candidate brings strong service skills, sound judgment, solid organization, careful attention to detail, and the ability to manage multiple priorities in a busy environment. Success in this role also depends on clear communication, teamwork, adaptability, and the physical ability to lift materials, reach shelves, push carts, and spend significant time standing, walking, and bending.

Experience and Education

A secondary school diploma is required, along with at least one year of related experience in a customer service setting, preferably in a library environment. Experience with an integrated library system, RFID tools, Microsoft Office, and other library technologies or equipment is considered an asset.

Who Can Apply

This posting is open to current OPL employees and external candidates. Applicants should be ready to work in a public library setting, meet the physical demands of the job, and be available for all scheduled shifts, including evenings and weekends.

Additional Information

The posting status is open to all current OPL employees and external applicants. The role is based at the White Oaks Branch. The vacancy is due to internal movement. A security clearance check is required for all employees and volunteers, and the successful candidate must provide a security check dated within the last six months before or on the first day of work.

Application Process

Applications are to be submitted online by midnight on July 2, 2026. The Town of Oakville’s recruitment software is used for hiring and includes artificial intelligence features to help screen and shortlist qualified candidates. Accommodation is available during the recruitment process in accordance with the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2005, and requests can be directed to Human Resources at oplhr@oakville.ca. The employer is an equal opportunity employer and notes that only candidates selected for an interview will be contacted.

About the Organization

Oakville Public Library’s mission is to connect people, information, and ideas in ways that enrich lives and support healthy communities. The organization serves children, youth, adults, and seniors through both in-person and online services, and aims to remain responsive to the needs of Oakville residents.