Library Public Service Associate I

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 around important ideas.

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: Terry Salman Branch
Role Type: Fully on-site

About the Job

Library Public Service Associates (“LPSAs”) work at all VPL locations across the city.  They staff VPL’s service desks, checking in and out items and answering basic questions to help patrons in a friendly and welcoming way. The library welcomes people from all walks of life. We deliver friendly, respectful and responsive service for everyone, regardless of their income, housing situation, or background. A genuine desire to help people will be a great asset in this role!

Duties will involve sorting and shelving books and other resources which requires the ability to lift and handle a high volume of physical items during a shift, and to stand, reach, bend, and move around the library comfortably for long periods of time. You will be part of a system that circulates over 5 million items per year!

LPSAs also support our creative programs for adults, kids and teens. You might help set up for an author event, or supervise a Lego block party, or even host a film screening about the issues that our community cares about. With over 5,000 programs per year at VPL, you’ll never be bored!

Job Requirements:

Education/Qualifications:

• Completion of Grade 12 supplemented by relevant courses and/or experience.

Experience:

• Experience in a customer service environment is a great asset. Related experience in library services is a benefit, but all should feel welcome to apply. We have a robust training program to help new employees learn the world of public libraries.

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.
• Library work is very physical, with staff moving books and materials throughout the day. 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 orders/materials is necessary for this role. Knowledge about library methods and procedures is an asset.
• Familiarity and comfort working with technology and handling multiple tasks in a fast-paced environment are also an asset.
• 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.
• Working knowledge of the objectives, organization, procedures, services and resources of a public library is an asset.

Affiliation: CUPE 391
Employment Type: Temporary Part-Time until May 3rd, 2027 with the possibility for extension or curtailment
Salary: $27.81 to $32.52 per hour 
Work Schedule:

Monday: 4:10pm – 8:10pm (4)
Tuesday: 4:10am – 8:10pm (4)
Saturday: 8:40am – 5:10pm (7)
Sunday: 8:40am – 5:10pm (7)

Note: Work schedules may change with reasonable notice

Closing date: Monday, November 2nd, 2026, at 11:59pm

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

As VPL is responsible for the well-being of its 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.