The Oak Park Public Library is looking for two enthusiastic, part-time temporary summer Book Bike assistants to join our Community Engagement team!
Are you interested in community engagement and increasing access to library materials and services outside the library walls? Do you enjoy working with community members of all ages and value equity and inclusion? Are you looking for a highly engaging, physically active summer job that lets you spend the majority of your time outdoors? This unique public library opportunity could be a perfect fit for you!
About
The Oak Park Public Library is on a journey to become an anti-racist organization. Anti-racism is now one of the library’s four strategic priorities alongside engagement, learning, and stewardship.
We serve a diverse population at our three locations, and out in the Oak Park community. Our vision is to empower every voice in our community and our mission is to share the information, services, and opportunities that fulfill Oak Park’s aspirations.
Duties and Responsibilities Include:
- Riding the Book Bike to neighborhood locations across the village for outdoor, in-person engagement, such as community parks, schools, camps, festivals and/or senior centers;
- Circulating library materials and creating new library card accounts using a mobile checkout system;
- Providing exemplary customer service by answering questions, being an attentive listener, and engaging with community members inside and outside of the library;
- Stocking and unloading library materials on/off the Book Bike or your personal vehicle;
- Co-facilitating and supporting outdoor storytime visits and other pop-up programming activities;
- Documenting engagement data regarding outreach impact and Book Bike outings; and
- Supporting other Community Engagement initiatives and services, such as assisting with Home Delivery & Resource Delivery services, staffing special events, and/or facilitating library-wide initiatives like the Summer Reading Program.
Ideal Candidates Will...
- Be comfortable riding a normal bicycle and oversize tricycle on the street within Oak Park village limits;
- Have a flexible schedule with regular weekend and some weekday availability;
- Enjoy interacting with the public (especially children);
- Have excellent written and spoken communication skills;
- Be comfortable working outdoors, largely on one’s feet, for several hours at a time;
- Be able to work independently and collaboratively; and
- Have reliable transportation to/from the library, including access to a vehicle and Driver's License
Required Qualifications Include:
- Safety: Follow and model all recommendations regarding bicycle safety, rules of the road, and the library’s instructions as it relates to current COVID-19 safety guidelines.
- Organizational Alignment: Understands, supports, and advances the vision, mission, and strategic priorities of the library.
- Customer Service: Service-oriented and committed to providing exceptional service to our patrons, staff, and community.
- Collaboration and Teamwork: Supports a positive team environment in which members participate, respect and cooperate with each other to receive desired results.
- Adaptability: Demonstrates willingness to accept shifts in responsibilities due to the nature of a changing workplace.
- Initiative: Takes initiative in improving service, processes, programs and products.
- Judgment and Political Savvy: Displays emotional intelligence and interpersonal skills in navigating the workplace.
- Technical Proficiency: Be competent in using current technology and be willing to learn and grow in technical understanding.
- Accountability: Be knowledgeable about library resources, services, and impact.
- Accuracy: Pays attention to detail.
- Integrity: Demonstrates the capacity to maintain confidentiality.
- Physical: Ability to ride a loaded Tricycle for up to 5 miles in a day. Ability to lift up to 40 lbs.
Details
This is a temporary, part-time position that pays $20.00 per hour. The scheduled hours and start/end date are flexible, but can range from 15-20 hours per week for about 12 weeks, late May through August (with the option to extend into September, if hours and capacity allow). This includes regular weekend and flexible weekday hours. Please apply by March 26, 2023, to be considered for this position.
The library will provide Book Bike rider safety training to set our Community Engagement Assistants up for success. Library staff follow the rules of the road, wear helmets while riding, and do not ride in the dark or in inclement weather. To always put people and safety first, we follow specific COVID-19 protocols, and have a mandatory COVID-19 vaccine program for staff members.
Anti-Racism. Diversity. Equity. Inclusion.
The Oak Park Public Library is an equal opportunity employer. We work to create and support an environment of anti-racism, diversity, equity, and inclusion for the benefit of our staff, our collections, our programs and services, our patrons, and our community. Members of underrepresented groups and those committed to working in a diverse cultural environment are encouraged to apply.