Adult Services Librarian, Forbes Library (Northampton)
Adult Services Librarian, Forbes Library (Northampton)

Adult Services Librarian, Forbes Library (Northampton)

Northampton Part-Time 30800 - 38500 £ / year (est.) No home office possible
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At a Glance

  • Tasks: Assist library patrons with information and programming while fostering community engagement.
  • Company: Forbes Library is a top-ranked library dedicated to inclusivity and lifelong learning.
  • Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, health insurance, pension, and generous paid time off.
  • Why this job: Join a vibrant team that values creativity, curiosity, and community support.
  • Qualifications: MLS required; strong customer service and communication skills essential.
  • Other info: Part-time role with flexible hours, including evenings and weekends.

The predicted salary is between 30800 - 38500 £ per year.

Adult Services Librarian, Forbes Library (Northampton)

Salary and benefits:
● Grade 9 ($36,862-$46,472/year), 30 hrs/week including one evening per week and one Saturday per month (plus additional evenings/Saturdays as needed for programming)
● Benefits including pension, health and dental insurance, and paid time off including vacation, personal, and sick time
● This position is a member of the Forbes Library Employee Association bargaining unit

The Adult Services Librarian provides professional assistance, information, and materials to library patrons and supports programming and community engagement. They provide easy access to and engagement with all kinds of creative culture, fostering a community rich in curiosity, free inquiry, lifelong learning, expression and enjoyment. Strong customer service, communication, and technological skills are required, as well as adaptability, flexibility, and creativity.
Essential Functions
May include, but are not limited to:
● Provide direct patron service for Adult Services areas, including research assistance and technology support and instruction
● Develop, present, and promote diverse and inclusive public programs, in person, virtual and hybrid
● Provide readersʼ/viewersʼ/listenersʼ advisory service; explore new advisory opportunities to promote collections, programs, and services, through newsletters, displays, social media, and other strategies
● Provide promotional and marketing support on library social media accounts
● Member of website development team; maintain and update libraryʼs web presence
● Support community engagement through outreach to community spaces and networking; develop collaborative partnerships with community organizations
● Participate in circulating collection management, including adult fiction, nonfiction, and/or Library of Things
● Participate in library committees and working groups
● Train and supervise work study students, volunteers, and part-time staff
● Grant writing and management
● Assume role of department head in their absence
● Other duties as assigned

Forbes Library ranks in the top ten (for our population group) statewide for annual circulation. The Adult Services Librarian embraces and uplifts Forbes Libraryʼs values:
● Welcoming – we offer an inclusive space that builds community and belonging
● Inspiring – we foster curiosity, creativity, fun, and lifelong learning
● Equitable – we ensure that the library is accessible and free for all

Forbes Library values diversity in backgrounds and experiences, and is committed to an empathetic and supportive work environment. We are deliberate and self-reflective about the team we are building, and value professionals who care deeply about supporting the growth of all library employees.

Qualifications

MLS and experience working with the public at a busy public library. Strong customer service, creativity and self-motivation, independent thinking and initiative, strong communication skills and flexibility and adaptability to change.

Preferred:
● Experience with graphic design and marketing, and the ability to create effective and visually appealing promotional materials
● Experience with Wordpress website design and management
● Bilingual with fluency in one of the following languages: Spanish/French/Arabic/ASL

Full/Part Time

Part Time

Education

MLS/Masters

Salary Range

$36,862.00- $46,472.00/year

Back to Job Listings

Adult Services Librarian, Forbes Library (Northampton)

Salary and benefits:
● Grade 9 ($36,862-$46,472/year), 30 hrs/week including one evening per week and one Saturday per month (plus additional evenings/Saturdays as needed for programming)
● Benefits including pension, health and dental insurance, and paid time off including vacation, personal, and sick time
● This position is a member of the Forbes Library Employee Association bargaining unit

The Adult Services Librarian provides professional assistance, information, and materials to library patrons and supports programming and community engagement. They provide easy access to and engagement with all kinds of creative culture, fostering a community rich in curiosity, free inquiry, lifelong learning, expression and enjoyment. Strong customer service, communication, and technological skills are required, as well as adaptability, flexibility, and creativity.
Essential Functions
May include, but are not limited to:
● Provide direct patron service for Adult Services areas, including research assistance and technology support and instruction
● Develop, present, and promote diverse and inclusive public programs, in person, virtual and hybrid
● Provide readersʼ/viewersʼ/listenersʼ advisory service; explore new advisory opportunities to promote collections, programs, and services, through newsletters, displays, social media, and other strategies
● Provide promotional and marketing support on library social media accounts
● Member of website development team; maintain and update libraryʼs web presence
● Support community engagement through outreach to community spaces and networking; develop collaborative partnerships with community organizations
● Participate in circulating collection management, including adult fiction, nonfiction, and/or Library of Things
● Participate in library committees and working groups
● Train and supervise work study students, volunteers, and part-time staff
● Grant writing and management
● Assume role of department head in their absence
● Other duties as assigned

Forbes Library ranks in the top ten (for our population group) statewide for annual circulation. The Adult Services Librarian embraces and uplifts Forbes Libraryʼs values:
● Welcoming – we offer an inclusive space that builds community and belonging
● Inspiring – we foster curiosity, creativity, fun, and lifelong learning
● Equitable – we ensure that the library is accessible and free for all

Forbes Library values diversity in backgrounds and experiences, and is committed to an empathetic and supportive work environment. We are deliberate and self-reflective about the team we are building, and value professionals who care deeply about supporting the growth of all library employees.

Qualifications

MLS and experience working with the public at a busy public library. Strong customer service, creativity and self-motivation, independent thinking and initiative, strong communication skills and flexibility and adaptability to change.

Preferred:
● Experience with graphic design and marketing, and the ability to create effective and visually appealing promotional materials
● Experience with Wordpress website design and management
● Bilingual with fluency in one of the following languages: Spanish/French/Arabic/ASL

Full/Part Time

Part Time

Education

MLS/Masters

Salary Range

$36,862.00- $46,472.00/year

Salary Notes

Benefits including pension, health and dental insurance, and paid time off including vacation, personal, and sick time

Closing Date

A first review of applications will begin August 4, 2025.

How to Apply

To apply, please submit a cover letter, resume, and contact information for three references to Lisa Downing, Library Director, via email jobs@forbeslibrary.org.

Posted

2025-07-14| Quick link to this job

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Adult Services Librarian, Forbes Library (Northampton) employer: Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners

Forbes Library is an exceptional employer that prioritises a welcoming and inclusive work environment, fostering a culture of curiosity and lifelong learning. Employees benefit from competitive salaries, comprehensive health and dental insurance, and generous paid time off, alongside opportunities for professional growth and community engagement. Located in Northampton, the library is committed to diversity and supports its staff in developing their skills while making a meaningful impact in the community.
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Contact Detail:

Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

We think this is how you could land Adult Services Librarian, Forbes Library (Northampton)

✨Tip Number 1

Familiarise yourself with the Forbes Library's values and mission. When you engage with staff or during interviews, reference how your personal values align with theirs, especially around community engagement and inclusivity.

✨Tip Number 2

Showcase your creativity by preparing a mock programme or event idea that aligns with the library's focus on diverse and inclusive programming. This will demonstrate your initiative and understanding of their needs.

✨Tip Number 3

Network with current or former employees of Forbes Library. They can provide insights into the work culture and expectations, which can help you tailor your approach when discussing your fit for the role.

✨Tip Number 4

If you have experience with graphic design or social media management, prepare a portfolio or examples of your work. Highlighting these skills can set you apart, especially since they are preferred qualifications for the role.

We think you need these skills to ace Adult Services Librarian, Forbes Library (Northampton)

Customer Service Skills
Communication Skills
Technological Proficiency
Adaptability
Creativity
Independent Thinking
Initiative
Research Assistance
Public Programming Development
Social Media Marketing
Website Management (WordPress)
Community Engagement
Collaboration and Networking
Grant Writing and Management
Training and Supervision of Staff
Bilingual Communication (Spanish/French/Arabic/ASL)

Some tips for your application 🫡

Tailor Your Cover Letter: Make sure to customise your cover letter for the Adult Services Librarian position. Highlight your experience in providing customer service and community engagement, as well as any relevant skills in programming and technology support.

Showcase Relevant Experience: In your resume, emphasise your MLS qualification and any previous roles in public libraries. Include specific examples of how you've contributed to community programmes or provided innovative services to patrons.

Highlight Technical Skills: Since the role requires strong technological skills, mention any experience you have with graphic design, social media management, or website development, particularly with Wordpress. This will demonstrate your ability to engage with the library's digital presence.

Provide Strong References: When listing your references, choose individuals who can speak to your customer service skills and your ability to work collaboratively in a team. Make sure to inform them in advance so they are prepared to provide a positive recommendation.

How to prepare for a job interview at Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners

✨Showcase Your Customer Service Skills

As an Adult Services Librarian, strong customer service skills are essential. Be prepared to share specific examples of how you've successfully assisted patrons in the past, highlighting your ability to handle diverse inquiries and provide effective solutions.

✨Demonstrate Your Creativity

This role requires creativity in developing and promoting programs. Think of innovative ideas for community engagement and be ready to discuss how you would implement them. Show your passion for fostering a vibrant library culture.

✨Familiarise Yourself with Technology

Since the position involves technology support and website management, brush up on relevant tools and platforms, especially Wordpress. Be ready to discuss your experience with technology and how you can help patrons navigate it.

✨Emphasise Your Adaptability

The library environment can be dynamic, so it's important to demonstrate your flexibility and adaptability. Share experiences where you've successfully adjusted to changes or challenges in a work setting, showcasing your resilience and problem-solving skills.

Adult Services Librarian, Forbes Library (Northampton)
Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners
M
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