Hastings Libraries

Welcome to Heretaunga, the area renowned for its rich and fertile landscape that is sustained by its life-giving dews and waterways. Hastings District Libraries is looking for talented, community-minded people to join our team. We are recruiting:

• Library Assistant, with a strong focus on front-line customer service and day-to-day library operations. 36 hours Mon, Wed 8.30 - 5.30 (1 hour lunch) Tues and Thurs 10-7pm (1 hour lunch) and 12.4pm Sundays; 38 hours Tues - Fri 8.30 - 5.30 (1 hour lunch) Sat 9.30 - 4pm.
• Collections and Content Library Assistant, combining front-line customer service with collection processing, selection, cataloguing and management. 37 hours - Tuesday to Saturday. Tuesday to Friday 8.30am - 5.30pm. One weekday of will be 8.30am - 4.30pm to be determined. Saturday 9am - 4pm.

Hastings Libraries staff contribute to welcoming, safe and accessible library experiences across the Hastings District Libraries network. Depending on the position you apply for, you could be helping customers find their next great read, supporting someone to use digital technology, delivering essential library operations, or helping ensure our physical and digital collections remain relevant, accurate and engaging.

• Customer Experience Library Assistants - you will assist customers with reader enquiries, reference information, technology and circulation services, as well as membership enrolments and phone enquiries. You will also support everyday library operations, including issuing and returning items, shelving, financial transactions, building and collection security, and library programmes, projects and events. Some positions may carry senior responsibility for customer service desks during evening or weekend shifts.
• Collections and Content Library Assistant - you will help process and maintain the library's collections while also providing front-line customer service across our library sites. Your work will include processing library materials, mending and repairing items, managing damaged or worn materials, and helping keep our collections in good condition. You will also contribute to collection-related projects, programmes and promotional activities.

This role would suit someone who enjoys practical, detailed work, has good organisational skills and takes pride in providing excellent customer service.

Ōu wheako – about you

To be considered you will bring:

• A genuine commitment to providing excellent customer service.
• The confidence to work with a wide range of people and communities.
• The ability to build positive relationships with customers and colleagues.
• An interest in libraries and the role they play in supporting the local community.
• Confidence using digital technology, or the ability to learn new systems and processes.
• A positive, adaptable approach and the ability to work well in a team.
• Good organisational skills and attention to detail.
• The ability to undertake the practical and physical duties involved in library work.

For the Customer Experience Library Assistant position, an NCEA Level 1 or equivalent qualification is required. Customer service skills, experience working within a team, a general understanding of libraries and basic IT competence will support your success. Cash handling experience would be an advantage.

For the Collections and Content Library Assistant position, experience processing and maintaining library collections would be an advantage, as would experience working with library management systems. A library qualification would also be beneficial.

Situated in the heart of Ngāti Kahungunu, the Hastings district and Hawke’s Bay offer an enjoyable environment in which to live, work and play. We are an equal opportunity employer and we value diversity. Are you keen to be a part of our journey?

Applications close: 6.12.2026. Please Note: Due to the highly competitive employment market, our vacancy close date may be subject to change if a suitable candidate is found, so don't delay in making your application.