On-Call Children's Librarian I

Requisition ID: 44409

Company: Vancouver Public Library is a place where learning, joy, community, and recreation (see also: fun) come together. This is where we introduce people to the ideas and information that could change their lives and where everyone is truly welcome.

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.

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:  Children and Teen’s Services, Various Locations

Job Summary: The library is inviting Children’s Librarians to work on-call for our Central Library and 20 Branch Libraries.  Although specific regular hours per week cannot be guaranteed, applicants should be available to work a minimum of three days per week, including evenings and weekends.  Future opportunities may be available for part-time, temporary or full-time positions.

On-call Librarians provide a welcoming, patron-centred experience in a variety of locations and departments. Duties include: working as an information facilitator, collaborating with patrons to meet their information and reader's advisory needs; providing information, assistance and training to the public on and using digital technologies; developing and delivering programs both in the library and in the community; initiating and developing collaborative relationships with outside community partners; providing direction to non-professional staff as required and assuming responsibility of a service location in the absence of a senior Librarian.

In this posting, we are recruiting for candidates that can work in Children’s and/or Teen Services.  Please outline any related courses, skills and experience you have in Children’s and/or Teen Services in your cover letter and resume.

The Librarian role involves considerable materials handling including shelving of materials and occasional lifting of totes (containers with books) weighing up to 40lbs / 18 kgs.  Physical movements such as bending, reaching, lifting, squatting, gripping and pushing book trucks are involved throughout a shift.

Job Requirements:

Education/Qualifications:

• Master’s Degree in Library and Information Science from an ALA accredited library school.

Experience:

• Experience in the provision of library services including programming, information services, working with the community and collection management. 
• Experience in providing library services for children (early years and/or middle years) or a relevant combination of training and experience.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:

• Considerable knowledge of the principles and practices of librarianship
• Considerable knowledge of methods involved in providing library services and ability to apply the same
• Working knowledge of the objectives, organization, procedures, services and resources of the library
• Excellent oral and written communication skills
• Ability to plan, organize and carry out assigned duties and responsibilities with minimal supervision
• Ability to meet the public, promote interest in library services, assists library patrons, and interpret and explain library policies and regulations
• Ability to provide advice and direction to non-professional staff engaged in library clerical duties

Affiliation: CUPE 391
Employment Type: Auxiliary
Salary: $38.75 to $45.62 per hour 
Work Schedule:

Please know that library work includes day, evening, and weekend shifts. We are a 7-day a week operation at most of our locations in order to serve our community. Auxiliary shifts can occur during any of those times but note that much of our work for auxiliary staff members occurs on weekends or evenings with our greatest need being on Sundays.  Strong preference will be given to candidates who are available a minimum of three days per week, including evenings and weekends.  An availability grid is provided below; please ensure you include this grid in your cover letter and specify which timeslots you have availability for. Submitted applications which do not provide availability details may not be considered.

Availability grid:

Closing date: Friday, August 15th, 2025 at 11:59pm

While the library thanks you in advance for your interest, only those candidates being considered will be contacted.

Note: Successful candidates must be available for two full weeks of training starting mid-September, Monday to Friday. Please note in your application if this is not possible.

As VPL is responsible for the well-being of its patrons including vulnerable sector 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.