Senior Library Public Service Associate - Programming & Learning

Requisition ID: 44246

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:  Programming & Learning

This SLPSA position supports programming throughout the Programming & Learning Department.The successful candidate will lead and support courses, workshops, conversation circles, and other programs that support lifelong learning and community connection, such as Read Anywhere: Learn to Use Libby, Towards Reconciliation: Start Your Learning Journey, and Seniors Morning at the Movies.  The SLPSA will also work with partner organizations that deliver programs related to financial literacy, digital literacy, emergency preparedness, writing and publishing, and more. This role also develops script material under the supervision of a librarian.  The incumbent will bring their passions for programming and engaging with the public on a day-to-day basis.

Job Summary: Working collaboratively within their team and system-wide, this position creates a welcoming, patron-centered experience through its active involvement in the design, planning, and delivery of responsive library programs and events. Under the guidance of a librarian, the incumbent assists in planning programs for adults and delivers them, providing instruction and support to the public on the use of digital devices, services, and accessing library resources. An incumbent in this role understands and practices community-led approaches and represents the Library’s vision, mission and values by demonstrating and modeling conduct that reflects the library’s policies and procedures.

The incumbent is responsive and flexible, fosters social inclusion, and ensures that our patron’s information, entertainment and leisure needs are met at the point of need and in non-traditional ways, including being a stronger presence in the community, creating and collaborating with community partners to produce programs, events and workshops that align with the library’s strategic plan. The incumbent works collaboratively within the PLG team to create programs, events and workshops that represent the diverse communities in a respectful, inclusive, and accessible way.

Job Requirements:

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:

• Considerable knowledge of library methods, procedures and tools applicable to the work
• Working knowledge of the objectives, organization, procedures, services and resources of the Library
• Ability to pleasantly and effectively deliver adult programs and services
• Excellent oral and written communication skills
• Ability to participate in the planning and presentation, including public speaking and instruction, of library programs and projects
• Ability to plan, organize and carry out assigned duties and responsibilities with supervision
• Ability to participate in the maintenance of the library collection
• Pleasant and effective customer service skills

Affiliation: CUPE 391
Employment Type: Regular Full-Time
Salary: $34.30 to $40.34 per hour 
Work Schedule: 

Note: Work schedules may change with reasonable notice

Closing date: Thursday, July 17th, 2025 at 11:59pm

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

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.

While the Library thanks you in advance, only those candidates being considered will be contacted.