About the Position

The Washington County Free Library (WCFL) seeks a part-time Library Assistant II with a strong public services commitment to work in the Smithsburg Branch. The successful candidate will perform a variety of clerical duties, including answering phones, greeting and directing patrons, checking materials in and out, registering new patrons for library cards, and shelving materials. The successful candidate will provide front-line support to patrons from diverse backgrounds and assist with daily public service operations in a welcoming, team-oriented library environment.

About WCFL

Located in Western Maryland, in the tri-state area where Maryland, West Virginia, and Pennsylvania meet, WCFL is a rapidly developing library system dedicated to building a strong and vibrant community. By facilitating the public’s freedom to explore, learn, and transform, WCFL connects people to ideas and resources and to each other, helping to foster individual and community growth.

Location: Smithsburg Branch (Smithsburg, MD) of the Washington County Free Library; home location is Smithsburg Branch, with required coverage at other WCFL locations as scheduling needs arise.

Hours: Part-time, 15 hours per week (non-exempt); varied schedule during WCFL’s regular operating hours, including evenings and weekends.

Salary: Anticipated hiring rate will be $17.64/hour; prorated benefits provided.

Essential Job Duties and Responsibilities

This list is representative and does not include all the duties this position entails:

• Carries out and explains circulation policies and procedures to patrons; resolves questions, problems, and concerns in a positive manner, which promotes and reflects exceptional customer service practices.
• Provides library service coverage at other WCFL branch locations as assigned.
• Answers the phone and proactively greets and welcomes patrons to the library, while maintaining a positive, friendly, and cooperative attitude.
• Checks materials in and out, registers new patrons for library cards, and accurately enters and updates patron records.
• Shelves materials, participates in inventory and shelf reading as assigned, keeps shelves in order, and empties book drops.
• Assists patrons with basic computer questions, photocopying, faxing, printing, and self-checkout machines.
• Works independently on assigned shifts, including opening and closing the branch as scheduled and performing duties without direct supervision.
• Maintains continuity of public service when working independently by assisting patrons with routine informational and basic reference questions and referring more complex inquiries to appropriate staff.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

Skills and Abilities

• Strong customer service skills and a demonstrated commitment to public service, including the ability to resolve routine issues in a positive and professional manner.
• General clerical skills and a working knowledge of public library practices and procedures, particularly those related to the circulation of materials.
• Strong verbal communication skills and the ability to work effectively with patrons from diverse backgrounds and abilities.
• Ability to operate relevant technology and computer systems, including hardware, software applications, and office machines, to perform assigned job duties.
• Ability to accurately handle cash and cash receipts, operate a cash register or equivalent technology, and accurately make change.
• Ability to work independently, as well as collaboratively with others, and remain flexible and patient when working with patrons and staff.
• Ability to answer routine informational and basic reference questions and to refer more complex inquiries to appropriate staff.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with coworkers, supervisors, and members of the public.
• Ability to work a flexible schedule, including evenings and weekends.
• Ability to regularly lift, bend, move, push, and pull materials and carts, and remain standing for extended periods of time.

Qualifications and Requirements

• High school diploma or GED and the ability to successfully use a computer.
• Minimum one year of customer service experience working directly with the public in a library or in a high-volume customer service setting such as retail, education, community services, or public relations; public library experience preferred.
• Minimum one year of experience handling cash or using point-of-sale systems.
• Availability to work at any Washington County Free Library location as scheduling needs require.

Total Compensation Package

WCFL offers an extensive compensation package to reflect how much we value our employees. The following is what you can expect as a part-time, benefited Washington County Free Library employee:

• Sick leave with unlimited annual carryover, prorated for part-time employees.
• State- and employee-funded Defined Benefit Pension Plan through the Maryland Teachers Retirement System.
  • Vested after 10 years of service.
  • Credit for prior active military service and unused paid sick days.
• Eligibility to participate in a 457(b) Deferred Compensation Program.
• Eligibility for paid professional development and training opportunities.
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness eligible employer.
• Employee Assistance Program offering work and life balance support.
• Ability to purchase books and media for personal use at a discounted rate

To Apply

Apply on Indeed. 

Applications received by 10:00 a.m. January 20, 2026, will be given first consideration.

The Washington County Free Library recognizes the principles of diversity, equity, and inclusion, and strives to ensure equal opportunities for its workforce, applicants, and community members. If you are a person who wants to make a difference, give back to your community, and be a voice for change, apply to the Washington County Free Library today.