Job Description

Description
The Portage County Public Library is hiring a part-time (20 hrs / wk) Library Associate. This position is based out of the Stevens Point location however some hours may be spent at the other branch locations.
2026 pay range starts at $18.82 / hr.
What are the primary job duties?
Performs a wide-variety of basic customer service activities at the customer service desks.

• Performs a wide-variety of basic customer service activities at the youth services service desk. Answers telephone, takes messages, answers questions or refers library customers to appropriate personnel.
• Locates and/or assists both children and adults in locating desired materials from PCPL shelves. May provide readers' advisory to children and teens; that is, help youth select appropriate library materials as required. Answers questions and provides general information about children's library materials, which may include research and use of library resources, to library customers as needed or required. Refers complex information and research requests to appropriate personnel.
• May assist both children and adults in use of library's on-line catalog, and other computer based products available at the library.
• Ability to maintain customer confidentiality (WI Statutes Chapter 43.30).

Performs a wide variety of activities which support the children's and YA programs and services.

• Under general direction of librarian, may plan, perform and/or assist with storytimes and puppet shows, both in-house and at various county locations.
• Assists with school programs, ongoing programs, tours, the Summer Library Program, displays, booktalks, special events, etc.
• Assists with the development of and maintenance of storytelling aides.
• Assists with the library's Volunteen program.

Activities in support of the youth services work unit.

• Assists with the rotation of library owned material to branches according to established procedures: assists with the selection and rotation of library owned material for delivery to daycares. May deliver selected materials to daycares and other branch library sites. May drive vehicle to appropriate locations.
• Helps to maintain the appearance of library; picks up area including periodicals, books, toys, etc.; takes library materials to appropriate location and reshelve in proper alpha-numeric order.
• Responds to user complaints procedures presented in person or by telephone according to procedures; refers to Circulation work unit or Youth Services Librarian problems for which assistance is needed.
• May verify patron and circulation records on the library's circulation system and check out materials according to procedures. May check-in returned rotated materials and other materials according to library procedures, may take returned library materials to appropriate shelves and reshelve in proper alpha-numeric order.

Clerical activities in support of the library.

• Types booklists, brochures, flyers, and reports using personal computer and appropriate word processing or desktop publishing software as assigned or needed. With the guidance of the librarian, may develop and prepare booklists and other publicity items for work unit.
• May handle the photocopying and duplication of materials prepared for library use.
• May prepare work-related correspondence for the Youth Services Librarian(s).
• May run errands; may deliver or pick up items at various county library sites; may assist library customers with basic operation of library equipment, may add supplies to photocopier and other library-owned machines as needed. Helps with weeding (de-acquisition) of library materials under direction of librarian.

What are the minimum requirements?

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Background in Children's and/or YA literature and/or childhood education or comparable experience preferred.
• Prior library experience preferred.
• Valid Wisconsin driver's license and good driving record.

Portage County offers a great benefit package, which includes the following;

• Vacation - available on day one!
• Health insurance- your choice of two health plans- (Health Savings Account associated with a High Deductible Health Plan with a County contribution or a PPO Co-pay plan)
• Wellness incentive plan offered with health insurance enrollment! Earn up to $600 per year!
• Flexible spending account
• Dental insurance
• State of Wisconsin Retirement Plan - County contribution of 6.95% (2025), increasing to 7.2% in 2026!

Skills Required