Posting Date: 5/19/25

Department: Library - Public Services

Job Code: X426

Number of Hours Per Week: 10

Additional Work Hours Information: Shifts and total hours will vary week to week based on need and availability. Flexibility required.

Union Affiliation: None

# of openings: 1

Type of Employment: Temporary

Civil Service Type: None

 

ABOUT THE LIBRARY:  At the Cambridge Public Library, we welcome all, inspire minds and empower community. We support a Cambridge where everyone has equitable opportunities to learn, people live their best lives, and democracy thrives. Since 1889, the Cambridge Public Library has been a place of learning and community where all are welcome to expand their horizons. Through the Main Library and six neighborhood branches — Boudreau, Central Square, Collins, O’Connell, O’Neill, and Valente — the Library operates as a unified system to offer free library services and programs to residents. 

ABOUT THE ROLE: Reporting to Library Administration, Senior Substitutes provide outstanding customer service to members of the public and support to library staff through shift coverage at the Main Library and all branches.  

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Specific duties include but are not limited to the following:        

• Provide substitute coverage for all departments and branches of the Library.
• Perform functions related to circulation: check-outs, check-ins, reserves, renewals, fine assessment and collection, and similar related tasks.
• Provide outstanding and engaging customer service to the public and colleagues.
• Assist patrons in locating books and materials and using library resources, referring them to other staff members as needed. 
• Shelve materials and read shelves.
• Process deliveries; move and unload bins and check in items. 
• Monitor public areas of the library; communicate and apply library policies and procedures.
• Any other duties required for the good of the library. 

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions. 

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS: 

Education and Experience:  High school diploma or high school equivalency required. 

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: 

• Strong customer service skills 
• Ability and willingness to be a strong team player and treat colleagues with courtesy and respect 
• Ability to exhibit a positive attitude in all situations
• Ability to handle the unexpected and stay calm and professional under pressure
• Working knowledge of basic public library concepts and resources
• Ability to follow oral and written instructions accurately and thoroughly
• Tact. Patience. Maturity.
• The City of Cambridge's workforce, like the community it serves, is diverse.   Applicants must have the ability to work and interact effectively with individuals and groups with a variety of identities, cultures, backgrounds, and ideologies. 

PREFERRED REQUIREMENTS: A Bachelor's degree or coursework beyond the high school level is desirable. Fluency in a language in addition to English and prior library experience is desirable. 

PHYSICAL DEMANDS: Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions. Ability to operate standard office equipment; transport carts of materials which can weigh more than 100 pounds across a level floor or on a ramp; carry baskets of materials weighing up to 30 pounds; pay attention to details and concentrate on tasks despite frequent interruptions and moderate noise levels; communicate effectively and exchange accurate information with coworkers and members of the public read and organize written material; place library materials on shelves or carts which can be located at floor level or overhead. 

WORK ENVIRONMENT: The job occurs primarily in library locations. Works in assigned area, including public spaces, office areas, work rooms, and training rooms as needed. May be exposed to moderate to high levels of noise, stress, and frequent interruptions.  

SCHEDULE: Average of 10 hours per week (may be required to work additional hours during busy times) within the following hours: Monday-Thursday 8:30-9, Friday 8:30-6, and Saturday 8:30-5. Shifts and total hours will vary week-to-week based on operational needs. Candidates must be very flexible and able to work at all library locations.

REQUIRED DOCUMENTS: 

Please upload the below documents to complete your application:  

• Resume 
• Cover Letter 

ABOUT THE CITY OF CAMBRIDGE 

The City of Cambridge is a diverse and vibrant community that 120,000 residents of different ethnic, racial, religious, U.S. nationals and other backgrounds call home. We take pride in our City’s diversity and strive to create a workplace that is reflective of the community we serve -- one in which all employees can thrive. The City is also deeply committed to creating an environment in which all our employees are treated equitably and feel included. In joining our team, you would work in a workplace environment that advances and values antiracism, diversity, equity, and inclusion (ADEI), and that is committed to embedding ADEI best practices and tenets in all aspects of our work. City of Cambridge residents are especially encouraged to apply to job openings.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY / AFFIRMATIVE ACTION 

The City of Cambridge is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate based on race, color, sex, religion, age, national origin, disability, or any other protected category.  Women, minorities, veterans, members of the LGBTQ+ Community, and persons with disabilities are encouraged to apply. The City is committed to advancing a workforce culture of antiracism, diversity, equity, and inclusion. Auxiliary aids and services, written materials in alternative formats, and reasonable modifications in policies and procedures will be provided to qualified individuals with disabilities free of charge, upon request by contacting Human Resources at humanresources@cambridgema.gov.