Temporary Book Bike Assistant

The Oak Park Public Library is looking for an enthusiastic, part-time temporary summer Book Bike assistant to join our Community Engagement team for the 2024 season!

About

Are you interested in community engagement and increasing access to library materials and services outside the library walls? Do you enjoy working with community members of all ages and value equity and inclusion? Are you looking for a highly engaging, physically active summer job that lets you spend the majority of your time outdoors? This unique public library opportunity could be a perfect fit for you!

Our Summer Book Bike Assistants have the opportunity to provide outreach programming and circulate library materials across the community in a variety of settings using our traditional cargo trike and a brand-new electric assist cargo trike.

The Oak Park Public Library is on a journey to become an anti-racist organization. Anti-racism is now one of the library’s four strategic priorities, alongside engagement, learning, and stewardship.

We serve a diverse population at our three locations and out in the Oak Park community. Our vision is to empower every voice in our community, and our mission is to share the information, services, and opportunities that fulfill Oak Park’s aspirations.

Duties and Responsibilities Include:

• Riding the Book Bike to neighborhood locations across the village for outdoor, in-person engagement, such as community parks, schools, camps, local businesses, festivals and/or senior centers;
• Circulating library materials and creating new library card accounts using a mobile checkout system;
• Providing exemplary customer service by answering questions, being an attentive listener, and engaging with community members inside and outside of the library;
• Stocking and unloading library materials on/off the Book Bike or your personal vehicle;
• Co-facilitating and supporting outdoor storytime visits and other pop-up programming activities;
• Documenting engagement data regarding outreach impact and Book Bike outings; and
• When capacity allows, supporting other Community Engagement initiatives and services, such as assisting with Home Delivery services, staffing special library events, stocking/ maintaining Pop-Up Library sites, and/or facilitating library-wide initiatives like the Summer Reading Program.

Ideal Candidates Will...

• Be comfortable riding a normal bicycle and an oversize tricycle (with and without an e-assist) on the streets within Oak Park village limits (note: training will be provided on riding the tricycles safely);
• Have a flexible schedule with regular weekend and some weekday availability;

• Enjoy interacting with the public (especially children);
• Have excellent written and spoken communication skills;
• Be comfortable working outdoors, largely on one’s feet, for several hours at a time;
• Be able to work independently and collaboratively; and
• Have reliable transportation to/from the library

Required Qualifications Include:

• Safety: Follow and model all recommendations regarding bicycle safety, rules of the road, and the library’s instructions related to current COVID-19 safety guidelines.
• Organizational Alignment: Understands, supports, and advances the vision, mission, and strategic priorities of the library.
• Customer Service: Service-oriented and committed to providing exceptional service to our patrons, staff, and community.
• Collaboration and Teamwork: Supports a positive team environment in which members participate, respect, and cooperate with each other to receive desired results.
• Adaptability: Demonstrates willingness to accept shifts in responsibilities due to the nature of a changing workplace.
• Initiative: Takes initiative in improving service, processes, programs and products.
• Judgment and Political Savvy: Displays emotional intelligence and interpersonal skills in navigating the workplace.
• Technical Proficiency: Be competent in using current technology and be willing to learn and grow in technical understanding.
• Accountability: Be knowledgeable about library resources, services, and impact.
• Accuracy: Pays attention to detail.

• Integrity: Demonstrates the capacity to maintain confidentiality.
• Physical: Ability to ride a loaded cargo tricycle for up to 5 miles in a day. Ability to lift up to 40 lbs.

Details

This is a temporary, part-time position in the summer and fall that pays $20.75 per hour. The scheduled hours and start/end date are flexible, but can range from 15 hours per week for up to 22 weeks, late May or early June through September or October. This includes regular weekend and flexible weekday hours. Please apply by Wednesday, March 13, to be considered for this position.

The library will provide Book Bike rider safety training to set our Community Engagement Assistants up for success. Library staff follow the rules of the road, wear helmets while riding, and do not ride in the dark or in inclement weather.

Anti-Racism. Diversity. Equity. Inclusion.

The Oak Park Public Library is an equal opportunity employer. We work to create and support an environment of anti-racism, diversity, equity, and inclusion for the benefit of our staff, our collections, our programs and services, our patrons, and our community. Members of traditionally marginalized groups and those committed to working in a diverse cultural environment are encouraged to apply.