Deerfield Coffeehouse 

to benefit the Friends of the Library 

 May 16th 7:00pm 

Philbrick-James Library 

POSITION TITLE: Summer Reading Assistant (Seasonal: Summer, Part Time)

The Philbrick-James Library is seeking a Summer Reading Assistant to work 12 scheduled hours per week, with the opportunity for occasional event shifts off schedule, as mutually agreed upon. The Summer Reading Assistant is responsible for assisting the Children’s Services & Outreach Librarian with children’s events and other special summer reading programming. They are also responsible for creating bulletin boards and displays, shelving books, and assisting families with library materials. 

GENERAL DESCRIPTION: 

The Summer Reading Assistant’s role is to provide support for regular library staff during the busy summer reading season. This position provides excellent customer service for library patrons of all ages, and assists with maintenance and organization of library materials in the building. The Summer Reading Assistant performs routine tasks that support the day-to-day functioning of the library and assists in preparing for special programs and events.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Greets patrons throughout the library and promotes a welcoming atmosphere.

• Helps prepare the library facilities for program use and prepare materials for programs.

• Assists Children’s Services Librarian with Summer Reading Program events

• Shelves and retrieves library materials and performs shelf work (reading, shifting, etc.)

• Answers in-person and telephone questions, referring to other staff as appropriate.

• Performs basic circulation tasks such as checking materials in and out, placing holds

OTHER JOB FUNCTIONS:

• Develops a working knowledge about the organization and care of library materials, 

as well as library services and programs

• Periodically straightens public and staff spaces to maintain a clean, tidy environment

• Supports the American Library Association’s Library Bill of Rights, Freedom to Read

statement, Freedom to View statement, and Code of Ethics

• Other related duties as assigned

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Experience working with children. Experience with children under five is preferred 

• Ability to multi-task and move quickly among duties

• Knowledge of library services, practices and procedures preferred 

• Skills in alphabetizing and ordering numbers, and ability to learn library filing systems

• Basic knowledge of computers and technology

• Ability to relate well to co-workers and the public

• A willingness to learn and take direction

• Accountability to be present and on time for scheduled hours

• A high school diploma (or equivalency), college coursework, library experience and/or knowledge of the library from a user’s perspective is preferred

• Must be 16 years of age, at a minimum

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Must be able to push or pull carts.

• Ability to bend, stretch, squat, and lift (up to 40 lbs.)

• Ability to stand for extended periods of time.

• Must be able to reach the highest and lowest shelves in the library.

Hours: 12 hours per week, scheduled in three shifts, with the opportunity for additional, occasional event shifts off schedule, as mutually agreed upon with advance notice.  

Monday 1:00 pm - 5:00 pm

Wednesday 1:00 pm -5:00 pm

every other Thursday 1:00 pm-5:00 pm in rotation

every other Saturday 9:00 am-1:00 pm in rotation

*There is one Friday special event: 6/26, 10:00 am to 1:00 pm 

Library Hours are: 

Monday - 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Tuesday - 9:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Wednesday - 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Thursday - 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM

Friday - CLOSED
Saturday - 9:00 AM - 1:00 PM
CLOSED Sunday and select holidays

Anticipated start date: Saturday June 22nd, 2026

Anticipated end date: Thursday August 13th, 2026

Rate of pay: $17.00/hr

To apply, please email a resume, brief cover letter, and three references to Anne Meyers, Library Director, director@philbrickjameslibrary.org. Applications will be accepted until the position is filled. 

Home Delivery Service Agreement Form

Philbrick-James Library’s Home Delivery Program is a free service, in partnership with Age-Friendly Deerfield, that delivers library materials such as books, movies and audiobooks to Deerfield residents who are unable to get to the library themselves.

How it works:

Let library staff know by Wednesday at 5:00 pm if you would like a delivery that week. Staff can choose materials for you if you tell them your interests. You can also reserve or request specific books/materials. This can be done online through the catalog, by calling the library at 603-463-7187, or via email to homebounddelivery@philbrickjameslibrary.org

Age-Friendly Deerfield volunteers will deliver new materials and pick up previously delivered items to return to the library. Deliveries are typically made on Thursdays.  

What can you borrow?                                                                                      

All circulating library items may be borrowed by Homebound Library Patrons including books, large print books, audiobooks on CD, magazines, DVDs, and jigsaw puzzles from our puzzle swap.

Is there a cost?

No. This service is absolutely free to patrons. The only charges that may occur would be for lost or damaged materials.

Library Card Registration

Homebound patrons who don’t already have a library card may call the library at 603-463-7187 to register for a library card. Proof of Deerfield residency is required. 

Homebound Environment Required for Delivery

Patrons requesting homebound delivery services must provide a safe and appropriate environment that enables volunteers to safely get to the front door. If the volunteer assigned for any reason feels that it is unsafe for them to drive in the existing weather conditions or make it safely to the front door, then the service will be canceled and/or rescheduled.  Volunteers can reserve the right not to deliver.

Responsibilities of Program Participant

By signing below, I agree to abide by the home delivery agreement set forth by the Philbrick-James Library and Age Friendly Deerfield. 

I declare that I am unable to get to the library at this time to make my own selections.

I agree to provide a Home Delivery environment as outlined in the 'Homebound Environment Required for Delivery' guidelines, as stated above.

I understand that I am responsible for payment for lost or damaged items.

I will notify the library of any change of address.