Job Opportunities

Discover rewarding opportunities to contribute your skills, passion, and innovation in a dynamic library environment dedicated to fostering knowledge and enriching lives.

View Job Opportunities
Staff person peering through a shelf of books
A staff person stands in the Gamerspace at the Eastside Branch smiling at the camera

Why Work at WPL?

Embark on a rewarding journey with these compelling benefits – discover why working at WPL goes beyond a job, offering a fulfilling experience that positively impacts both you and the community we serve.

  • Collaborative and supportive teams
  • OMERS pension with employer contributions
  • Support for professional development
  • Your birthday off with pay
  • Casual dress code

Our Vision,
Mission & Values

Our Vision

We envision a thriving community that is multi-literate, engaged and welcoming to all.

Our Mission

We provide equitable access to lifelong learning and contribute to the wellbeing of all.

Our Values

  • Trust
    We are a trusted community resource for diverse information and perspectives where the needs and privacy of all are respected.
  • Equity
    We prioritize equity, access and inclusion in everything we do.
  • Joy of Discovery
    We spark and sustain a culture of creativity, innovation and self­-expression.
  • Future Readiness
    We support our community to address today's needs and tomorrow's potential.
  • Compassion
    We embrace the humanity in everyone and treat all with respect.
Shelver putting books through the sorter at the John M. Harper Branch
View Our Strategic Plan
Close up of the mural at the John M. Harper Branch

Statement on Race and Social Equity

As leaders of North America’s public libraries, we are committed to achieving racial and social equity by contributing to a more just society in which all community members can realize their full potential. Our libraries can help achieve true and sustained equity through an intentional, systemic and transformative library-community partnership. Our library systems are working to achieve equity in the communities we serve by:

  1. Eliminating racial and social equity barriers in library programs, services, policies and practices
  2. Creating and maintaining an environment of diversity, inclusion and respect both in our library systems and in all aspects of our community role
  3. Ensuring that we are reaching and engaging disenfranchised people in the community and helping them express their voice
  4. Serving as a convener and facilitator of conversations and partnerships to address community challenges
  5. Being forthright on tough issues that are important to our communities

Libraries are trusted, venerable and enduring institutions, central to their communities and an essential participant in the movement for racial and social equity.

Originally endorsed by the Canadian Urban Libraries Council
Download the Statement in English & French

Current Openings

  • Library Assistant (2 positions)

    Main Library & John M. Harper Branch / Part-Time Permanent / 12 hours per week

    We’re searching for individuals who enjoy the pursuit of information and have the ability to welcome and connect with our diverse community from the littlest to the most experienced customers. Our Library Assistants work hands-on with customers providing excellent service in all areas of the library. Does this sound like you?

    What You’ll Do:

    • Provide excellent and proactive reference, reader’s advisory and circulation services for customers of all ages.
    • Conduct skilled reference interviews to assist customers in finding the information they need.
    • Advocate and assist with technology in the library. Assist and educate customers on our current and emerging technology offerings.
    • Promote WPL and its services.

    What We’re Looking For:

    • Outstanding customer service skills and desire to contribute to a positive, welcoming and inclusive environment.
    • Adaptable with a willing, can-do attitude. Places high value on team work.
    • Excellent technology literacy skills with the ability to explain and instruct on these concepts.
    • Post-secondary diploma/degree plus at least 1 year of customer service experience.

    Schedule

    The regular schedules will be:

    Main Library Position: Wednesdays 9:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m., Thursdays 5:00 – 9:00 p.m., alternating Fridays 1:30 – 5:30 p.m., alternating Saturdays 9:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.

    John M. Harper Position: Mondays 9:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m., Wednesdays 5:00 – 9:00 p.m., alternating Fridays 9:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. and alternating Saturdays 1:30 – 5:30 p.m.

    Schedules are subject to change. The ability to work at any library location is required. Flexibility to pick up additional shifts where needed is a requirement of this position.

    Salary/Wage/Benefits

    The starting wage is $28.50 per hour (level D).

    WPL offers a casual work environment, support for professional development, optional OMERS pension and your birthday off with pay!

    How to Apply

    To apply, please submit your cover letter and resume by February 21, 2025 at 4:00 p.m. by using the online application form.

    Apply Now

Waterloo Public Library welcomes applications from diverse backgrounds including Indigenous persons, Black persons, persons of colour, persons with disabilities, LGBTQ2S+ persons and others that will contribute to the broadening of our ideas and experiences.

Waterloo Public Library accommodates individual needs in accordance with the Accessibility of Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2005 (AODA), within our recruitment process. If you require accommodation at any time throughout the recruitment process please contact Human Resources by phone 519-886-1310, TTY 1-866-786-3941, or email jobs@wpl.ca.

Job Application Form

Interested in applying for one of the current job openings at Waterloo Public Library? Complete the form below to apply.