Temporary Book Bike Assistant

The Oak Park Public Library is looking for two enthusiastic, part-time, temporary summer Book Bike assistants to join our Patron Services team for the 2026 season!

About the Oak Park Public Library

The Oak Park Public Library strategically prioritizes equity, anti-racism, 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.

Ideal Candidate

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 Book Bike Assistants have the opportunity to provide outreach programming and circulate library materials across the community in various settings using both a traditional pedal-powered cargo trike and an electric-assist cargo trike.

Bilingualism in English and Spanish (or another language relevant to Oak Park’s community) is a plus; while not required, fluency in another language will enable you to provide exceptional customer service and build relationships with more of our community members.

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;
• 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 library initiatives and services, such as staffing special library events, and/or facilitating library-wide initiatives like the Summer Reading Program.

Successful Candidates Will...

• Be comfortable riding a normal bicycle and an oversized 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

• Safety: Follow and model all recommendations regarding bicycle safety and rules of the road.
• Organizational Alignment: Understands, supports, and advances the library's vision, mission, and strategic priorities.
• 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 services, processes, and programs.
• 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

These temporary, part-time summer through fall positions pay $22.00 per hour. The scheduled hours and start/end date are flexible, but they can range from 15 hours per week for 13 to 22 weeks, from early June through October. The schedule includes regular weekends and flexible weekday hours.

The library will provide Book Bike rider safety training to set our Book Bike Assistants up for success. Library staff follow the rules of the road, wear helmets while riding, and avoid riding in the dark or in inclement weather.

Please apply by Sunday, March 22, to be considered for this position.

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