Books & Audiobooks
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.
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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
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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
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:
- Eliminating racial and social equity barriers in library programs, services, policies and practices
- Creating and maintaining an environment of diversity, inclusion and respect both in our library systems and in all aspects of our community role
- Ensuring that we are reaching and engaging disenfranchised people in the community and helping them express their voice
- Serving as a convener and facilitator of conversations and partnerships to address community challenges
- 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
Job Postings
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Library Assistant (Eastside Branch)
Library Assistant
Eastside Branch / Part-Time Permanent / 12 hours per week
We’re looking for people who are curious, approachable, and passionate about connecting others with knowledge. At WPL, Library Assistants play a hands-on role in welcoming and supporting our diverse community from young children to lifelong learners. This position is all about providing excellent service and making the library an engaging, accessible place for everyone.
What You’ll Do
- Provide excellent customer service, reader’s advisory and circulation services for customers of all ages.
- Conduct reference interviews to understand customer needs and connect them with accurate information and relevant resources.
- Advocate 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
- Exceptional customer service abilities and contributes to creating a welcoming, positive and inclusive environment.
- Flexible and collaborative, with a proactive, team-oriented mindset.
- Strong technology literacy, with the ability to clearly explain and teach digital tools and concepts.
- Open minded and curious, with a desire for continuous learning.
- Post-secondary diploma or degree plus at least 1 year of customer service experience working directly with the public.
Schedule
The regular schedule will be Mondays 5:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m., Wednesdays 5:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m., alternating Fridays 1:30 p.m. – 5:30 p.m. and alternating Saturdays 9:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.
Schedules are subject to change. The ability to work at any library location and flexibility to pick up additional shifts where needed is required.
Salary/Wage/Benefits
The starting wage is $28.50 per hour (level D)
Optional OMERS pension provided. WPL offers a casual work environment, support for professional development and your birthday off with pay!
How to Apply
To apply, please submit your cover letter and resume by Monday, September 8, 2025 at 4:00 p.m. by using the online application form.
Apply Now -
Shelver (McCormick Branch)
Shelver
McCormick Branch / Part-Time Permanent / 12 hours per week
We’re looking for a detail-oriented individual to join our team of Shelvers that keep our library running smoothly. At WPL, Shelvers play a vital role in day-to-day operations. Their sense of organization, friendly presence, and commitment to keeping materials in order ensures that every customer has a great library experience. You could be a part of this story too!
What You’ll Do
- Remove items from returns areas, check in materials and sort accordingly.
- Shelve library materials in alphabetical order and using the Dewey Decimal system.
- Shelf read for accuracy and maintaining a tidy library space.
- Assist customers by responding to basic questions and referring them to appropriate staff.
What We’re Looking For
- Highly detail-oriented individuals with a flair for neatness and organization.
- Warm and friendly personality with the customer always in mind.
- Responsible and dependable individuals that can work with minimal supervision.
- Flexible and adaptable to changes.
- Enjoys a job with both physical and mental demands.
Schedule
The regular schedule is Mondays 9:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m., Wednesdays 9:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m., alternating Fridays 9:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. and alternating Saturdays 9:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.
Schedules are subject to change. Flexibility to pick up additional shifts is required as well as the ability to work at any library location.
Salary/Wage/Benefits
The starting wage is $17.20 per hour (level B).
Optional OMERS pension provided. WPL offers a casual work environment, support for professional development and your birthday off with pay!
How to Apply
To apply, please submit your cover letter and resume by Monday, September 8, 2025 at 4:00 p.m. by through 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.