Full-time staff members
Ben Blackmon, Library Director
Julia Pierce, Deputy Director and Adult Services Librarian
Ben Odgren, Circulation and Technical Services Librarian
Stephanie Curcione, Youth Services Librarian
Part-time staff
Melissa Bryan
Kim Slocomb
We are hiring!!!! The deadline to apply is April 10th.
Part time – Hourly
Reports to: Library Director
The Rockport Public Library is seeking a Library Assistant to join our team. Every day is an adventure at the library and you never know what new and exciting thing will happen next. We are looking for someone to join the team for between 15 to 20 hours a week with the opportunity for more. We offer competitive pay and a simulating work environment. Some nights and weekends required.
If you are interested in applying for the position send a cover letter and resume to Ben Blackmon at bblackmon@rockportmaine.gov
JOB SUMMARY
Performs routine library services such as receiving and loaning books, returning books to shelves, and following up on overdue books and materials. Performs routine filing of books, periodicals, and other materials. Checks returned materials for damage. May make minor repairs to books and materials as needed. Computes and receives overdue fines. Assists persons in applying for library membership. Processes membership applications and issues membership cards. Operates computer terminal and auxiliary equipment in routine duties.
NATURE OF WORK
To provide excellent customer service at the circulation desk and on the telephone including reference services & reader’s advisory, while promoting library resources. Other duties as assigned.
EXAMPLES OF WORK
Circulation Duties
Greeting and serving patrons, check-out and check-in of materials, renewals, issuing library cards, hold requests of materials. Interlibrary loan processing. Patron support and assistance with research and use of online catalogs. Helps patrons and provides simple and complex reference, and reader’s advisory using print and online resources. Must be able to use the library automated system to order library materials, process overdue items and send notices to patrons.
Announcements
Responsible to know where to get information for patrons on library website, promote programs at the circulation desk or by telephone.
Interpersonal Relations
Interacts cooperatively and effectively with all Library staff, Town departments, and with library users in a manner that is courteous, engaging, and effective. At the direction of the Director, may attend off-site conference. Directly provides reference and reader’s advisory services and interacts with patrons on a regular basis as required, and other duties as assigned.
KNOWLEDGE AND APTITUDE REQUIREMENTS
- Knowledge of books and reading
- Experience working with an automated circulation system
- Knowledge of ebooks and the library’s downloadable books selection and how to use that resource
- Computer literacy and a demonstrated knowledge of various software, online resources, and social media Strong organizational and interpersonal skills/team player
- Ability to balance multiple priorities
- Demonstrated self-motivation and flexibility in a changing work environment
- Directly provides reference and circulation services and interacts with patrons as needed at the circulation desk.
- Ability to work a rotating schedule that includes days, evenings, and, weekends
DESIRED EXPERIENCE AND TRAINING
- Post secondary education from an accredited college or university, or other degree work that supports the requirements of the position or equivalent experience and training
- Experience in and a working knowledge of library services is preferred
- Possesses a strong working knowledge of computers, related software, online resources, search methods, and social media.
- Public service orientation with strong communication and collaboration skills
On-call (Substitute) staff
Ann Filley
Caroline Saxe-Cobaugh
Library Committee
The three member Library Committee was established March 21st, 1914, with the charge to "have the care and control of said library and funds." After 66 years, on March 17, 1980, the town again voted that an elected five member committee oversee a newly established Library Trust Fund. Elected at Town meeting to three-year terms, the five members of the Library Committee hold public meetings at the town office once a month. The important work of the Library Committee is working with the Library Director on updating Library Policies, strategic planning initiatives and overseeing the management and the use of earnings from the Library’s Endowment Fund, which also includes gifts to the library and desk income.
Funding for the Rockport Public Library comes from a variety of sources:
The Town of Rockport pays staff salaries and benefits, waste water and audit expenses, which represents approximately 70% of the annual operating budget.
The remainder of the budget (expenses) is covered by gifts (restricted and unrestricted), income from the Rockport Library Trust Fund, desk income, including printing fees, nonresident fees and overdue fines. Expenses include such items such as all library materials, technology, furniture, programs costs, electricity, interlibrary loan costs, and more!
Gifts and grants to the library are reported monthly to the Library Committee and to the Town by the Library Director, which are then added to the Trust. The library director prepares warrants, based on those budgeted expenses not covered by the town, which are then presented to the town's Finance Director as part of revenue to the town.
Meetings are open to the public will occur at the Richardson Room at the Town Office, unless otherwise noted.
Scheduled LC Meetings
All meetings are posted on the Rockport Town Calendar
http://www.town.rockport.me.us/
Rockport Public Library Vision Statement
The Rockport Public Library is a growing, people-centered community hub that goes beyond providing information and learning resources; it offers cultural enrichment, enhances collaboration, inspires innovation, forges connections, and sparks creativity and enjoyment.
Rockport Public Library is a center for lifelong learning.
We celebrate independent and collaborative learning through books and digital resources, people and programs, hands-on exploration and traditional research. Though our collection will evolve (and may include fewer stacks and more of resources we can’t yet imagine), our community’s need to access, evaluate, and understand information will grow. We are committed to ensuring freedom of access and providing materials and programs that educate, entertain, and inspire.
Rockport Public Library is a gathering place.
We embrace our diverse community and foster a sense of belonging and connectedness that bridges generations and socioeconomic backgrounds. Though the library will always be a refuge for quiet reading and contemplation, our community increasingly relies on it for social interaction, including informal conversations, small group meetings and workshops, and larger lectures and forums. We are committed to providing space that accommodates these needs and is comfortable, safe, and accessible for all.
Rockport Public Library is a community icon.
We epitomize the democratic ideals of inclusiveness and accessibility. Though this role is lofty, it is rooted in our concrete actions - including services that engage a diverse audience and partnerships that connect our community - and in our physical space - which reflects local architecture and is accessible to all. We are committed to serving as an archive for Rockport’s rich history and as a leader in building Rockport’s vibrant future.