Street Books is Hiring: Part-Time Street Librarian

Street Librarian position

Part-time 12-15 hours/week

$25/hour

Status: Non-exempt/hourly

Supervisor: Library Operations Coordinator

Benefits: Holidays, paid time off, books.

Founded in June, 2011, Street Books is a bicycle-powered non-profit mobile library, serving people who live outside in Portland, Oregon. Street Books librarians set up shifts around the city of Portland at the same time and place each week. There are no fees and no fines and if we don’t cross paths again, we encourage folks to pass the books on to people who will enjoy them.

Position Summary: Street Books is hiring a new street librarian. This part-time, regular position, 12-15 hours per week, involves relationship-building with the community and serving as a bike-based Street Librarian. This includes regular weekly shifts and substitute shifts if needed. These shifts are currently usually on weekdays.

Responsibilities:

  • Assist with, and sometimes lead, library shifts.  

  • Stock the bike library, bike it to the designated shift, and return it to the garage after the shift

  • Recommend and lend books to patrons, and distribute other supplies like notebooks, flashlights, hygiene kits, and seasonally appropriate warm-weather gear.

  • Cultivate community and develop mutual relationships with Patrons.

  • Keep a log that tracks information and stories. 

  • Track and submit a timesheet monthly.

  • Participate actively in equity work.

  • Read and respond to slack messages, email, and any Street Books-related phone calls/texts.

  • Lift up to 30 lbs, ride a heavy bike or trike, navigate stairs and/or loading docks

  • Attend paid meetings, retreats, events, and trainings as needed and requested.

  • Other responsibilities as needed and requested. 

Required qualifications/experience for all Street Books staff:

  • Commitment to and experience with using an anti-oppressions lens in day-to-day work and interactions, as well as organizational and program development

  • Ability to be warm and welcoming with library patrons and others in an ever-changing, sometimes demanding environment

  • Willingness to work collaboratively with a spirit of cooperation

  • Ability to be punctual with regular attendance

  • Commitment to ensuring policies and practices are followed that lead to safe and successful program experiences for all

Preferred qualifications/experience:

  • Lived experience with houselessness or working with unhoused people

  • Experience with harm reduction and conflict de-escalation

  • Ability to listen to perspectives different from one’s own and engage in mutual, good-faith conversation with all kinds of people

  • A love of reading and books.

To Apply:  

Send a resume, a page answering the application questions, and a cover letter addressing your experience related to the qualifications and responsibilities listed above to hiring@streetbooks.org. Application questions: In 250 words or less, please describe your social justice and anti-oppressions practices. In 100 words or less, What is one of your favorite books and why?

Street Books is an Equal Opportunity, Affirmative Action, Equity-focused organization. BIPOC people and people with experience with houselessness are encouraged to apply. 

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