About the Position 

The Washington County Free Library (WCFL) seeks a part-time Library Associate I with a strong commitment to public service to join the Information Services team at the Fletcher Branch in Hagerstown. The successful candidate will provide general library services, including reference and information assistance, technology support, readers advisory, and support for library programs and outreach. This position provides front-line support to patrons from diverse backgrounds and assists with daily public service operations in a welcoming, team-oriented library environment.

This Library Associate I position will primarily work in the John Clinton Frye Western Maryland Room, WCFL’s local history and genealogy collection. The position supports public access to a wide range of materials, including print, digital, and archival resources, and assists visitors with research needs related to local history and genealogy.

About WCFL

Located in Western Maryland, in the tri-state area where Maryland, West Virginia, and Pennsylvania meet, WCFL is a rapidly developing system dedicated to building a strong and vibrant community. The Washington County Free Library is committed to building a strong, interconnected, diverse community by bringing people, information, and ideas together.

Location: Fletcher Branch (Hagerstown), Washington County Free Library. 

Hours: Part-time; 20 hours per week (nonexempt); varied days and hours during WCFL’s regular operating schedule, including evenings and weekends; position subject to system-wide reassignment. 

Salary range: Anticipated hiring rate will be $22.55/hour; benefits provided.

Essential Job Duties and Responsibilities
This list is representative and does not include all duties this position may entail:

• Assists patrons with accessing, locating, and requesting library materials, and with finding information of all kinds, including local history and genealogy resources.
• Trains and assists patrons in accessing microfilm records, genealogical databases, vertical files, and other print, digital, and archival materials related to family and local history.
• Maintains a general knowledge of library collections and current literature; provides readers advisory to patrons as needed.
• Under direction, assists with the development and presentation of programs and outreach activities, including programs of interest to local history researchers and the broader community.
• Assists patrons with library technology, including public computers, printers, devices, online resources, and specialized equipment used in the Western Maryland Room.
• Assists with shelving, displays, basic collection maintenance, and the creation or maintenance of collection indices and local databases, as assigned.
• Assists with maintaining guides to local history and genealogy resources available in the Western Maryland Room and through external agencies, such as government offices, historical organizations, and community partners.
• Maintains and reports basic usage statistics for the Western Maryland Room, genealogy requests, and other assigned service areas.
• Works at the Information Services Desk, the Western Maryland Room, and in other public service areas as needed or assigned.
• Participates in system-wide programs and events as needed.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

Skills and Abilities

• Working knowledge of public library practices, procedures, and customer service standards.
•  Knowledge of standard computer applications and devices, including tablets or mobile devices, software applications, and downloadable e-format materials.
• Demonstrated proficiency navigating local history and genealogical resources, both physical and digital.
• Working knowledge of local resources for historical and genealogical research, including appropriate referral agencies for specific requests.
• Familiarity with basic archival handling practices and standards to support the maintenance of specialized collections, under direction.
• Ability to effectively access and utilize WCFL’s computerized systems and the Internet, and to assist patrons with basic use of library technology and resources.
• Ability to assist with the planning and delivery of library programs and outreach activities, under direction.
• Ability to learn and integrate emerging technologies into library service.
• Ability to effectively organize work, determine priorities, and complete assigned duties with limited supervision.
• Ability to multi-task and manage time in a busy public service environment.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with patrons, co-workers, and community partners.

Qualifications & Requirements

• Degree Requirement: Bachelor’s degree from a recognized college or university.
• Experience Requirement: Minimum 2 years of customer service experience working directly with the public; public library experience preferred.
• Certification Requirement: Must obtain Library Associate certification from the Maryland State Department of Education within 24 months of appointment.

Total Compensation Package

WCFL offers an extensive compensation package to reflect how much we value our employees. The following is what you can expect as a part-time, benefited Washington County Free Library employee:

• Vacation Leave, prorated for part-time employees, based on hours worked and years of service.
• Paid Personal Days, prorated for part-time employees.
• Sick Leave (unlimited annual carryover), prorated for part-time employees.
• 14 paid holidays annually.
• State and employee-funded Defined Benefit Pension Plan (Maryland Teachers Retirement System).
  • Vested after 10 years of service.
  • Credit for prior active military service and unused paid Sick Days.
• Eligibility to participate in a 457b Deferred Compensation Program.
• Eligibility for paid professional development and training opportunities.
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) eligible employer.
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP) offering work/life balance support.
• Ability to purchase books and media for personal use at a discounted rate.

To Apply

Email completed employment application to Admhr@washcolibrary.org.Application can be downloaded at https://www.washcolibrary.org/. Applications received by 10:00 a.m. on 1/20/2026 will be given first consideration.

The Washington County Free Library recognizes the principles of diversity, equity, and inclusion, and strives to ensure equal opportunities for its workforce, applicants, and community members. If you are a person who wants to make a difference, give back to your community, and be a voice for change, apply to the Washington County Free Library today.