Career Opportunities at PPL
The Peoria Public Library is accepting applications for the position of Page.
• Must be age 16 or older.
• College students must be currently enrolled in classes.
Applications will be accepted in the Administrative Office (3rd Floor)
Attn: Jenny Ulrich /H.R.
Peoria Public Library
107 NE Monroe St.
Peoria, IL 61602-1070
JennyUlrich@ppl.peoria.lib.il.us.
The application may also be faxed to (309) 497-2007.
Peoria Public Library is accepting applications for
FULL-TIME REFERENCE ASSISTANT
Currently assigned to Lakeview Branch
To apply, please submit your Cover Letter, Resume and Application Form
in person or via email
Or mail to:
Peoria Public Library
ATTN: Jenny Ulrich
107 NE Monroe St.
Peoria, IL 61602-1070
JennyUlrich@ppl.peoria.lib.il.us
The application deadline is 5:00 p.m., Thursday, August 28, 2025.
Application form is available at https://peoriapubliclibrary.org/about-ppl/careers/
Benefits include medical, dental, vision, paid vacation, sick time & holidays, IMRF pension plan, Employee Assistance Program and optional deferred compensation plan.
JOB DESCRIPTION REFERENCE ASSISTANT
Grade: 9 Salary: $19.00 per hour
JOB SUMMARY
Provides excellent customer service by responding to patron reference and reader’s advisory requests; develops and assists with programming; assists with collection maintenance; performs other duties as assigned. Reports to Department or Branch Manager.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
(Functions listed are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work performed. The omission of specific duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related or a logical assignment to the position.)
- Staffs the Information Desk; provides reference and readers advisory service to customers in person, online or over the phone, consistently providing high level customer service;
- Helps customers successfully use the library;
- Provides formal and informal instruction regarding the use of the library, materials, equipment and databases to customers and staff;
- Assists in collection maintenance under supervision from the department head by placing orders as requested, processing new materials, weeding, mending or shelving, etc.;
- Performs circulation duties, checks library materials in; issues library cards; collects fines, etc.; may empty book drops during regular library hours;
- Assists in developing and presenting programs such as teen programming, Summer Reading, story hours, tours and class visits;
- Assists with day-to-day department duties such as shelving, weeding, and mounting displays;
- Prepares content for library newsletters or brochures; develops bibliographies and finding aides as assigned;
- Performs outreach and represents the library in the community and at appropriate professional organizations; ensures that community groups are kept informed of library programs and services; may assist in developing outreach materials;
- May be assigned to maintain one of the library’s file systems or information such as the vertical files, question files, visitor files, program files, collection shelf list, local history scrapbooks, interlibrary loan information, etc.;
- May maintain one of the library’s collections such as genealogy materials, magazines, etc.;
- May assist with the maintenance of library materials and item record codes;
- Assists customers and staff with basic troubleshooting for library computers;
- Participates in opening and closing procedures, including starting up computers, completing pick lists and preparing deliveries at opening; powering down computers, checking bathrooms and setting alarms at closing;
- Prepares daily statistical reports;
- May be required to work in multiple locations and on any of the 7 days of the workweek (Sunday – Saturday);
- Attends meetings and participates in committees and organizations that further the library’s mission and goals; and
- Keeps abreast of library developments by attending workshops and educational programs and reading periodicals and specialized literature; attends staff meetings.
REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES
The employee is expected to perform or possess the following:
- Ability to gain thorough knowledge of Peoria Public Library’s policies and procedures;
- Ability to act as a representative of Peoria Public Library to the public;
- General knowledge of the principles, practices, and procedures for public library service and the ability to interpret them to the staff and the public;
- Knowledge of reference services, practices and procedures in specialty area (adult or children’s);
- Ability to establish priorities and organize workload;
- Ability to maintain a pleasant and productive working atmosphere;
- Ability to keep all relevant parties informed of all major issues and to recommend changes as appropriate;
- Ability to work and communicate effectively with diverse individuals (customers and staff) in order to accomplish library and department goals and objectives;
- Ability to effectively communicate and present information to others;
- Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with other professionals;
- Knowledge of electronic resources, including the Internet and database information retrieval;
- Ability to operate relevant computer systems, including hardware and software, and office machines; and
- Ability to obtain a valid IL driver’s
EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE
- Bachelor’s Degree;
- Previous library experience
PHYSICAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS
Work requires light physical effort in the handling of moderately light materials in non-strenuous work positions up to 40 pounds.
Work environment involves everyday risks or discomforts which require normal safety precautions typical of such places as offices, libraries, classrooms or meeting and training rooms, e.g., use of safe work place practices with office equipment, avoidance of trips and falls and observance of fire and building safety regulations and traffic signals when driving.
The above job description is not intended as, nor should it be construed as, exhaustive of all responsibilities, skills, efforts, or working conditions associated with this job.
Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of this job.
Peoria Public Library is accepting applications for
FULL-TIME TECHNICAL SERVICES CLERK
Currently assigned to Main Library
To apply, please submit your Cover Letter, Resume and Application Form
in person or via email
Or mail to:
Peoria Public Library
ATTN: Jenny Ulrich
107 NE Monroe St.
Peoria, IL 61602-1070
JennyUlrich@ppl.peoria.lib.il.us
The application deadline is 5:00 p.m., Friday, September 5th, 2025.
Application form is available at https://peoriapubliclibrary.org/about-ppl/careers/
Benefits include medical, dental, vision, paid vacation, sick time & holidays, IMRF pension plan, Employee Assistance Program and optional deferred compensation plan.
JOB DESCRIPTION
TECHNICAL SERVICES CLERK
Grade 5 $16.00 per hour
JOB SUMMARY
Performs all duties relating to processing, ILL, acquisitions and periodicals; performs other duties as assigned. Reports to the Manager of Technical Services.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
(Functions listed are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work performed. The omission of specific duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related or a logical assignment to the position.)
Cross-trained to perform all technical services clerical duties, including:
- As back-up, may receive books and non-print materials; unpack boxes; confirm orders;
- Processes materials; stamps dates; prepares and applies labels, identification stickers and covers;
- Routes materials to the appropriate staff person or department; loads trucks;
- Adds and deletes items from the Workflows database;
- Creates temporary records for Top 10 items and other items that may be in demand;
- As back-up, may process interlibrary loans (ILL) for all branches; locate materials on OCLC and place requests; track progress of requests; locate materials requested from PPL for ILL; receive and sort ILL materials;
- May prepare, track and maintain various statistics of work performed;
- As back-up, may sort and deliver mail and other items to the appropriate location;
- As back-up, may check in and deliver newspapers;
- Checks-in all magazines;
- As back-up, may sort Illinois Library Delivery Service (ILDS) deliveries;
- Performs copy cataloging;
- May order office supplies;
- May perform mending;
- May be required to work in multiple locations and on any of the 7 days of the workweek (Sunday – Saturday);
- Attends meetings and participates in committees and organizations that further the library’s mission and goals; and
- Keeps abreast of library developments by attending workshops, webinars, and educational programs and reading periodicals and specialized literature; attends staff meetings.
REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES
The employee is expected to perform or possess the following:
- Ability to gain working knowledge of Peoria Public Library’s policies and procedures;
- Ability to act as a representative of Peoria Public Library to the public;
- Ability to master procedures related to the processing, purchasing and loaning of library materials;
- Ability to create and maintain accurate records;
- Ability to establish priorities and organize workload;
- Ability to maintain a pleasant and productive working atmosphere;
- Ability to keep all relevant parties informed of all major issues and to recommend changes as appropriate;
- Ability to work and communicate effectively with diverse individuals (customers and staff) in order to accomplish library and department goals and objectives;
- Ability to effectively communicate and present information to others;
- Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with other staff;
- Knowledge of electronic resources, including the Internet and database information management; and
- Ability to operate relevant computer systems, including hardware and software, and office
EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE
- High School Diploma or E.D., and
- Six months relevant
- Or equivalent combination of technical training, experience or
PHYSICAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS
Work requires routine physical effort in the handling of light and moderately heavy materials of up to 50 pounds. May require standing for long periods of time and frequent stooping and bending.
Work environment involves everyday risks or discomforts which require normal safety precautions typical of such places as offices, libraries, classrooms or meeting and training rooms, e.g., use of safe work place practices with office equipment, avoidance of trips and falls and observance of fire and building safety regulations. Work may involve occasional exposure to office chemicals.
The above job description is not intended as, nor should it be construed as, exhaustive of all responsibilities, skills, efforts, or working conditions associated with this job.
Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of this job.
The Peoria Public Library will provide all residents books, other printed materials, new technologies, and programs that stimulate personal intellectual growth and development, and provide a satisfying experience that nurtures a love of reading and the joy of discovery.
Peoria Public Library is accepting applications for
FULL-TIME MANAGER OF OUTREACH SERVICES
Currently assigned to North Branch
To apply, please submit your Cover Letter, Resume and Application Form
in person or via email
Or mail to:
Peoria Public Library
ATTN: Jenny Ulrich
107 NE Monroe St.
Peoria, IL 61602-1070
JennyUlrich@ppl.peoria.lib.il.us
The application deadline is 5:00 p.m., Monday, September 22nd, 2025.
Application form is available at https://peoriapubliclibrary.org/about-ppl/careers/
Benefits include medical, dental, vision, paid vacation, sick time & holidays, IMRF pension plan, Employee Assistance Program and optional deferred compensation plan.
JOB DESCRIPTION
MANAGER OF OUTREACH SERVICES
Grade: 12 Salary: $52,000 – $62,000
JOB SUMMARY
Oversees every aspect of the Outreach Department’s daily operations and staffing, including home delivery and deposit collection services. Coordinates community engagement for the Library, including outreach to local schools, businesses, and non-profits; participation in community events, and serving on local boards and committees. Reports to the Deputy Director.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
(Functions listed are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work performed. The omission of specific duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related or a logical assignment to the position.)
- Hires, trains, and evaluates Outreach staff
- Plans, directs and supervises Outreach staff; oversees work assignments and schedules
- Provides high level customer service, mediates patron concerns and addresses any problems or needs;
- Oversees, plans and executes outreach services for all ages in the community
- Oversees, plans and conducts offsite and onsite community partnership events and programs
- Processes staff timesheets for payroll
- Provides guidance and direction to staff on outreach goals, standards of service and staff development; identifies and resolves personnel issues; models expected behaviors;
- Works with library leadership to set goals and strategies; monitors progress towards them;
- Analyzes and evaluates community needs; advises the library leadership on strategies to improve services
- Creates and maintains productive relationships with community groups, advocates, library users and other key stakeholders in an effort to better meet the needs of the Peoria community
- Creates outreach opportunities that align with the Library Mission and Strategic Plan
- Maintains a working list of all partner organizations and annual outreach events
- Oversees the planning, scheduling and implementation of programs for adults and children; tracks programming budget and donations;
- Oversees home delivery and deposit collection services
- Oversees, plans and conducts programs in the local schools to promote the Library’s programs and services
- Provides basic reference, reader’s advisor and computer help
- Performs general circulation duties
- Assists in collection development through regular recommendations to the Manager of Collection Development, collection maintenance and weeding;
- Identifies key outreach opportunities and coordinates staffing with all departments
- Coordinates the use of the Library’s Outreach Van with all departments
- Provides requested statistical reports
- May be required to work in multiple locations and on any of the 7 days of the workweek (Sunday – Saturday);
- Represents the Library at community events and meetings.
- Keeps abreast of library best practices in outreach services by attending workshops, webinars, and educational programs and reading periodicals and specialized literature; attends staff meetings.
REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES
The employee is expected to perform or possess the following:
- Ability to gain thorough knowledge of Peoria Public Library’s policies and procedures;
- Ability to act as a representative of Peoria Public Library to the public;
- Effective decision-making skills with strong customer focus;
- Knowledge of the principles, practices, and procedures for public library service and the ability to interpret them to staff and the public;
- Knowledge of material selection practices and resources;
- Ability to establish priorities and organize workload;
- Ability to evaluate Outreach processes and procedures and to recommend changes as appropriate
- Ability to effectively supervise and motivate staff;
- Ability to communicate and work effectively with diverse individuals (customers patrons and staff) in order to accomplish library and department goals and objectives;
- Ability to maintain a pleasant and productive working atmosphere;
- Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships;
- Knowledge of digital materials and resources
- Ability to operate relevant computer systems, including hardware and software, computer networks, and office machines and other equipment; and
- Ability to obtain a valid IL driver’s license.
EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE
- BA/BS;
- MLS or MLIS preferred;
- Three – five years relevant experience;
PHYSICAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS
Work requires routine physical effort in the handling of light and moderately heavy materials of up to 50 pounds. May require standing for long periods of time and frequent stooping and bending.
Work environment involves everyday risks or discomforts which require normal safety precautions typical of such places as offices, libraries, classrooms or meeting and training rooms, e.g., use of safe work place practices with office equipment, avoidance of trips and falls and observance of fire and building safety regulations and traffic signals when driving.
The above job description is not intended as, nor should it be construed as, exhaustive of all responsibilities, skills, efforts, or working conditions associated with this job.
Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of this job.
The above job description is not intended as, nor should it be construed as, exhaustive of all responsibilities, skills, efforts, or working conditions associated with this job.
Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of this job.
Nestled in the heart of the Midwest, Peoria sets itself apart by offering a high quality of life at a low cost of living.
Named the No. 1 most affordable midsized city in the U.S. by AdvisorSmith, Peoria offers big-city attractions with a small-town attitude. You can make friends here. Be seen here. But you can also visit big cities — Chicago and St. Louis — in a 3-hour drive or less.
Peoria Public Library is the largest library system in Downstate Illinois, with a Main Library and four branch locations.
Our park district is one of the largest in the state with nearly 9,000 acres of public land, but also wonderful facilities including aquatic centers, a botanical garden, golf courses, ice rink, zoo and, of course, a multitude of parks and trails.
The Peoria Riverfront Museum is a non-profit multidisciplinary museum of art, science, history, and achievement that promotes itself as the only museum of its kind in the United States. It includes a planetarium, giant screen digital theater and has more than 200 community and national program and content partners, including affiliation with the Smithsonian.
The Peoria Civic Center is a bustling hub of entertainment, sports and culture with an Arena, Theater, Ballroom, Exhibit Halls, and versatile meeting space all under one roof.
But don’t just take our word for it. See for yourself.
