Barista - Library Specialist Blended Role

Barista - Library Specialist, Blended role, Smoky Hill Library

2 Positions Available

Part-time, 30 hours and Full-time, 40 hours

Blending Service with Connection and Curiosity

Are you a dependable and detail-oriented person who thrives on creating welcoming, positive experiences, whether you're crafting a cappuccino or helping a patron find just the right book? Do you enjoy working as part of a collaborative team that adapts quickly to meet community needs?

Arapahoe Libraries is seeking a Blended Barista/Library Specialist for the Smoky Hill Library to deliver outstanding customer service both behind the café counter and on the library floor. You'll provide fast, friendly café service, maintain high food safety standards, and offer knowledgeable assistance to library patrons. If you're passionate about people, learning, and teamwork, this role offers the best of both worlds. We are recruiting for one part-time (30 hours) position and one full-time position.

About the Role
As part of the Smoky Hill Library team, this hybrid position blends café service with library support to create a seamless and engaging patron experience. You'll prepare quality beverages and food, maintain a clean and organized workspace, and manage transactions accurately. On the library floor, you'll assist patrons with materials, technology, and programs, always with patience, empathy, and professionalism. This role is ideal for someone who enjoys variety and finds fulfillment in helping others.

Key Responsibilities

Customer Service and Café Operations

• Greet and connect with every patron to create a warm, welcoming atmosphere.
• Take orders, process payments, and manage cash drawers with accuracy and efficiency.
• Prepare and serve beverages and food items according to recipes, presentation, and safety standards.
• Maintain café cleanliness and organization, following health and sanitation guidelines.
• Restock supplies, manage workflow efficiently, and follow opening and closing procedures.

Library Patron Assistance, Materials Handling, and Learning and Development

• Welcome visitors, assist with library accounts, and provide advisory and reference support.
• Help patrons with technology questions, including e-resources, devices, and equipment troubleshooting.
• Maintain library collections through shelving, merchandising, and display creation.
• Promote library resources, programs, and events, connecting patrons with opportunities to learn and engage.
• Keep current on library services, technology, and trends to provide informed, proactive assistance.

Other Duties and Responsibilities

• Participate in committees, projects, and library-wide initiatives that support community engagement.
• Assist Friends of the Library volunteers and support related cash-handling activities.
• Contribute to displays and promotional efforts that enhance the patron experience.

What You'll Bring

Customer Service and Communication: You're friendly, professional, and genuinely enjoy connecting with people. You listen actively, communicate clearly, and help patrons feel seen and supported.
Reliability and Attention to Detail: You're dependable, organized, and take pride in doing things accurately and efficiently, whether balancing a register or setting up a display.
Resilience and Adaptability: You stay calm under pressure, pivot smoothly when priorities shift, and handle challenges with a positive attitude.
Teamwork and Collaboration: You value teamwork, share knowledge freely, and contribute to a respectful, cooperative work environment.
Equity-Focused Perspective: You welcome diversity, foster inclusion, and serve all patrons with empathy and fairness.
Alignment to ALD Core Values: You embody collaboration, equity, and innovation in your daily work and interactions.

Qualifications

Required:

• One year of customer service experience.
• Intermediate technology skills (Microsoft 365) and ability to learn new systems.
• Ability to work flexible shifts, including evenings and Saturdays
• Strong communication, problem-solving, and conflict-resolution skills.
• Ability to travel between facilities as needed.

Preferred:

• Experience in beverage or food preparation.
• Cash register or point-of-sale experience.
• Experience working with children or teens.

Who We Are
At Arapahoe Libraries, we are a forward-thinking, inclusive organization committed to enriching lives and strengthening our community. Guided by our core values of collaboration, equity, and innovation, we believe in the power of curiosity and lifelong learning. Our motto, "Let's Find Out," reflects our spirit of exploration and shared discovery.

Let's Find Out Together
This is more than a job, it's an opportunity to connect people, ideas, and experiences through service and kindness. If you're dependable, adaptable, and motivated by helping others, we would love for you to bring your energy and enthusiasm to our Smoky Hill team. Apply today!

Inclusion and diversity are part of our values at Arapahoe Libraries. Qualified applicants who can support the communities we serve are encouraged to apply.