Demo

Retail Sales Associate - Stephen A. Schwarzman Building (Part Time Seasonal)

The New York Public Library
York, NY Part Time
POSTED ON 3/19/2026
AVAILABLE BEFORE 5/16/2026

Department: Retail Shop

Location: Stephen A. Schwarzman Building

Compensation: $18.40 / hour

Description

Overview
The New York Public Library is the nation’s most extensive public library system. Within its landmark building on Fifth Avenue and 42nd Street, The Library shop serves hundreds of thousands of visitors a year with a collection of bookish items and books. Visit us at https://shop.nypl.org to see our operation's nature (but not the scope).

We are seeking a Seasonal Temporary Part-Time Retail Associate who functions as a cashier and is both the face and personality of the shop. Enthusiasm, product knowledge, and customer engagement also play a part in the performance, and recognizing when getting through the line should be the focus. Above all, this person finds no job too big (“Help me select gifts for my 11 grandchildren”) or too small (wiping down computer screens or giving directions) not to attend to with good humor. This person should have a great visual memory and be curious to learn and share all the shop offers.

Accuracy and speed on a POS system are critical. A flexible schedule is preferred, as is speaking more than one language, although neither is necessary. Saturdays, however, are a must.

If you thrive in a fast-paced environment, send us a note with your resume. Let us know what you’re reading now and why you’re especially suited to this position.

This position is seasonal.

Responsibilities:
The Seasonal Part-Time Retail Associate reports to the Manager, The Library Shop
  • Engage customers with enthusiasm and product knowledge
  • Communicates effectively to customers as well as management
  • Utilizes a POS retail system with speed, efficiency and courtesy
  • Maintains inventory and restocks displays
  • Enjoys operating independently
  • Performs other related duties as assigned

Required Education, Experience & Skills

Required Education and Certifications
  • High School Diploma minimum

Required Experience
  • Two plus years of sales experience, preferably in a busy museum/book/lifestyle shop
  • Operates the register and POS system as required
  • One year minimum in retail environment handling cash
  • Proven ability to work effectively and quickly in a hectic, fast-paced environment
  • Experience working collaboratively within a team
  • Excellent communication skills with a wide range of customers

Required Skills
  • Cash handling skills
  • Excellent interpersonal, oral and written communication skills
  • Demonstrated reliability and flexibility
  • Quick Study; able to absorb quickly/clearly
  • Able to scan a room for product placement and traffic patterns
  • High energy
  • Thrives in a hectic environment

Managerial/Supervisory Responsibilities:
  • N/A



More...

Core Values
All team members are expected and encouraged to embody the NYPL Core Values:
  • Be Helpful to patrons and colleagues
  • Be Resourceful in solving problems
  • Be Curious in all aspects of your work
  • Be Welcoming and Inclusive
Work Environment
  • The Library Shop (public setting)
Physical Duties
  • Standing for most of your shift
  • Bending and lifting for restocking
  • May require travel within NYC
  • Lifting up to 20lbs
Pre-Placement Physical Required?
No

Union/Non Union
Non-Union

FLSA Status
Non-Exempt

Schedule
  • Saturday availability (some Sundays in November and December)
  • Flexible schedule (15-25 hours week)

Salary : $18

If your compensation planning software is too rigid to deploy winning incentive strategies, it’s time to find an adaptable solution. Compensation Planning
Enhance your organization's compensation strategy with salary data sets that HR and team managers can use to pay your staff right. Surveys & Data Sets
Employees: Get a Salary Increase
View Core, Job Family, and Industry Job Skills and Competency Data for more than 15,000 Job Titles Skills Library

Job openings at The New York Public Library

  • The New York Public Library Manhattan, NY
  • Overview Founded in 1925 and named a National Historic Landmark in 2017, the Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture is one of the world’s leading c... more
  • 13 Days Ago

  • The New York Public Library Manhattan, NY
  • Overview The Stavros Niarchos Foundation Library/SNFL is the largest circulating library in the NYPL system. This library is a vital hub for library patron... more
  • 13 Days Ago

  • The New York Public Library York, NY
  • Department: Branch Services & Programs Location: Stephen A. Schwarzman Building Compensation: $55,000 - $60,000 / year Description Overview The New York Pu... more
  • 15 Days Ago

  • The New York Public Library York, NY
  • Department: BookOps Location: Library Services Center Compensation: $50,104 / year Description Overview BookOps is the shared library services collaboratio... more
  • 15 Days Ago


Not the job you're looking for? Here are some other Retail Sales Associate - Stephen A. Schwarzman Building (Part Time Seasonal) jobs in the York, NY area that may be a better fit.

  • The New York Public Library York, NY
  • Department: Research Libraries Location: Stephen A. Schwarzman Building Compensation: $16.50 / hour Description Overview Do you love books and love helping... more
  • 18 Days Ago

  • The New York Public Library York, NY
  • Department: Research Libraries Location: Stephen A. Schwarzman Building Compensation: $17.00 / hour Description Do you love books and love helping people? ... more
  • 4 Days Ago

AI Assistant is available now!

Feel free to start your new journey!