Library High School Summer Intern

This is a seasonal position intended to last for a limited assignment up to six (6) months from date of hire..
Make an impact:
Salem Public Library is seeking two local high school-aged interns (approximately 16-19 years of age by June 15, 2026) to work with our Youth Services team during the summer of 2026. This position will have the ability to work with diverse Library customers and staff. We value diverse voices and perspectives. Students who are Black, Latinx, indigenous, Asian, Pacific Islander, LGBTQ+, or anyone who identifies as someone who may contribute to fuller representation of historically marginalized groups are highly encouraged to apply.

Salem Public Library is a fast-paced work environment where there is a frequent need to adapt and change priorities. Interns are expected to spend dedicated time writing, reflecting, and sharing about their experience.

Learn and grow:
This Library Internship provides unique learning opportunities for students to gain customer service experience in a library setting, learn organizational and data entering skills, and to develop overall job skills. The Salem Public Library has provided many Library Interns with career-building experience for future employers. Come learn all about the library and what is involved in working here! This is a perfect opportunity for students eager to learn and gain new skills.

What you will do:
Under the supervision of the Programming and Outreach Supervisor, the intern will:

• Learn about all aspects of work at Salem Public Library
• Choose and carry out a Connected Learning Project with the help of staff mentors
• Assist with the library’s Summer Reading Challenge
• Be involved with special events and programs throughout the summer
• Help with shelving and pulling holds
• Support the day-to-day activities in the library’s Youth Services area

No previous volunteer or paid work experience is necessary. All applicants should begin by listing “Student” under work experience, using the description field to share school-related skills, strengths, and accomplishments. Applicants with volunteer or paid work experience should add those as separate entries under work experience. There is no need to attach a resume.

This is a 20 hour/week position for 10 weeks (a total of 200 hours). This position requires to work a varied schedule – including weekdays, evenings, and weekends. The hours per week can be adjusted if needed to accommodate other summer plans. Hourly pay is $16.83. The 200-hour internship is anticipated to start June 15, 2026, after the school year is completed.

Learn more about the Salem Public Library at: https://www.cityofsalem.net/community/library

What are the minimum qualifications?

• Must pass the pre-employment background check and drug test (including marijuana).
• Must have reliable transportation to be able to report to/from work sites as needed, events, trainings, and meetings.
• This position is open only to Salem-area high school-aged students ages 16 and older (this includes students entering their junior or senior year in the fall as well as 2026 high school graduates).
• Any volunteer or work experience in relevant position.
• Hiring managers do not have access to view resumes as part of the application review process, please make sure to give detailed information in your application that includes your experience, knowledge, skills, and abilities as requested in the supplemental questions and job advertisement.

Preferred Qualifications (Not required to apply):

• Bilingual/biliteracy skills in Spanish or any language other than English (please note on application) preferred.
• Self-motivated and eager to learn new skills, and ability to work independently under the guidance of a supervisor.
• Comfort with interacting with groups of children, teens, and adults from a variety of backgrounds.
• Attention to detail, organizational skills, and the ability to solve problems.
• Experience with basic software applications, including past work with Google and/or Microsoft word processing, spreadsheet, and presentation products.
• Knowledge of additional software and applications (examples: Canva, video editing, graphic design, etc.)

Selection Plan(This timeline is tentative and could be subject to change as needed):
Recruitment will close April 19, 2026
Application review will be on April 21 to April 24, 2026
Interviews will planned for May 1, 2026 and May 2, 2026
Anticipated Start Date: June 15, 2026

About us:
Salem is the second largest city in Oregon and the capital city. Centrally located in the Willamette Valley, Salem is 49 square miles in size and extends acrosstwo counties, Marion and Polk. The community has well-established neighborhoods and carefully preserved historic buildings with wide diversity and a family-friendly ambiance. The city is home to nearly 180,000 residents. For a full community profile detailing demographics and housing statistics, visit the City of Salem website.

The City of Salem organization has eight primary departments: Community Services, Finance, Fire, Enterprise Services, Legal, Police, Public Works, and Community Planning and Development. Several departments also have functional divisions within their department. The City of Salem employs roughly 1,350 talented and dedicated staff members and works collaboratively with five labor unions.

Where can I find out more about the position?
Go to the menu option for Class Specifications and search forLibrary Intern.

How can I apply?
The City of Salem invites individuals of all diverse communities and backgrounds to apply for our available job opportunities as we strive to provide the best service to everyone. The City of Salem is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all and has a culture that values diversity, equity, and inclusion. We believe that by welcoming differences, encouraging new ideas and views, listening to, and learning from each other, we are better able to serve the community.

To apply, click on the green “Apply” button to complete your application. Hiring managers do not have access to view resumes as part of the application review process, please make sure to include how you meet the qualifications outlined in the class specification in your application.

Applicants that meet the minimum qualifications as outlined above but not selected for this position may be placed on an eligibility list, and candidates may be hired from the list. Eligibility lists are valid for six months. The City will send email notifications to eligible candidates about potential hiring opportunities so please ensure your email settings accept our system generated email notifications.

You may subscribe for automatic notification of job openings at the City through theJob Interest Cards – sign up today!

If you would like more information about employment at the City of Salem, please visit our website at www.cityofsalem.net/jobs.

This announcement is not an implied contract and may be modified or revoked without notice.