Summer Librarian Kitchener-Waterloo Library of Things (KWLoT) A project of Extend-A-Family Waterloo Region (EAFWR)

Do you have a passion for people, relationships, inclusion and belonging? Do you want to work towards a community that welcomes and accepts everyone?

So do we!

Extend-A-Family Waterloo Region (EAFWR) is guided by the belief that people with disabilities are valued and contributing members of our community. We work alongside people with disabilities to build meaningful social relationships and create opportunities for connection and belonging.

The Kitchener-Waterloo Library of Things (KWLoT) is a project created by Extend-A-Family as a space for sharing a diverse variety of items ranging from tools to camping and kitchen equipment. By sharing items, Library members save money, reduce waste by supporting a circular economy, discover a strong community and provide inclusive, supported and meaningful employment opportunities.

We strongly encourage individuals with lived experience of disability, especially those who have faced barriers in the job market, to apply. At EAFWR and KWLoT, we see disability as a strength and value the insight, creativity, and leadership it brings to our work.

If this sounds exciting to you, come join our dynamic teams to help bring these values to life in our community.

Role:

If you have lived experience of disability, but you don’t let it hold you back from reaching your goals, and if you love working within the community, then this is the role for you!

As a Summer Librarian, you will be instrumental in helping us run the Library of Things during our open hours, supporting our events and workshops, and joining us for community events that we attend to promote the Library of Things. The Librarian will also share and communicate personal experiences with members and the community as needed.

This position is funded through the Ontario Trillium Foundation Grow Grant.

Qualifications

• Minimum 18 years of age and legally permitted to work in Canada
• Lived experience of disability required
• Physically able to lift 40-pound items up/down a flight of stairs using safe lifting techniques
• Capable of independently opening/closing a locked workplace with alarm system
• Passionate about connecting with people and able to help with KWLOT public info booths

Additional Assets

• Access to transportation or comfortable using public transit
• Experience working on a computer/tablet
• Familiarity and participation with local community is an asset
• Able to work in a team
• Eager to learn about the KW Library of Things and our inventory items

Core Competencies:

This position will require the successful candidate to display Emerging Level competencies in the areas listed below, which are defined by the focus on building self-awareness and reflecting on one’s own behaviour, as laid out in the growth stages developed by the Developmental Services Workforce Initiative (Core Competencies | DS Workforce Initiative).

• Problem Solving and Decision Making - Uses an experience-based approach to problem solving and decision making
• Building Relationships - Establishes positive relationships
• Strategic Thinking - Takes initiative to respond to problems and opportunities
• Valuing Equity, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) - Values and respects all people, recognizing prejudices and systematic barriers which may exist within the current environment, which may limit participation and inclusion

EAFWR is committed to creating an inclusive and accessible environment. We recognize that people from underrepresented populations and intersecting identities often face increased discrimination or systemic barriers and may choose not to apply for a position if they do not meet/exceed the requirements listed in a posting. The requirements listed are guidelines, and candidates do not have to satisfy every requirement or meet every qualification to apply. Candidates are encouraged to seek accommodations to support their application.

Hours and Pay:

• This is an in-office position. Work must be completed onsite at the EAFWR office (91 Moore Avenue in Kitchener) or at other community locations as assigned
• Part-time: Up to ten (10) hours per week
• Wage: $17.74-$18.82/hour + 6% in lieu of vacation time for each position
• Contract length: Tuesday May 26th – Saturday September 12th, 2026

Responsibilities and Functions:

This role will work closely with our KW Library of Things (KWLOT) team and will report to the Operations Lead for KWLOT. The Summer Librarian will do the following:

Open Hours (Tuesdays and Thursdays 4:00pm-7:30pm; Saturdays 10:30am-1:30pm)

• Learn about the KW Library of Things so you can answer questions
• Use a computer or tablet to record items going in and out
• Help put away returned items and prepare items going out that day
• Keep the Library and any other rooms used neat and tidy
• Help staff to accommodate library members who may use the library differently
• Other duties as required

KWLOT Events and Workshops

• Help set up and clean up Library table, items and display
• Talk to people attending so you can answer questions about the library
• Support creating and facilitating workshops that are accessible to all

Community Events

• Help set up and clean up our information table
• Promote KW Library of Things by talking to people attending and handing out information materials
• Advocate for KWLOT programs that help people build skills
• Provide insights from your own experiences about the value of employment and the challenges in finding it when facing barriers, like disability
• Engage in conversations about equity, inclusion and diversity

Extend-A-Family is an equal opportunities employer. We are committed to ensuring that people with disabilities have the same opportunity of access to employment.

To apply for this position, please follow the application process on ADP Workforce Now by no later than 11:59 PM on May 20, 2026. A resume is required, and you may also include a cover letter outlining your interest in the position.