employer cover photo
employer logo
employer logo

Vancouver Public Library

Is this your company?

Shelver - Shelver Vancouver Public Library Employee Review

2.0
8 Jun 2017
Recommend
CEO approval
Business outlook

Pros

Employees generally work here because they want to do something meaningful that benefits the most vulnerable in the community, so they're generally positive, patient and helpful. The work environment is very relaxed, performance targets are relatively low, and it's an enjoyable place to be. They offer 4 hour shifts, which can be great for people with other part time commitments or people with mental health issues. Supervisors are friendly and fair. It's a unionized workplace, so starting pay was pretty high even before the City of Vancouver became a living wage employer.

Cons

Advancement is difficult and not performance based. HR is in charge of even minor promotions and your direct supervisors have very little influence. People have to work part time, often for years, before getting full time work. Getting work involves hustling for shifts and is fairly time consuming and unpredictable. Benefits are almost impossible to actually get. I've heard multiple horror stories about management blacklisting people, even for lateral moves, if they have the union grieve a hiring. The organization is also very top heavy with way too many managers that have to justify their existence by reorganizing everything, and then changing it back once it becomes obvious that they've made it worse.

Explore other reviews about Vancouver Public Library

3.0
30 Mar 2026
Anonymous employee
Recommend
CEO approval
Business outlook

Pros

Great people, Flexible and understanding

Cons

Too many politices between departments

1.0
7 Apr 2026
Anonymous employee
Recommend
CEO approval
Business outlook

Pros

Great staff at the branches.

Cons

Terrible colleagues working at Central.

See reviews by: Helpful|Rating|Date|All