Pros
Sometimes I got to take home withdrawn materials. And depending on the branch you are at the co-workers can be lovely.
Cons
Sure sure, everyone loves the public library and theoretically what they stand for. Who doesn't love giving free books to excited children, or helping seniors email their grandchildren? I have worked at SPL twice, 2013-2014 and again 2020-2021. Before, it was the best job I've ever had that inspired me to move away from home, go into debt and pursue a Masters degree. After? I can't believe that this is the same organization that I used to love. The corporatization of public libraries has been an issue across the board, but it stands out so badly in a smaller public library system. Staff can't "innovate" because the internal processes for trying new ideas are too hierarchical, and an unresponsive system can't and won't reflect the needs of the community. Everything needs to be approved, and examined, and re-approved, and then brought to the managers, and then thought about, and then start again, and this is why it takes forever to get anything done. A nice cushy city job, that will inevitably burn anyone out who is coming with fresh ideas and wanting to expand partnerships. Recommend to a friend? I wouldn't recommend to an enemy.