Part-Time Bookseller

About the Museum

We Love Picture Book Art! 

At a time when the world can feel divided and uncertain, picture book art offers us a reminder of what truly matters: the values of peace, love, and our shared humanity. Art—particularly picture book art—has a pivotal role in shaping young minds and fostering a world of hope.  

Cofounded by Eric and Barbara Carle in 2002 to celebrate the art of the picture book, we collect, preserve, and exhibit original picture book art and encourage guests of all ages to appreciate and foster the love of picture book art. 

Situated on 7.5 acres in Amherst, Massachusetts, The Carle houses a rich and deep collection of art, and illuminates its collection through exhibitions, education, programming, and art making—making it a critical resource for picture book artists and authors, and art-loving communities locally, nationally, and abroad. Since opening its doors more than 21 years ago, The Carle has welcomed more than one million visitors—plus more than four million additional museumgoers who have enjoyed its touring exhibitions around the world. (Read our Annual Reports to learn more) 

How you will contribute

The bookseller supports the Museum’s mission of inspiring a love of art and reading through picture books. You welcome guests and connect patrons of all ages with books, art supplies, and toys from our world-renowned curated collection. You assist visitors and customers in person and over the phone, answering questions, and processing merchandise sales transactions and memberships. In addition, you assist with shop marketing initiatives, promotions, preorders, book signings and special events. You are part of a team of staff members in the bookshop who work in shifts and report to the retail manager. 

Specifically, you will

• Demonstrate the highest level of customer service, remaining professional, personable, and engaging to all museum visitors and staff.  
• Assist customers both in-person and over the phone by recommending, selecting, and helping locate or obtain merchandise.   
• Process cash and point of sale (POS) transactions and membership enrollment. Compile department deposits and reports, as needed.
• Troubleshoot POS and communicate with IT and vendors, as needed.
• Maintain knowledge of current sales, promotions, and policies regarding payment and exchanges to answer customer questions and process sales transaction, returns, and exchanges.
• Set up and maintain merchandise displays. Price, stock, and restock merchandise. Receive inventory, confirm order quantities, and report discrepancies.   
• Assists the retail manager and assistant retail manager with marketing initiatives, shop promotions, preorders, book signing, and special events.
• Occasionally support the ecommerce assistant with customer service and preparing merchandise for shipment. 

Your background and experience include

The Carle acknowledges that competitive candidates may not meet all of the experience requirements 100%. We encourage you to apply if many of these job requirements describe you. The position does not require a background in children’s literature. 

• A high school diploma and previous experience working with the public and as part of a team, an interest in children’s literature is preferred.
• Enjoy working with visitors and can work confidently and calmly in a busy environment.
• Ability to work collaboratively with team members throughout the museum to provide our guests with a seamless customer experience.
• Punctual and reliable.
• Strong cash handling skills and basic math proficiency.
• Ability to take direction from supervisors and managers.
• Strong interpersonal skills including diplomacy and empathy; able to resolve conflicts and de-escalate disagreements with guests in person, over the phone, and online in a constructive manner.
• Cultural competency to collaborate and coordinate with individuals from diverse backgrounds.   
• Ability to work weekends.
• Ability to safely lift up to 30 pounds unassisted. 

Position and compensation details

• Starting pay is $17.50/hour.
• This part-time position is approximately 14 to 20 hours per week, Thursday through Sunday. Weekend availability is required.
• Benefits include accrued paid time off (sick, vacation, personal and holiday pay), a discount in the Bookshop, professional development opportunities including access to The Carle’s education workshops, plus free admission to many cultural institutions throughout New England.   

Application timeline and process

Applications will be reviewed until the position is filled. To apply, complete our Employment Application. If you need an access accommodation, have a question regarding available accommodations, or if you need this application in an alternative format to successfully submit your candidacy, please contact hr@carlemuseum.org.

The Eric Carle Museum of Picture Book Art is an equal opportunity employer committed to diversity and inclusion in the workplace. We prohibit discrimination and harassment of any kind based on race, color, sex, religion, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, genetic information, pregnancy, or any other protected characteristic as outlined by federal, state, or local laws.