•This is a full-time position. We are not offering summer employment or part-time employment

• About us: Second Story Books is a beloved and well-established haven for book lovers in Rockville. We specialize in offering a wide selection of quality used books across various genres, creating a welcoming space for our diverse community of readers.

Position Overview:

The position will focus on shelving books, operating the front desk, and other duties as necessary for operating a bookstore. This position requires standing on ladders, crouching to reach low shelves, lifting boxes, and routinely replacing old stock with new books over an extended period of time. Heavy lifting of up to 30lb boxes of books. Our store moves quickly, from buying books in bulk daily to putting the books on shelves as quickly and orderly as possible. Exceptional strength, endurance, and focus are required. The best candidate would integrate themselves into our unique workplace environment quickly and balance a love of books with the labors of maintaining a well-kept store. A degree or background in the liberal arts is preferred but not necessary. The schedule is Thursday through Monday, 1-9 thu, fri, sat. 12-8 sun and mon. Off Tuesday and Wednesday.

Responsibilities:

Inventory Management:

Organize and shelve incoming books. Maintain a clean and organized sales floor.

Customer Service:

Assist customers and collectors in locating and acquiring specific items from our inventory. Provide expert advice on book valuations and historical context.

Administrative Tasks:

Handle administrative tasks related to the day-to-day operations of the bookstore, such as managing appointments, answering emails, and maintaining a welcoming atmosphere for visitors. Qualifications In-depth knowledge of book collecting, bibliographic details, and valuation techniques. Strong research and analytical skills with a keen eye for detail. Excellent written and verbal communication skills. Ability to work independently and as part of a team. Proficiency in using research tools, databases, and reference materials. Time management skills to prioritize tasks effectively Previous experience in book appraisal, antiquarian bookselling, or a related field is highly desirable.

Benefits Include:

45 minute paid lunch included! Retirement plan Optional dental payment policy Employee discount on purchasing books

•This is a full-time position. We are looking for a long-term commitment. We are not offering summer employment or part-time employment

• Write one or two paragraphs explaining your interest in the position. Applications without a cover letter will not be considered.

Job Type:

Full-time Pay:

From $17.50 per hour Expected hours: 40.0 per week

Benefits:

Dental insurance Employee discount Paid time off Ability to commute/relocate: Rockville, MD 20852: Reliably commute or planning to relocate before starting work (Required) Application Question(s): Can you work evenings, weekends, and holidays if needed? How would you describe the difference between literary fiction and genre fiction? Why bookstore? Why now? How would you help a customer find a book if they only remember a part of the plot or the cover? Describe the difference between an autobiography and a memoir in your own words Arrange these authors in alphabetical order by last name: Mario Vargas Llosa Saul Bellow Louise Glück Jean-Paul Sartre Hans Christian Andersen George Bernard Shaw Georgia O'Keeffe Isaac Bashevis Singer Robert Ludlum Have you read and understood the job description and instructions for applying, including the required cover letter? What is a publisher you are familiar with and what features of the publisher's books help you identify them? Imagine you receive three boxes from a private seller. Before opening Google, what subtle cues help you predict the quality or value of the collection? Think about things like book condition patterns, shelving wear, past owners' habits, publishers present, or dust jacket design eras. What was the last bookstore you visited?

Work Location:

In person