Teen Librarian

Providence Public Library • Providence, RI

1d • Onsite

About The Position

We are seeking an innovative, collaborative, and youth-centered professional to serve as Teen Librarian within our Youth Services Department. Reporting to the Director of Youth Services, this individual will play a key role in designing and delivering engaging, high-impact programs that support teens’ academic, creative, and social-emotional development. The ideal candidate is a passionate educator and relationship-builder with experience working with diverse youth populations and community partners, and a strong commitment to equity, inclusion, and lifelong learning. This role requires a flexible and forward-thinking individual who can lead dynamic programming—including workforce development and media literacy initiatives—while fostering a welcoming and safe environment for teens. The Teen Librarian will collaborate across departments and with external partners to expand access, inspire curiosity, and help advance Providence Public Library’s mission as a hub for learning and opportunity.

Key Purpose/Summary:

This position is part of PPL’s Youth Services Department that delivers programming and services to children, teens, and their families. The Teen Librarian contributes to the design, planning, and implementation of the vision for a full range of high impact programs for teens in alignment with the overall strategic plan of PPL.

The individual has the primary responsibility for the organization and oversight of PPL’s Teen services with a critical librarianship approach, in collaboration with the Director of Youth Services. Specific duties include functional supervision of services specific to teens, maintenance of the collection including managing the budget, providing reference assistance to patrons, and the development of programs for teens and for adults who work with teens. A significant responsibility of this position is programming; including coordination and teaching of credit bearing classes and workforce development programs.

Requirements

• MLS or MLIS Degree from an institution accredited by the American Library Association.
• Minimum Years of Experience: 3 or more in one or more of the following: Developing programs/curriculum that supports learning and understanding of youth learning in formal and informal environments. Out-of-school time learning environments with a variety of skills and comfort levels integrating technology into teaching and learning. Program development/management in education/community initiatives with multiple partners.
• Google applications (Gmail, Meet, Drive, Docs, Sheets, Forms) and other various Google applications experience required.
• Knowledge of Zoom, Google Meet or other web-conferencing software or applications.
• Driving/Travel requirements – 10-20% (includes in-state and out-of-state). Ability to travel across the state to varied locations and sites other than libraries. Ability to attend out-of-state, overnight conferences and meetings.
• Willing to work a varied schedule that includes evening and weekend hours.
• Position Location – Office in Providence, RI with in-state off-site programming/meetings
• Physical requirements – ability to occasionally lift/move up to 25 lbs.
• COVER LETTER IS REQUIRED

Nice To Haves

• Consummate team-player who will help identify, nurture, and achieve shared goals with PPL staff, partners, and Youth including proven success in working with community partners, youth education, and/or diverse community outreach efforts.
• Comfort with agile program development -- be willing to take risks and pilot projects, evaluate success and failures, and revise.
• Lifelong learner with a demonstrated commitment to continuous learning and supporting an institutional culture of learning. Actively seeks out and participates in yearly professional development opportunities.
• Ability to adapt to change and able to handle multiple competing projects, priorities, and tasks. The duties of this position may evolve over time based on varying funding sources, community needs, and other factors.
• Excellent verbal, written, and interpersonal communications, including the ability to exercise tact and diplomacy and comfort working in a multicultural environment.
• Working knowledge of the educational/cognitive, and social/emotional needs of youth; ability to translate those needs and interests into effective library programs and services.
• Comfort with training others.
• Detail-oriented organizer with experience tracking progression of programs and activities that require collaboration and cooperation of others from planning to implementation.
• Experience in data collection and reporting, program and budget management, and strong computer and technology skills.
• Bilingual Spanish/English a plus.
• Check email daily and respond to emails in a timely manner.
• Support and practice PPL’s stated values and demonstrate and share PPL’s commitment to being an all-inclusive organization.

Responsibilities

• Co-lead in the creation, design, and implementation of programs for Teens based on connected learning principles with special emphasis on 21st Century and social emotional skill development.
• Develop and implement new programs and services to meet patron and community needs.
• Serve as the lead for grant funded and other credit/stipend bearing Teen program administration.
• Serve as lead instructor for upcoming Media Literacy in the Age of AI Course through ACN.
• Contribute to curriculum development of the course.
• Serve as the lead for Teen Summer Reading and Learning including: Communication and planning with CLPVD and PPL’s Children’s Educator Data collection and analysis
• Assist in identifying and developing funding proposals.
• Create an inviting, fun, and safe environment for youth that inspires learning and creativity.
• Help facilitate workflow and successful delivery of ongoing, drop-in, and one-time-only programs. This includes daily oversight, training, and supervision of temporary staff (teaching assistants, contractors, and/or volunteers), on-site and off-site logistics, ordering supplies, submitting invoices, and managing inventory.
• Serve as lead with Teen data and outcomes collection and contribute to reports and analysis as needed.
• Serve as the lead in active outreach to schools, organizations, and agencies to facilitate relationships with PPL and to keep partners up to date on current PPL services/programs.
• Initiate, develop, and grow partnerships with community organizations, educational institutions, libraries, employers, families, etc.
• Participate in events outside of the library (including conferences), as schedule permits, to promote PPL Youth Services.
• Actively recruit Teens to participate in programs and assist with registration as needed.
• Contribute content to the Teen Squad Instagram.
• Serve as the lead to provide direct assistance to patrons regarding use of library materials, resources, and services.
• Instruct teens in information gathering, research skills, and digital literacy skills.
• Serve as the lead in development and maintenance of the Teen collection and co-lead of Manga collection - complete quarterly ordering, weeding, and budget management tasks and input data into shared Selector’s documents.
• Participate in all staff and department meetings and committees as required.
• Actively staff the Teen Loft and enforce Library and specific policies within the space as needed.
• Communicate and collaborate with library staff on areas related to service to youth and families and contribute to overall Youth Services goals.
• Stay current on developing trends, innovations, and issues in Teen services and share with PPL staff.
• Serve as the lead in scheduling and conducting school and organization visits to PPL and coordinate with teachers or organization staff to share library card information and to determine the goals of the visit.
• Collaborate with External Relations as feasible/needed to support outreach, donor stewardship, and other fundraising activities.
• Other duties as agreed upon between the employee and their manager.

Benefits

• The Library offers a comprehensive benefits package, including a group health, dental, and vision plans with an HRA that covers 95% of the health insurance deductible.
• If you don’t need insurance, you can opt for a monthly stipend instead.
• The package also includes fully paid life insurance (up to $50,000) and long-term disability coverage, as well as a generous amount of paid time off, starting with 16 days (3 weeks and 2 days) annually.
• Additionally, the Library provides a retirement plan with both Traditional and Roth options, offering a 5.5% company match and 100% vesting from the moment you're hired.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Number of Employees: 11-50 employees