Teen Services & Youth Programming Librarian

Middletown Police Department - Rhode Island•Middletown, RI

1d•Onsite

About The Position

The Teen Services & Youth Programming Librarian is a professional librarian primarily responsible for teen services and the Teen Center. Reporting to the Youth Services Librarian Department Head, this position develops services, programs, and opportunities in response to teens’ interests and needs; participates in programming for children and families; and works with the Youth Services team to provide engaging services for young people and caregivers. The librarian builds relationships with schools and community organizations and collaborates across departments on major library-wide programs for all ages. This is a full-time position of 35 hours per week, five days per week. The schedule includes a mix of opening and closing shifts, alternating Friday and Saturday shifts on an A/B week rotation, and, if the library is open on Sundays, one Sunday per month. Starting pay is $32 per hour, with a benefits package that includes paid holidays, vacation time, sick time, and a medical plan. The position is classified as Level 5 and is represented by the Middletown Public Library Employees Association / NEARI. Work is performed primarily in a standard office environment with frequent interaction with the public, Town employees, and library vendors. Outreach may require travel to off-site locations using private or public transportation. The position uses computers and other standard library and makerspace equipment. Physical functions include standing or sitting for prolonged periods; occasional stooping, bending, kneeling, crouching, reaching, and twisting; lifting, carrying, pushing, or pulling light to moderate weight; operating office equipment; and communicating verbally. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

Requirements

Master’s Degree in Library and Information Science from an ALA-accredited program, or significant progress toward receiving it.
Demonstrated interest or experience in teen services, youth programming, outreach, or other community engagement work.
Ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing.
Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with coworkers, vendors, customers, Town officials, and the general public.
Ability to work effectively with people of all ages, abilities, ethnicities, sexual orientations, and gender identities.
Welcoming demeanor, positive attitude, patience, and professional appearance.
Exemplary customer service skills.
Self-directed, flexible, and motivated, with the ability to prioritize tasks and strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
Strong computer and technology skills applicable to the library environment.
Ability to successfully complete a background check.
Knowledge of public library services, resources, and best practices for teens, children, and families.
Understanding of youth development, learning styles, interests, and information needs.
Ability to work effectively and empathetically with youth and caregivers from diverse backgrounds.
Ability to design and deliver inclusive, creative, and engaging programs for teens, children, and families.
Ability to manage multiple projects and meet deadlines.
Strong public-speaking, outreach, and community-building skills.
Familiarity with reader’s advisory, digital literacy instruction, reference resources, and emerging technologies relevant to youth services.
Comfort using technology and social-media platforms to connect with teens and promote programs and services.
Strong initiative, flexibility, collaboration, and interpersonal, written, and verbal communication skills.
Commitment to equitable access, intellectual freedom, and inclusive programs, services, and collections.
Valid driver’s license for potential off-site outreach travel.

Nice To Haves

One or more years working with teens and/or children in a library, educational, or community-based setting is preferred; experience working with teens is strongly preferred.

Responsibilities

Assess community needs and develop, coordinate, and evaluate programs and services for teens, children, and families in line with community interests and library strategic goals.
Collaborate with Youth Services staff to schedule, set up, deliver, and promote programs; work across departments on major library-wide programs for all ages.
Oversee the Teen Center, including space management, safety procedures, staff training, and programs and services; coordinate a Teen Advisory Board and teen volunteer opportunities.
Develop and maintain partnerships with schools, educators, youth-serving organizations, and community groups; represent the library at visits, events, meetings, and outreach opportunities; identify ways to expand access to library services.
Evaluate program effectiveness using attendance, feedback, and data, and adjust offerings accordingly.
Design programs reflecting the interests of teens and children, including STEAM, creative arts, technology, and literacy, and expand offerings based on community demand and staff expertise.
Keep current with trends in teen services, youth programming, community engagement, and public library practice.
Contribute to library-wide promotional efforts, including social media, newsletter content, and marketing campaigns; create promotional materials for youth programs and maintain related webpages in collaboration with the Marketing & Outreach Associate.
Work with Youth Services staff to keep youth areas, including the Teen Center, welcoming, safe, organized, and engaging.
Provide public service to patrons of all ages, including reference and reader’s advisory, proctoring, notary services, and assistance with computers, devices, printing, and digital resources; cover service desks as needed or assigned.
Recommend, select, and weed materials for teen and assigned youth collections in coordination with the Youth Services Librarian Department Head.
Track attendance and engagement for programs, outreach, and Teen Center use; maintain statistics for monthly board reports, annual state reports, and other requests.
Manage assigned budget line items, monitor balances, plan expenditures, and make purchasing recommendations; participate in grant identification, application, administration, and reporting as assigned and directed by the Department Head.
Assist with building operations, including opening and closing, safety checks, and supply orders.
Participate cooperatively on the library’s Leadership Team, provide feedback on services, recommend policy changes, and develop operational solutions.
Attend appropriate meetings and trainings.
Serve as Person in Charge in the absence of specified senior library staff; adjust staff schedules as needed to support staffing across the library.
Perform other related duties as necessary, including duties at lower grade levels.