Youth Services Librarian

City of Burlington•Burlington, WI

4d•Onsite

About The Position

The Burlington Public Library in Burlington, Wisconsin, seeks a personable, energetic, creative, and community-focused Youth Services Librarian for a full-time position. The role plans and delivers library services and programs for children, young adults, families, and caregivers; provides reference, reader’s advisory, and technology support; and helps maintain an inclusive, age-appropriate environment and youth-services collection. The librarian works with schools and community organizations, promotes services, tracks statistics, contributes to policies and reports, and may write grant proposals. The position includes varied hours, with regular evening and weekend reference desk coverage and occasional holiday work. The library serves a population of 19,500 and is temporarily operating in City Hall during a renovation and expansion expected to continue until Autumn 2027.

Requirements

A master’s degree in Library Science from an American Library Association-accredited institution is desired; graduate students currently enrolled in an accredited program may be considered.
One to two years of experience in a public library setting is desired.
Familiarity with library databases and electronic resources is required.
Ability to work well with and relate to patrons of all ages, especially youth and their families and caregivers.
Ability to plan, organize, and carry out library services for children and young adults.
Ability to provide services to diverse users.
Knowledge and understanding of basic library principles, procedures, and technology.
Thorough knowledge of children’s and young adult literature, and knowledge of the goals and philosophy of children’s services.
Ability to use budgeted funds and materials effectively and efficiently.
Ability to communicate positively and effectively with staff and the public.
Ability to gather statistics, analyze information, and prepare reports.
Willingness to maintain skills through continuing education and professional networking.
Excellent English oral and written communication skills.
Ability to use office technology, including integrated library systems, email, the Internet, digital devices and software, Microsoft Office, Canva, and iOS and Android platforms and devices.
Ability to work as a member of a professional team.
Ability to use technology effectively in job duties, particularly reference services and publicity.
Valid Wisconsin driver’s license.
Flexibility to work varied hours, including occasional evenings, weekends, and holidays.
Ability to meet the stated physical demands, including frequently lifting or carrying up to 50 pounds and occasionally pushing or pulling objects weighing 60–80 pounds.

Nice To Haves

Coursework emphasizing materials and services for children and young adults.
Previous experience working with children and libraries.

Responsibilities

Plan, organize, present, and evaluate library services and programs for children, young adults, families, and caregivers, including story times, book clubs, STEAM programs, outreach, Summer Reading, virtual programs, and passive programming.
Recommend items for addition to or withdrawal from the collection and assist with collection maintenance as directed.
Provide in-depth reference and reader’s advisory services to children, young adults, and their families in multiple formats while maintaining patron confidentiality.
Maintain working relationships with public and parochial school librarians; conduct library tours and class visits; and provide school services and visits as the schedule allows.
Apply current educational practices related to literacy across library services.
Maintain a clean, age-appropriate environment that provides access to materials and resources for children, families, and caregivers.
Instruct and support children in using library tools and resources, information gathering, and research skills in physical and digital settings.
Model culturally respectful, developmentally appropriate customer service for children, families, and caregivers.
Promote children’s services through flyers, news releases, social media, and other publicity.
Compile statistical information about children’s services.
Advise the library director or assistant director on children’s-services policies and procedures; prepare reports and recommendations; implement decisions; and communicate developments affecting the department.
Delegate responsibilities appropriately and cultivate collaboration.
Serve on professional and library-system committees as assigned by the director.
Perform other related duties as assigned by the director or assistant director.
Propose, plan, and write grants, including LSTA and private grants.
Cover reference desk hours, including regular evenings, weekends, and holidays.
Serve as Librarian-in-Charge when assigned.