Youth Services Librarian

City of Burlington•Burlington, WI

About The Position

The Burlington Public Library in Burlington, Wisconsin, seeks a personable, energetic, creative, and community-focused Youth Services Librarian. This full-time role plans and delivers library services for children and young adults, their families, and caregivers, with attention to child development, inclusion, literacy, and current educational practices. The librarian provides reference and reader’s advisory services, supports use of library resources, builds relationships with local schools and organizations, and promotes youth services. The role also contributes to collection development, grants, reports, policy recommendations, and department collaboration. Work hours vary and include required evenings, weekends, and holidays. The library serves a population of 19,500 and is temporarily operating in the City Hall building during a renovation and expansion, expected to continue until Autumn 2027.

Requirements

Familiarity with library databases and electronic resources.
Ability to work well with and relate to patrons of all ages, especially young people 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 of basic library principles, procedures, and technology.
Thorough knowledge of literature for children and young adults and understanding 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.
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 and use technology effectively in job duties, particularly reference services and publicity.
Possession of a valid Wisconsin driver’s license.
Flexibility to work 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

A master’s degree in Library Science from an American Library Association-accredited institution is desired; graduate students currently enrolled in an ALA-accredited program may be considered.
Coursework emphasizing materials and services for children and young adults is desired.
One to two years of experience in a public library setting is desired.
Previous experience working with children and libraries is preferred.
Willingness to maintain skills through continuing education and networking through professional organizations.

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 programming, and passive programming.
Recommend items for addition to or withdrawal from the library 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.
Maintain confidentiality in interactions and communications with patrons.
Maintain working relationships with public and parochial school librarians.
Conduct library tours and class visits, and provide services and visits to schools as the schedule allows.
Apply current educational practices related to literacy in library services.
Maintain a clean, age-appropriate library environment that provides access to materials and resources for children, families, and caregivers.
Instruct and support children in using library tools and resources, gathering information, and conducting research.
Model culturally respectful and developmentally appropriate customer service.
Promote children’s services through flyers, news releases, social media, and other publicity.
Compile statistics about children’s services.
Advise the library director or assistant director on children’s services policies and procedures; write reports and recommendations and implement decisions.
Communicate with the library director about developments affecting the department.
Delegate responsibilities appropriately and foster collaboration.
Serve on professional and library system committees as assigned by the director.
Propose, plan, and write grants, including LSTA and private grants.
Cover reference desk hours, including regular evenings, weekends, and holidays.
Perform other related work as assigned by the director or assistant director.
Act as Librarian-in-Charge when assigned.