Reader Services Librarian | Kaitiaki Pukapuka

Nelson Holdings Limited; Nelson; On-site; NZD 60,000 - 80,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Wellbeing leave

Fully subsidised health insurance

Generous leave provisions

Learning and professional development opportunities

Employee benefits and discounts

Job summary

Nelson Holdings Limited is seeking an experienced Reader Services Librarian in Nelson, New Zealand. This part-time, fixed-term role is designed for a passionate individual to lead and deliver high-quality reader services. Responsibilities include leading reader advisory services, designing engaging reading programs, and supporting a positive team culture. Qualifications include a degree in an information field and strong leadership skills. Join us in connecting our community with books and ideas while enjoying substantial employee benefits and a vibrant community environment.

Qualifications

• Enthusiastic and community-minded professional.
• Ability to prioritize independently.
• Passionate about literacy and lifelong learning.

Responsibilities

• Lead Readers’ Advisory services both online and on the library floor.
• Design and deliver reading programmes and events.
• Provide leadership and support to floor staff.
• Champion high standards of customer service.
• Contribute to continuous improvement initiatives.

Skills

Strong customer service skills

Leadership capability

Excellent organization skills

Experience delivering programmes

Knowledge of reading trends

Collaboration skills

Flexibility and adaptability

Physical fitness

Education

Degree or post graduate degree in an information area

Job description

Turn your passion for books and people into an exceptional library experiences for your community. Lead inspiring reader programmes.

We’re looking for an experienced and enthusiastic Reader Services Librarian to lead and deliver high-quality, customer-focused reader services for our community. This is a Part time Fixed Term Role (8 months).

This is a hands‑on role combining frontline service delivery with programme development and leadership on the library floor.

About Nelson Public Libraries | E pā ana ki ngā whare mātauranga o Whakatū

Nelson Public Libraries are a vibrant, community‑centred hub where imagination, learning, culture, and connection come to life. We are proud to provide welcoming spaces, diverse collections, and services that empower our community to thrive.

About the role | Kō tēnei tūranga mahi

Part time Fixed Term Role (8 months)

As the Reader Services Librarian, you’ll lead and deliver engaging, customer‑focused reader services that connect people with books, ideas, and each other. This is a varied, hands‑on role combining frontline leadership with programme development and collaboration.

You will:

• Lead Readers’ Advisory services on the library floor and online
• Design, promote, and deliver reading programmes, events, and book groups
• Provide day‑to‑day leadership and support to staff on the floor
• Champion high standards of customer service and positive team culture
• Contribute to collections, look and feel, and continuous improvement initiatives

The role is approximately 50% service delivery and 50% administration, ideal for someone who enjoys both people interaction and planning.

About you | Ko ngā pūmanawa ō

You’re an enthusiastic, resilient, and community‑minded professional who brings energy and initiative to everything you do. You enjoy working with people, thrive in busy environments, and are passionate about literacy and lifelong learning.

You’ll bring:

• Strong customer service skills and professional judgement
• Leadership capability and the confidence to support others on the floor
• Excellent organisation skills and the ability to prioritise independently
• Experience delivering or presenting programmes to groups
• Knowledge of reading trends and habits and a passion for books and reading- especially New Zealand literature
• A collaborative approach and ability to build strong relationships
• Flexibility, resilience, and adaptability in a public‑facing role
• A good level of physical fitness to support an active service environment

Qualifications: Degree or post graduate degree in an information area or equivalent experience and qualifications.

If you love connecting people with books and ideas—and want to make a meaningful impact in your community,we’d love to hear from you.

What we offer | Ko ngā painga mōu

• Wellbeing leave, platforms and initiatives
• A fully subsidised health insurance scheme
• Generous leave provisions
• Learning and professional development opportunities
• Access to various employee benefits and discounts
• Opportunities to contribute to meaningful projects that shape our community's wellbeing and future
• Mountains, beaches and national parks at your doorstep

Applications close | Rā whakakapi

Monday 4 May 2026.

For further enquiries | Ina he pātai anō, whakapā mai

Please reach out to Clare Makwana, Team leader Lending and Access Services at [e-mail] or 03 546 0200

In the Nelson Public Libraries, we are committed to fostering a diverse, equitable, and inclusive workplace where everyone feels safe, valued, and has a true sense of belonging. We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds, including those from diverse ethnicities and cultures, LGBTQ+ communities, neurodivergent individuals, and people with disabilities. If you require any assistance with your application, please don’t hesitate to get in touch.