Adult Librarian - Pelham Parkway Van Nest Library

New York Public Library; New York (NY); On-site; USD 63,000 - 77,000; Full time

Job summary

New York Public Library seeks an Adult Librarian for Pelham Parkway Van Nest Library to deliver reference services, develop adult programs, and maintain an engaging adult collection. You will collaborate across departments to design community-focused activities and expand digital literacy offerings.

Requirements include an ALA-accredited MLS and NY State Librarian certificate, along with strong communication, teamwork, and organizational skills.

Qualifications

• ALA accredited Master’s degree in Library and Information Studies
• Public Librarian’s Professional Certificate issued by the State of New York

Responsibilities

• Provide reference service using print, media and digital resources
• Develop and evaluate innovative programs for adults in collaboration with the Adult Educational Services Department
• Collaborate with collection development to maintain a diverse, current adult collection
• Engage adults with the collection and promote reading and lifelong learning
• Develop outreach through partnerships with community organizations to serve adults
• Promote digital literacy and offer technology instruction
• Maintain the adult space and ensure a welcoming environment
• Mentor staff in presenting adult programs

Skills

Public service

Adult programs

Adult collection

Partnerships

Public speaking

Teamwork

Organization

Tech skills

Online search

Social media

MS Office

Education

ALA accredited MLS

NY State Librarian Certificate

Tools

Library databases

Online catalogs

Job description

Adult Librarian - Pelham Parkway Van Nest Library

Application Deadline: 20 November 2026

Department: Branch Libraries

Employment Type: Full Time

Location: Pelham Parkway - Van Nest Library

Reporting To: Melissa Davis

Compensation: $70,393 / year

Description

The New York Public Library (NYPL) has been an essential provider of free books, information, ideas, and education for all New Yorkers for more than 100 years. NYPL’s neighborhood libraries in the Bronx, Manhattan, and Staten Island—many of which date to Andrew Carnegie’s visionary philanthropy at the turn of the 20th century—are being transformed into true centers of educational innovation and service, and vital community hubs that provide far more than just free books and materials.

The Library is seeking Adult Librarians to cultivate creative thinkers, enthusiastic readers, skillful researchers, and resourceful users of information. Successful candidates will embody each of these four characteristics themselves.

Key Responsibilities

Key Responsibilities: Under the supervision of their Manager, the Adult Librarian:

• Provides reference service and resource recommendations using print, media and digital resources
• Collaborates with the Adult Educational Services Department to develop, promote, facilitate, present and evaluate innovative programs to meet the expressed and anticipated needs of the community’s adult population including book discussions, author talks, technology classes, financial literacy sessions, arts and wellness activities, and a variety of other programs both in the Library and throughout the community
• Partners with the collection development team to build and maintain the Adult collection ensuring it is diverse, current, and relevant and meets the needs of the community
• Works to engage adults with the collection in ways that allow them to follow their interests and discover new ones
• Conducts outreach to and develops partnerships with community based organizations, city support agencies, adult educational institutions and local businesses to promote the library’s services, programs and collections with a focus on adults
• Encourages digital literacy and provides technology instruction
• Develops and maintains the layout and appearance of the adult space, ensuring a safe and inviting area filled with relevant resources
• Develops and maintains content for social media platforms such as Library blogs, Facebook, Twitter, Tumblr and Pinterest
• Mentors library staff in preparing and presenting adult programs
• Assists with circulation, fines & fees management, reserves and opening/closing procedures
• May take responsibility for the facility, staff and operations in the absence of the Library Manager
• Maintains a working knowledge of trends in adult literature, educational and development needs, adult services and the profession through webinars, internal training, meetings, conferences, professional literature and organizational memberships
• Performs related duties as required

Required Education, Experience & Skills

Required Education & Experience

• ALA accredited Master’s degree in Library and Information Studies
• Public Librarian’s Professional Certificate issued by the State of New York

Required Skills

• Strong commitment to public service and the ability to work well with a diverse patronage
• Experience creating and conducting a variety of innovative programs for adults
• Knowledge of Adult literature and experience maintaining an Adult collection
• Experience building partnerships with local organizations to better meet the needs of community users
• Demonstrated interpersonal, oral, and written communication skills, including public speaking and presentation skills
• Successfully demonstrated ability to work as part of a team
• Strong organization and planning skills, including the ability to perform multiple projects or tasks simultaneously
• Strong computer and other related technology skills, including MS Word, Excel, Powerpoint, Google applications, PCs, Macs and e-reader devices
• Demonstrated knowledge of computer services including online searching, social media, reference resources and databases

Preferred Qualifications

• Knowledge of emerging library technologies, service and programming trends for adults in urban public libraries preferred
• Spanish fluency preferred

More…

Core Values: All team members are expected and encouraged to embody the NYPL Core Values:

• Be Helpful to patrons and colleagues
• Be Resourceful in solving problems
• Be Curious in all aspects of your work
• Be Welcoming and Inclusive

Work Environment

• Public service library

Physical Duties

• Light lifting/moving required
• Remain in stationary positions for periods of time
• Daily use of a computer

Physical Required? No

Union/Non Union Local 1930

FLSA Status Non-Exempt

Schedule 35 hours per week to be scheduled during regular hours

This job description represents the types and levels of responsibilities that will be required of the position and shall not be construed as a declaration of all of the specific duties and responsibilities for the role. Job duties may change if Library priorities change. Employees may be directed to perform job-related tasks other than those specifically presented in this description as needed.

The New York Public Library Salary Statement

At the Library, we believe that pay transparency and pay equity are important to ensuring we source the best candidates and keep the best employees. When making a determination as to the appropriate salary for a candidate, we consider a variety of factors such, including, but not limited to, the position requirements, the skills, prior experience, and educational background required or preferred for the job, the scope and impact of the role within the organization, internal peer equity, and the candidate's specific training, experience, education level, and skills. No single factor is conclusive; the Library reserves the right to consider any and all relevant factors and make a decision consistent with its policies.

Union Salaries are determined by collective bargaining agreement(s).