Children's Librarian

State; Ipswich (MA); Hybrid; USD 47,000 - 52,000; Full time

Job summary

The Ipswich Public Library in Ipswich, MA is seeking a dedicated Children’s Librarian to plan, organize, and deliver all activities of the Children’s Department. You will supervise staff, manage budgets, coordinate programs, and liaise with schools and community partners to promote literacy and family engagement.

Required are a MLS/Masters in Library Science and 3–5 years of public library youth services experience, with strong knowledge of children’s literature and programming trends.

Qualifications

• MLS/Masters in Library Science from an accredited program.
• 3–5 years of public library youth services experience.
• Ability to manage a busy department with changing priorities.
• Strong knowledge of youth literature and programming trends.

Responsibilities

• Plan, organize, and deliver operations of the Children’s Department.
• Manage staff and volunteers and develop goals.
• Plan and run children’s and family programs.
• Oversee budgeting for materials and programs.
• Collaborate with schools and community organizations.

Skills

Budget management

Team collaboration

Digital resources literacy

Education

MLS/Masters in Library Science

Tools

Online catalogs

Databases

Social networking tools

Job description

Children's Librarian, Ipswich Public Library (Ipswich)

Under the general supervision of the Library Director and Assistant Library Director, the Children’s Librarian plans, organizes and delivers all operations of the Children’s Department, including collection development, programming, reference, referral and reader advisory services. Assists in the formulation of policies and programs. Trains and delegates work to other children’s department staff. Manages budgets for this selection of library materials and for library programs. Frequent contact with the public and outside agencies and organizations.

• Manages staff and volunteers working in theChildren’s Department and oversees the operation ofthe department. Develops short- and long-term goals for thedepartment including an annual action plan to achieve goals,and assists administration in long range planning.
• Ensures that all procedures and transactions are incompliance with library policy. Keeps statistics asrequired.
• Responsible for the selection, maintenance,inventory and weeding of the children’s collections.
• Responsible for planning, executing and publicizingall children’s and family programs.
• Assists and instructs in use of online catalogs,databases and other electronic resources.
• Manage the schedule of the staff working in theChildren’s Department ensuring that the circulationdesk is covered during all open hours.
• Utilize regional and statewide databases and otherelectronic resources to enhance collection.
• Perform reader’s advisory for children andcaregivers.
• Promotes use of library collections andresources.
• Maintains working relationship with school systemand other community organizations to develop partneredinitiatives.
• Participates in library staff meetings. Regularlyattends regional meetings and workshops pertinent to youthservices.
• Responsible for a continued knowledge of currentprofessional literature relating to professionaldevelopment, technological advances, materials selection,automated procedures, personnel and professional issues.
• Routinely functions as daily, evening or weekendBuilding Supervisor, having first-response responsibilityfor the staff, facility and public. Responsible forscheduled routine evening and weekend coverage.

Qualifications

• A Master’s Degree in Library Science from anaccredited graduate library school of recognized standing,as well as three to five years’ experience in publiclibrary service with relevant experience in youthservices.
• Good knowledge of professional library principles,methods, techniques and procedures.
• Thorough knowledge of current professionalstandards of public library youth services, includingknowledge of children’s literature and current trendsin youth and family programming in libraries.
• Ability to effectively manage a busy departmentwith a constant flow of work and ever-changing priorities.Accuracy and high rate of output are essential.
• Ability to organize and monitor detailedprocedures, consistent with established guidelines.
• Ability to manage a budget and provide reportsaccordingly.
• Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively and ina team environment.
• Demonstrated knowledge of current trends in libraryprogramming for children and families.
• Ability to use new technologies, mobile devices,and social networking tools to communicate with librarycustomers and colleagues.
• Must work one scheduled evening per week and oneSaturday in a 3-week rotation.

Full/Part Time

Full Time

Education

MLS/Masters

Salary Range

$34.23- $37.98/hour

Salary Notes

Salary increases by annual steps according to bargaining agreement.

Closing Date

Open until filled

How to Apply

Find the complete job description at: https://www.ipswichma.gov/Jobs.aspx?UniqueId=108&From=All&CommunityJobs=False&JobID=Childrens-Librarian-154

Please send letter of interest, resume and acompleted Town of Ipswich Employment Applicationto: [e-mail], you may apply online by uploading aletter of interest, resume and employmentapplication by visiting: Town of Ipswich Employment Website

Posted

2026-09-08| Quick link to this job