Children's Librarian

Town of Needham; Needham (MA); On-site; USD 52,000 - 76,000; Full time

Job summary

The Town of Needham is seeking a Children’s Librarian to join the Needham Free Public Library team. The role focuses on readers advisory, reference, technology instruction, and delivering children’s programming and outreach.

The successful candidate will support the library’s long-range plan, manage the Children’s Department web page, and collaborate with the Children’s Supervisor on volunteer activities and community outreach.

Qualifications

• Master’s degree in Library and Information Science.
• 1–3 years of professional library children’s service experience is preferred.
• Excellent customer service, communication and interpersonal skills with the public.
• Familiarity with computers and ability to adapt to new technologies.

Responsibilities

• Advise and assist patrons, children and adults, in locating and using library resources and the Internet.
• Plan and execute children’s programming aligned with the library’s Long-Range Plan.
• Evaluate, weed, and develop the Children’s Room Materials collections.
• Assist outreach programs and tours to schools and community organizations.

Skills

Customer service

Communication

Interpersonal skills

Computer skills

Education

Master's degree in Library and Information Science

Job description

The Town of Needham is seeking passionate individuals to fill the full-time position of Children’s Librarian at the Needham Free Public Library. Reporting to the Library Children’s Supervisor, the Children’s Librarian will support in a patron-facing capacity, providing readers advisory, reference services and technology instruction for patrons of all ages and executing children’s programming and outreach that will support the library’s long-range plan. The ideal candidate will have a background in children’s library programming, excellent communication skills, some knowledge of basic coding and STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Math) activities, interest in promoting library programs and services through the webpage, and a passion for serving the Needham community’s children and families.

It is an exciting time to join the Needham Free Public Library team! Our Strategic Plan and Annual Action Plans position the library to continue to meet the community’s needs for years to come. In addition, our recent Library Space Utilization Study reimagines the library’s interior space in four phases to enhance the work we do for our patrons and the community with our newly opened 4,000-square-foot Teen Room being the first phase. Along with diverse collections, plentiful programming, and great services, the Needham Free Public Library is on track to be the go-to place for new and current library workers.

Schedule: 37.5 hours / week

• Mondays 12:30 - 9:00 pm
• Tuesdays through Fridays: 9:00 am - 5:30 pm
• Every fourth Saturday with the Preceding Friday Off: 9:00 am - 5:00 pm

Applications will be accepted through 11:59 AM on September 8, 2026.

CON #27017

• Advise and assist patrons, both children and adults, in selecting, locating, and utilizing library resource materials through knowledge of print materials, the computerized catalog, electronic databases, and the Internet, instructing patrons in the use of these resources.
• Establish, plan, and execute children’s programming that will support the library’s Long-Range Plan.
• Evaluate, weed, and develop assigned sections of the Children’s Room Materials Collections.
• Assist the Children’s Supervisor in providing outreach programs, services and library tours to local schools, preschools, and community organizations.
• Work with the Children’s Supervisor to coordinate volunteer activities.

• Update and maintain the Children’s Department web page, assisted by another Children’s Department team member.

• Create and organize book lists and displays.
• Actively participate in professional library network committees and activities, including appropriate Minuteman Library Network committees and roundtables, attending professional meetings, seminars, and continuing educational opportunities as they arise.
• Assume responsibility for the Children’s Room in the absence of the Children’s Supervisor.

• Master’s degree in Library and Information Science.
• One to three years’ experience in professional library children’s service, children’s programming experience is a plus.
• Excellent customer service, communication, and interpersonal skills with the capacity to interact effectively and tactfully with the general public.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently and collaboratively with colleagues within and outside the Children’s Department.
• Familiarity with computers and the ability to perform detailed work accurately and efficiently, adapting to new technologies as required.
• Capability of standing for long stretches as well as bending, lifting up to 45 lbs., and pushing book carts loaded with books.

The Town of Needham is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to fostering an inclusive and encouraging workplace. There shall be no discrimination on the basis of race, age, gender, national origin, disability, religion or belief, sexual orientation, marriage/civil partnership, pregnancy/maternity, veteran status, or any other protected class. We are an inclusive organization and actively promote equality of opportunity for all with the right mix of talent, skills, and potential. We welcome all applications from a wide range of candidates. Selection for roles will be based on individual merit alone.

For general employment inquiries, please contact us at [e-mail].

The Town of Needham will endeavor to provide reasonable accommodation to a qualified applicant with a disability unless the accommodation would impose an undue hardship on the operation of our business. If you believe you require such assistance to complete this form or to participate in an interview, please contact us at [e-mail].