Children's Librarian

Library Jobline; Old Lyme (CT); Hybrid; USD 45,000 - 65,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

403(b) retirement plan

Paid vacation

Paid sick leave

CT Paid Leave Program

Job summary

Old Lyme Phoebe Griffin Noyes Library Association, Inc. in Old Lyme, CT seeks a dynamic Children’s Librarian to grow youth programming, services, and collections—always expanding access and inclusivity for young patrons.

The role supports a diverse community by planning events, providing reference and readers’ advisory, and partnering with local schools and youth organizations.

Applicants should have a MLS/ALA-accredited degree and a strong commitment to customer service and lifelong learning.

Qualifications

• Knowledge of library services and youth programs.
• Understanding of child development and inclusive practices.
• Commitment to high customer service and community engagement.
• Ability to use MS Office, web tools, and databases.

Responsibilities

• Develops and maintains children’s collections and programs.
• Plans events and may lead groups or provide instruction.
• Provides reference, reader’s advisory, and tech help to patrons.
• Collaborates with schools and youth groups on community initiatives.
• Prepares publicity and maintains displays for Children’s Room.
• Participates in staff meetings and professional development.

Skills

Public library philosophy

Child development

Interpersonal communication

Customer service

Teamwork

Time management

Policy interpretation

MS Office

Graphics/website tools

Online databases

Education

MLS/Library Science (ALA-accredited)

Tools

MS Office

Graphic design software

Website software

Social media tools

Integrated library systems

Job description

Old Lyme Phoebe Griffin Noyes Library Association, Inc.

The Old Lyme Phoebe Griffin Noyes Library is looking for a dynamic Children’s Librarian to make a meaningful impact on the lives of the youngest members of our community. The Children’s Librarian will sustain and grow our wide array of youth programming, services, and collections— always with a mind toward expanding access and inclusivity. Successful candidates must be dedicated to inspiring youth and families to explore the world of literature, imagination, and learning.

Essential Job Functions

• Develops and maintains diverse collections for children through age 12.
• Develops and maintains parenting resources to foster the development of healthy children and families with strong early literacy skills.
• Creates and maintains an inclusive and imaginative space for children to explore and learn.
• Plans, develops, and executes a diverse array of children’s events, programs, and educational opportunities; may lead discussion groups and/or provide group instruction.
• Provides reference, technology, and reader’s advisory assistance to patrons of all ages in person, over the telephone, or via email using the library’s collections and electronic resources; provides referrals to other libraries and organizations. Assists patrons in the use of all library resources.
• Sustains and further develops partnerships with local schools and youth-related community groups. Coordinates with local schools to promote the library’s resources and summer programs for children. Collaborates with other staff to represent the library at community-wide events and initiatives.
• Prepares publicity for print and traditional and social media sources to promote children’s services and activities in coordination with other staff. Maintains displays and print communication within the Children’s Room.
• Provides written reports and data and assists the Director with policy development as it relates to children’s services.
• Participates in staff meetings and local and regional library meetings. Pursues professional development opportunities to stay current with new developments in library services to children.
• Implements all service policies and procedures.
• Works on special projects and other duties as assigned.

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Knowledge and understanding of public library philosophy, services, and programs—especially children’s services—including current technologies and trends.
• Knowledge and understanding of child and adolescent development.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills; ability to foster a positive environment among library staff, volunteers, and patrons.
• Ability to work with people of all ages—including young children, teens, and adults.
• Ability to plan, organize, and coordinate time sensitive events and resources.
• Ability to work independently and in a team environment.
• Ability to handle multiple projects and deadlines.
• Willingness to teach and learn new ways of doing things, including new technologies.
• Proven record of providing a high level of customer service.
• Ability to understand, interpret, and implement library policies, procedures, and rules.
• Proficiency in desktop applications including MS Office and/or other graphic design programs and website software, and social medial tools.
• Skilled at using online databases and electronic resources. Experience with integrated library systems preferred.
• Ability to adapt to changing needs and resources and manage multiple responsibilities.
• Ability to maintain patron confidentiality.

Supervision

• The Children’s Librarian is directly responsible to the Director.
• The Children’s Librarian may supervise Library Assistants and Volunteers.

Physical Qualifications

Accommodations: Please note that reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with differing physical abilities to perform the essential functions of this position.

• Ability to perform duties in a busy office environment subject to continuous interruptions and background noises.
• Must be able to carry up to 20 lbs. and push/pull a loaded book cart weighing up to 200 lbs.
• Must be able to bend and stretch to reach low and high shelves.
• Must be able to stand for up to 3 hours.
• Vision and hearing at or correctable to "normal ranges."

Education/Experience Requirements

Master’s degree in Library Studies/Science from an ALA accredited school or other related field.MLS candidates with commensurate experience will be considered. Prior experience working in libraries and/or with youth preferred. Successful candidates must demonstrate practical knowledge of library functions, services, terminology, techniques, procedures, and standard tools.

Benefits & Additional Compensation Info

• The Library provides health insurance with employee contributing 10% of their personal premium (employee covers 100% of additional family members) + a 6% 403(b) retirement contribution after the completion of 1 year of employment.
• The Library provides paid vacation and paid sick leave and participates in the CT Paid Leave Program.

Additional Info & Requirements

Currently enrolled MLS students are encouraged to apply.

The Community

Old Lyme is a coastal community in New London County, CT with approximately 7,000 year-round residents and a sizable seasonal summer population. You can learn more about the community here: https://www.exploreoldlyme.com/