Children's Services Library Associate

Charleston County Public Library; Charleston (SC); On-site; USD 40,000 - 45,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

Life Insurance

401k

Job summary

Charleston County Public Library is seeking a Library Associate to support children’s programs, crafts, puppet shows, and story time while helping families access library resources. The role emphasizes friendly service, teamwork, and proactive assistance in the Children’s department.

The position involves planning and presenting STEAM activities, book displays, and booklists for birth through grade 5, with a focus on literacy promotion and community engagement.

Qualifications

• Experience in children's programming and outreach events.
• Knowledge of child development and early literacy skills.
• Ability to communicate effectively with children and caregivers.
• Knowledge of library resources and policies.
• Ability to use tact and good judgement with the public.

Responsibilities

• Assist with planning and implementing children’s activities including STEAM programs.
• Create children’s displays, crafts and puppet shows.
• Assist children and caregivers in use of library resources.
• Shelve books and maintain neatness in the Children’s department.
• Provide library services for children birth through grade 5.
• Represent the library at external programming and outreach events.
• Assist patrons with locating resources and checking out materials.
• Help patrons use technology and online databases.

Skills

Experience in children’s programming

Outreach events

Customer service

Communication

Team collaboration

Knowledge of child development

Knowledge of early literacy

Knowledge of children's literature

Technology literacy

Education

High School diploma or GED

Associate degree

Bachelor's degree or higher

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

The Library Associate, under the general direction of the Branch Manager, assists patrons with locating and checking out materials, shelving library materials, reference questions, collection maintenance and other clerical duties. Assists with programs including story time and summer reading for children ages birth through grade 5. Creates displays, plans and implement children’s activities including STEAM programs, crafts and puppet shows. As a Library Associate, you must demonstrate outstanding interpersonal skills, as a great part of this job will involve interacting with the local community.

Responsibilities:

All duties listed below are essential job functions for which reasonable accommodations will be made. All job requirements listed indicate the minimum level of knowledge, skills and/or abilities deemed necessary to perform the job proficiently. This job description is not to be construed as an exhaustive statement of duties, responsibilities, or requirements. Employees may be required to perform any other job-related tasks as requested by the Branch/Department Manager subject to reasonable accommodations.

Essential Roles and Responsibilities:

Assist with planning and implementing children’s activities including STEAM programs that increase library awareness.

Create children’s displays, crafts and puppet shows.

Assist children and caregivers in use of library resources.

Responsible for shelving books and other library materials.

Maintain a neat and orderly appearance in the Children’s department by organizing materials, straightening furniture, and cleaning toys.

Provide library services for children ages birth through grade 5.

Must demonstrate knowledge, appreciation, and understanding of children’s materials, both print and electronic.

Represent the library at external programming and outreach events.

Must be comfortable proactively seeking out customers to help in all areas of the library (desk, roving, e-mail, phone, or additional methods of communication).

Create children’s booklists and book displays.

Perform routine desk duties under professional supervision. Assist patrons with locating resources and checking out materials, update patron records, place holds on materials and issue library cards.

Assist patrons with use of print reference resources, identifying and locating library materials using the library system catalog, searching the Internet, and using online databases.

Assist patrons in the use of technology, including software, online tools, and mobile devices.

Candidates should be good listeners and communicators, present a positive attitude, enjoy working cooperatively as a team member, and place top priority on customer service.

Must be flexible to assume additional responsibilities and scheduling requirements as needed to meet the coverage needs of the public service desks in other departments

Serve as point person of the branch in the absence of the branch manager.

Aid in training and on-boarding of new staff.

Perform other duties as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

Experience in children’s programming and outreach events.

Knowledge of child development, early literacy skills and children’s literature.

Knowledge of library amenities and the ability to provide information about library policies.

Ability to use tact, courtesy and good judgement when communicating with coworkers, and the public.

Ability to demonstrate knowledge, appreciation, and understanding of library materials, both print and electronic.

Ability to communicate effectively and present ideas orally and in writing.

Ability to carry out assignments independently and work collaboratively with a team.

Qualifications and Requirements:

High School graduate or GED equivalent.

3 years library experience preferred; OR

Associate degree and 1-year library experience preferred; OR

Bachelor’s or higher.

Must be able to work a flexible schedule, including evenings and weekends. This is a full-time position requiring the ability to work five days per week, typically eight hours per day, with flexibility to work until 6:15 p.m. for closing shifts and to work weekends.

Must be proficient in Microsoft Office suite, with the ability to learn and use new methods and emerging technical advances.

Must possess excellent customer service skills, ability to get along well with others and to communicate effectively with the public and with library staff, a strong work ethic.

Benefits and Compensation:

Charleston County Public Library offers a comprehensive benefits package which includes Health, Dental, Vision and Life Insurance, Paid Vacation and Sick Leave, Paid Holidays, 401k, and a Pension Plan.

$40,227.20 - $45,323.20 annually commensurate with education and experience.

Please make a note on your application and cover letter which position(s) and branch location(s) you would like to be considered for employment.