Librarian 2 - Children's Librarian

Metropolitan Government of Nashville & Davidson County; Nashville (TN); On-site; USD 52,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

Metropolitan Government of Nashville & Davidson County seeks a Children’s Librarian 2 for the Main Library Children’s Department. You will provide reference services, lead Family Place Parent-Child Workshops, supervise staff, assist with daily operations, and develop engaging children’s programs.

Responsibilities include coordinating with schools and partners, planning Storytimes and STEAM activities, and promoting library programs while ensuring a welcoming, safe environment at the Main Library.

Qualifications

• MLS from an ALA-accredited program with two years of professional library experience.
• Strong knowledge of children’s library materials and reference techniques.
• Experience supervising staff and managing daily operations.

Responsibilities

• Provide excellent customer service including reference assistance and readers’ advisory.
• Coordinate and run Family Place Parent-Child Workshops and early childhood programs.
• Supervise assigned staff, including training, coaching, and workload review.
• Assist manager with daily operations and ensure a welcoming environment.
• Manage staffing coverage for public service areas and follow policies.
• Support collection development for the Children’s division at Main Library.
• Plan and deliver Storytimes, STEAM activities, and other family programming.
• Coordinate with schools and community partners for outreach and visits.
• Respond to virtual reference inquiries and library concierge requests.
• Create promotional materials and social media content for programs.
• Assist with circulation duties and maintain orderly materials.
• Participate in department meetings and special events planning.

Skills

Knowledge of library methods

Knowledge of Children’s library items

Knowledge of reference techniques

Experience supervising staff

Knowledge of opening/closing processes

Fluent bilingual language skills

Education

MLS / Master’s in Library Science (ALA-accredited)

Job description

This position performs professional duties as a Children’s Librarian 2 for the Main Library Children’s Department, including specialized services that support early childhood development and family engagement through the Family Place space and Parent-Child Workshops. This position will provide supervision, and administrative assistance during daily operations of the Children’s Department. Also performs other duties as assigned.

A city with a great library is a great city, and that’s very true for Nashville. With nearly three million visits per year — and a collection of almost two million items — Nashville Public Library (NPL) is Music City’s gateway to lifelong learning, growth, and community connection. Our one‑of‑a‑kind Civil Rights Room and Votes for Women Room bring visitors together to explore the history of civil rights and plot a course for our shared future. Our lauded Wishing Chair Productions puppet shows and story times delight audiences of all ages with stories that make them laugh, love, and grow. Meanwhile, initiatives like Studio NPL, Bringing Books to Life, Seed Exchange, Be Well at NPL, and Digital Inclusion connect Nashvillians with resources from across our 21‑location system to learn new skills, enrich their quality of life, and forge long‑lasting friendships. If you have a passion for helping people, love books and learning, and desire to be part of a team that does transformative work every day, then NPL just might be the place for you.

• Provides excellent customer service, including reference assistance, readers’ advisory, and assistance with library materials, equipment, and digital resources.
• Coordinates and implements Family Place Parent-Child Workshops, collaborating with community professionals to provide families with opportunities to learn about early childhood development, strengthen caregiver-child interactions, and access family support resources.
• Provides guidance, supervision, and support to assigned staff, including training, coaching, and work assignments.
• Assists the manager with daily operations, ensuring efficient delivery of services and a welcoming environment.
• Assigns and reviews staff work, schedules, and assists with maintaining adequate coverage of public service areas.
• Communicates and ensures adherence to Nashville Public Library policies and procedures.
• Supports collection development and maintenance, including evaluating materials, shelving, shifting, and identifying collection needs for the Children’s division at the Main library.
• Assists with maintaining a clean, safe, organized, and welcoming department environment.
• Follows established opening and closing procedures and serves as Person-in-Charge (PIC) when designated.
• Promotes library programs, resources, and services through interactions with patrons.
• Plans, coordinates, and presents engaging, developmentally appropriate programs for children and families, including Storytimes, STEAM activities, and other educational and recreational experiences.
• Coordinates program schedules, school and group visits, including library tours and educational activities in collaboration with the department manager.
• Responds to virtual reference inquiries and library concierge requests.
• Creates promotional materials and social media content to increase awareness of department programs and services.
• Assists with circulation duties, including processing holds, shelving, and organizing materials as needed.
• Participates in department meetings and contributes to planning, communication, and problem-solving.
• Assists with planning and implementing special events, including the annual LEGO Contest, tween programs, cultural celebrations, and other children’s department initiatives.
• Coordinates with performers and program presenters, following established purchasing and procurement procedures.
• Develops and maintains relationships with schools, community organizations, and local partners to support programming and outreach.

Master’s in Library Science or Master’s in a Library Science field, degrees must be accredited by the American Library Association (ALA) from an accredited college or university and two(2)years of professional library experience.

*No Substitutions

Candidates with accreditations earned in a foreign institute are encouraged to apply. Note: Per Metro Ordinance No. SO94-1078. All employees of the Metropolitan Government shall be residents of the State of Tennessee or become residents of the state within six (6) months of employment as a prerequisite to employment with the Metropolitan Government.

• Knowledge of library methods, policies and procedures
• Knowledge of Children’s library materials and collections
• Knowledge of reference techniques
• Experience supervising staff
• Knowledge of the procedures involved in opening and closing a branch or division
• Fluent bilingual language skills

We are an equal opportunity employer that values diversity at all levels. All individuals, regardless of personal characteristics, are encouraged to apply.

Metro Nashville Government respects the religious beliefs and practices of all employees and will make, on request, an accommodation for such observances when a reasonable accommodation is available that does not create an undue hardship on business operations.

Requests for ADA or other protected accommodations for the recruitment process should be directed to Human Resources at 615-862-6640.