Librarian I - Youth Services - Main Branch

Safetycityabilene; Abilene (TX); On-site; USD 42,000 - 56,000; Full time

Job summary

City of Abilene is seeking a Librarian I – Youth Services at the Main Branch in Abilene, Texas. The role focuses on planning and delivering age-appropriate programs for youth from birth to 18, both inside the library and in the community.

The librarian will supervise staff and volunteers, provide readers’ advisory, and collaborate across departments to maintain engaging youth collections and services. Evening and weekend work is required.

Qualifications

• MLS or MLIS degree from an ALA-accredited program.
• Texas driver’s license or ability to obtain within 90 days of employment.
• Experience in children’s literature or early childhood education preferred.
• Ability to travel to other branches and evenings/weekends as schedule requires.

Responsibilities

• Develop and conduct youth programs for birth through 18 years, inside and outside the library.
• Provide reference and readers’ advisory for children, parents, and teachers.
• Collaborate with Technical Service to manage children’s materials collection and updates.
• Prepare reports and records on library activities and statistics monthly.
• Supervise paraprofessional staff, technical staff, clerical staff, and volunteers.

Skills

Storytelling

Puppetry

Grant writing

AV equipment

Vehicle operation

Education

MLS/MLIS

Job description

Librarian I - Youth Services - Main Branch

Library, 555 Walnut St, Abilene, Texas, United States of America

Job Description

Posted Friday, July 17, 2026 at 6:00 AM

General Description

Under general supervision, the Youth Services Librarian is responsible for all aspects of programming and services for the youth demographic (birth to eighteen (18) years of age). The position provides age‑appropriate programming and other programmatic services to enhance the adoration of reading. Independent judgment, initiative, tact, and courtesy are required. Work evaluation is conducted by review of plans, programs, reports, and in conferences.

Supervision Exercised

Exercises direct supervision over paraprofessional, technical, clerical, and volunteer staff.

Essential Duties

Develop and conduct programs for children from birth through eighteen (18) years of age. Programs occur both inside and outside of the library, and they include regularly scheduled weekly and monthly programs, special events, group tours, puppet shows, visual presentations, etc.

Exercise basic program production skills including, but not limited to, planning age‑appropriate programs for all ages, and implementing and evaluating program success. Knowledge of readers’ advisory for all levels, with emphasis on learning styles for juvenile readers is essential.

Collaborate with the Technical Service department to maintain a well‑organized current children’s materials collection by making recommendations for new and retrospective materials purchases and by purging the collection of obsolete and/or worn materials on a regular basis.

Provide reference and individual reader’s advisory guidance to children, parents, teachers, and others interested in the resources of the library; identify the characteristics of the children’s service area to make recommendations regarding materials; plan and present necessary programs and services, while detailing all pertinent available resources, both print and electronic.

Compile, prepare, and maintain reports, records, and statistics. Submit monthly report of library activities to supervisor for distribution to library administration.

Operate a personal or city vehicle to travel.

Other Duties

Perform other job‑related duties and responsibilities as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

Knowledge Of

• Principles and practices of contemporary library operations as applied in a public library setting.
• Print and online resources to maintain knowledge of children’s literature and current trends in selecting and ordering materials for juvenile collections and program resources for a diverse environment.
• Library collection classification and selection tools and techniques, as well as the principles and practices of office management, work organization, and supervision skills.
• Online electronic databases and current technologies for the purpose of statistics reports, library procedures, and promoting library resources and programs for children.
• Physical, mental, and emotional development of children including their reading interest levels.

Skills

• Introduce children to books and other library resources through storytelling, puppetry, and other visual and audio presentations.
• Analyze problems and recommend practical solutions through application of problem‑solving skills.
• Participate in grant writing to assist with program funding and to supplement library needs.
• Perform basic duties in other areas of the library or outreach locations as needed.
• Operate audio‑visual equipment including sound systems, projectors, and other electronic devices.
• Operate a motor vehicle.

Abilities

• Supervises, trains, and directs technicians and clerical staff; organizes tours and visits; and compiles statistics, reports, and presentations related to library practices, procedures, and materials for various age groups, both within the library and throughout the community.
• Evaluates program effectiveness and implements appropriate modifications to content and materials for both small and large groups; exercises sound judgment and makes decisions under pressure.
• Follows verbal and written instructions; effectively organizes workload and coordinates program activities.
• Plans and conducts youth programming through storytelling, puppetry, crafts, and other educational activities including rhythm, music, writing, and collaborative group work.
• Develops and promotes collaborative partnerships with campus and community agencies.
• Communicates ideas clearly and effectively, both orally and in writing.
• Interacts tactfully, professionally, and courteously with the public.
• Maintains awareness of safety considerations related to juvenile patrons; exercises good judgment when working with children and parents to foster a welcoming, safe, and positive learning environment for families.
• Maintains membership in professional and regional library associations; attends meetings and conferences; and provides staff training to support ongoing library development.
• Works collaboratively as part of a team while providing leadership and direction as needed.
• Meets established deadlines and demonstrates a strong commitment to customer service.
• Establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with those contacted in the course of work, both internally and externally.
• Follow and embrace the City of Abilene Core Values – Respect, Integrity, Service Above Self, and Excellence in All We Do.
• Lead, manage, and perform as a team member in a manner that accomplishes the Division’s mission and treats team members with dignity, courtesy, and respect.

Experience and Training Guidelines

For positions with more than one level, all listed requirements at the lower levels are required at the higher levels. Any combination equivalent to experience and training to provide the required knowledge, skills, and abilities may be qualifying. Knowledge, skills, and abilities may be obtained through:

Experience

• One (1) year of experience in the field of children’s literature and/or early childhood education in a public library setting is preferred.

Education/Training

A Master’s degree in Library Science (MLS) or a Master’s degree in Library and Information Science (MLIS) from an ALA accredited college/university is required.

Training or education that includes an emphasis on childhood or early childhood service is preferred.

License or Certificate

A valid current Texas driver’s license, the ability to obtain one within ninety (90) days of employment, or a military waiver is required.

Special Requirements

• Travel to other branches and outside locations for programs.
• Work evenings and weekends when schedule requires.
• Outreach and other programming may necessitate working outside in seasonal weather conditions as needed.

Physical Demand

• Medium – lifting no more than 50 pounds; carrying up to 25 pounds