PT Youth Services Library Assistant (2x) - Montclair Public Library

Montclair Public Library; Montclair (NJ); On-site; USD 22,000 - 28,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Sick time and professional development

Job summary

Montclair Public Library is seeking a Youth Services Library Assistant who will engage children, teens, and families through programs, readers advisory, and public service. This front-facing role supports multiple service points and includes Passport Acceptance Agent training, with a focus on welcoming, collaborative teamwork and reliable service.

Hours include evenings and weekends, with compensation of $17.37 per hour.

Qualifications

• Associates degree or equivalent.
• Experience working directly with the public.
• Comfort engaging children and their caregivers in a group setting.
• Strong communication and service instincts.
• Ability to work evenings and weekends.
• Ability to push book carts and lift up to 20 lbs.
• Eligibility to become a Passport Acceptance Agent.

Responsibilities

• Provide excellent, child-appropriate customer service at youth service points.
• Plan, prepare, and deliver programs for children and families (storytime, crafts, STEAM, clubs, etc.).
• Offer reader’s advisory and basic reference to children, teens, parents, and caregivers.
• Assist with program promotion (flyers, displays, calendars, digital signs, etc.).
• Serve at Borrower Services, Adult Services, and the branch as needed / schedule and after training.
• Perform circulation functions (check-in/out, holds, card registration, renewals).
• Assist patrons with computers, printing, and basic troubleshooting.
• Set up and clean up rooms and materials before and after programs.
• Support collection maintenance (shelving, picklists, shelf-reading, light repair, weeding).
• Enforce policies consistently and communicate them with tact.
• Other duties as assigned.

Skills

Customer service

Clear communication

Program planning

Tech literacy

Team collaboration

Reliability

Flexibility

Physical ability

Education

Associates degree or equivalent

College degree

Tools

Canva

Google Workspace

Job description

The Youth Services Library Assistant is a people-centered, energetic teammate who delights in working with children, teens, and their families. This role blends public service, creative programming, and behind-the-scenes support to make the library a joyful and reliable resource for young learners and their caregivers.

About You

• You love working with children and families and bring warmth, patience, and good judgment
• You communicate clearly with people of all ages and know how to redirect with kindness
• You enjoy planning engaging activities and you are not afraid of a noisy room full of kids
• You are confident with everyday technology and are willing to learn new tools quickly
• You are flexible and comfortable moving between tasks and service points
• You like being part of a collaborative team and understand that the library is one system, not silos
• You are reliable, take ownership of your work, and follow through on commitments
• You believe libraries are for learning, belonging, and community

The Role

As a Library Assistant in Youth Services, your primary work is with children of all ages, families, and caregivers via programs, reader’s advisory, and public service. You will plan and deliver programs with ample departmental support and guidance. In addition to Youth Services, you will be trained and regularly scheduled at other public service points including Borrower Services, Adult Services, and the Bellevue Avenue Branch. You will also be required to become a Passport Acceptance Agent. This is a front-facing, community-serving role in a busy library.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide excellent, child-appropriate customer service at youth service points
• Plan, prepare, and deliver programs for children and families (storytime, crafts, STEAM, clubs, etc.)
• Offer reader’s advisory and basic reference to children, teens, parents, and caregivers
• Assist with program promotion (flyers, displays, calendars, digital signs, etc.)
• Serve at Borrower Services, Adult Services, and the branch as needed / schedule and after training
• Perform circulation functions (check-in/out, holds, card registration, renewals)
• Assist patrons with computers, printing, and basic troubleshooting
• Set up and clean up rooms and materials before and after programs
• Support collection maintenance (shelving, picklists, shelf-reading, light repair, weeding)
• Enforce policies consistently and communicate them with tact
• Other duties as assigned

This Job isNotfor someone who

• Avoids working directly with children or finds noise/disruption intolerable
• Prefers to work alone and resists collaboration or rotation to other service desks
• Feels uncomfortable saying “no” or upholding rules with the public
• Avoids technology or resists learning new systems
• Wants a quiet back-room job without public interaction

Qualifications

Minimum

• Associates degree or equivalent
• Experience working directly with the public
• Comfort engaging children and their caregivers in a group setting
• Strong communication and service instincts
• Ability to work evenings and weekends
• Ability to push book carts and lift up to 20 lbs
• Eligibility to become a Passport Acceptance Agent

Preferred

• College degree
• Experience working with children or teens (library, school, recreation, etc.)
• Experience creating or assisting with youth programs
• Familiarity with Canva, Google Workspace, or similar tools
• Fluency in a second language

Details

Schedule A: Monday 10-5, Thursday 10-6, Friday 10-6

Schedule B:Tuesday 11-6, Wednesday 10-6, Thursday 11-7

Compensation:$17.37 / hour

Reports to:Head of Youth Services

Benefits:Sick time and professional development opportunities

Montclair Public Library is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to equity, diversity, and inclusion. Reasonable accommodations available during the application/interview process per ADA. NJ residency required per State Law.