Youth Services Librarian

Town of Sharon; Sharon (MA); On-site; USD 42,000 - 54,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Paid holidays

Vacation and sick leave

Job summary

The Town of Sharon Public Library is seeking a Youth Services Librarian to design and deliver engaging library experiences for children and teens—from Storytime-age visitors to high schoolers. If you love connecting with youth through books, enjoy designing hands-on STEM and makerspace activities, and want to help shape a vibrant youth department, we’d love to hear from you.

Reporting to the Head of Youth Services for Children, you’ll plan programming, manage a curated collection, and serve as a

Qualifications

• MLS from an ALA-accredited program required.
• Experience with youth in public libraries preferred.
• Strong written and verbal communication; able to multitask independently.
• Collaborative team player across departments.

Responsibilities

• Plan programming for youth and families.
• Manage collection for children and teens.
• Lead Youth Services Department in supervisor’s absence.
• Create marketing materials and social media posts.
• Supervise tween/teen volunteers.
• Coordinate with other departments on initiatives.
• Engage with community events and outreach.

Skills

Storytime

STEM activities

MakerSpace

Communication

Education

MLS - Library Science

Tools

Canva

Job description

Due to a recent relocation, the Sharon Public Library is seeking an enthusiastic, creative, and service-oriented Youth Services Librarian to design and deliver engaging library experiences for children and teens—from Storytime-age visitors to high schoolers. If you love connecting with youth through books, enjoy designing hands-on STEM and makerspace activities, and want to help shape a vibrant, welcoming youth department, we’d love to hear from you.

About the Role

Reporting to the Head of Youth Services for Children, and ultimately to the Library Director, you'll collaborate with other members of the Youth Services Department to plan programming, manage a curated collection, and serve as a knowledgeable resource for young patrons and families — stepping in to lead the Youth Services Department when supervisory staff is off duty.

What You’ll Do

The essential functions or duties listed below are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work that may be performed. Omitting specific duty statements does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related, or a logical assignment to the position.

• Provides reference and readers’ advisory services for youth, parents, and caregivers at both youth service desks, including instruction on makerspace technology and other library resources.
• Chooses and purchases primarily middle-grade and high school fiction for the collection, utilizing best collection development practices.
• Designs thematic displays for the children’s room and young adult area.
• Creates passive programming experiences for children and teens.
• Supervises tween and teen volunteers in the absence of the senior youth service librarians.
• Cooperates with other departments to plan and develop initiatives that further the goals of the library.
• Creates marketing materials, social media posts, and other visual media using Canva or other appropriate graphic design tools.

• Collects and analyzes statistics relating to circulation and programming.
• Utilizes the maker space, including the 3D printer, to teach STEM concepts to primarily middle-grade and high school students.
• Conducts outreach by representing the library at community events and programs.
• Stays current with youth literature, library trends, and professional development opportunities.
• Responds to specific requests for school visits; advises teachers and/or group leaders on age-appropriate materials, programs, and/or projects.
• Researches and writes grant proposals.
• Maintains control over youth as needed to provide a safe and comfortable environment for all.
• Regularly interacts with children, caregivers, patrons, staff, vendors, organizations, and agencies, and must communicate complex information clearly.

What We’re Looking For

• Education: MLS (Master's degree in Library Science) from an ALA-accredited institution required; coursework in youth/YA literature, programming, and collection development preferred
• Experience: Prior experience with children and teens in a public library or educational setting preferred
• Strong written and verbal communication skills; comfortable multitasking and working independently in a busy, fast-paced environment
• A collaborative team player who takes initiative across departments

Good to Know

This is an active, hands-on role — expect noise and energy from children's activities, and the ability to lift up to 40 lbs. and bend, stretch, squat, or sit on the floor to engage with kids. Normal hearing, speech, and vision are required; additional physical requirements will be discussed during the interview.

Full-time, 37.5 hours per week, including alternating Saturday and evening hours.

Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $30.41–$39.43/hour, approximately $59,300–$76,889 annually, based on a 37.5-hour work week, per the Town of Sharon/SEIU Local 888 collective bargaining agreement

Benefits include health insurance (with a town contribution), paid holidays, vacation and sick leave, and other benefits per the applicable collective bargaining agreement or town personnel policy.

More information is available at: https://sharonpubliclibrary.org/job-opportunities/

The Town of Sharon is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law.