Youth Services Librarian – Bennington Free Library (Bennington, VT)

Vermontlibraries; Bennington (VT); On-site; USD 50,000 - 56,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Retirement

Paid vacation, sick leave and holidays

Job summary

The Bennington Free Library seeks a creative, energetic, and community‑oriented Youth Services Librarian. This full-time position plays a vital role in promoting early literacy and lifelong learning by providing inclusive, engaging library services and programming for children and their caregivers, tweens, teens, educators, and families.

The Youth Services Librarian reports to the Director, and acts as an advisor to the Director on all matters relating to the Children’s Library and Young Adult

Qualifications

• Master’s degree in Library & Information Science or Information Studies from an ALA-accredited institution.
• Two years professional, public library experience.
• Two years of youth/teen programming experience.
• Background check required

Responsibilities

• Fosters a welcoming, child-centered, inclusive space for youth and families.
• Develops and maintains youth services collection and displays.
• Plans, delivers, and evaluates engaging programs (storytimes, after school, events).
• Manages outreach via Book Express and school partnerships.
• Promotes programming through media outlets and grant initiatives.
• Supervises youth staff, pages, and volunteers.
• Completes reports and grant evaluations

Skills

Youth services

Programming

Budgeting

Communication

Library systems

Education

MLIS / MLS

Tools

Library software

Catalog databases

Microsoft Office

Job description

The Bennington Free Library seeks a creative, energetic, and community-oriented Youth Services Librarian. This full-time position plays a vital role in promoting early literacy and lifelong learning by providing inclusive, engaging library services and programming for children and their caregivers, tweens, teens, educators, and families.

The Youth Services Librarian reports to the Director, and acts as an advisor to the Director on all matters relating to the Children’s Library and Young Adult collection. Additional duties may be assigned by the Director as appropriate.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Fosters a welcoming, safe, child-centered, inclusive and, accessible space for youth and their families
• Serves as an advocate for children’s reading rights, supporting choice, and access to a diverse array of books and resources
• Develops and maintains themed book displays and the Discovery Centers in the Children’s Room
• Maintains and develops the youth services collection, including selection, weeding, and budgeting
• Provides computer guidance for children and teens at the public access stations

Programming

• Plans, develops, and delivers engaging programs (on-site or off) for children of all ages, including weekly storytimes, after school activities, and special monthly and annual events.
• Develops and conducts the summer reading program.
• Cultivates strong relationships with local schools, preschools, daycare centers, and nonprofit organizations
• Manages and maintains Book Express, an outreach delivery service of books and materials to area preschools, childcare centers and family childcare homes
• Provides outreach programs to area schools (classroom visits, story hours)

Administrative

• Promotes children’s and young adult programming through various media outlets
• Participates in VELI (Vermont Early Literacy Initiatives) and implements these grant funded initiatives
• Supervises, assigns projects, and supports the Youth Services Assistants, page, and volunteers
• Contributes statistical and narrative reports to the Director, as requested
• Applies for and implements grants for youth-related programs, services, and collections, including writing grant evaluations and final reports
• Manages a budget for grants, children’s and young adult collections, children’s programs and supplies
• Assists Director in formulating general library policies and procedures for the Children’s Library and assists in implementing them
• Pursues professional development opportunities to maintain knowledge of the field and utilizes resources available through the Vermont Department of Libraries
• Performs other related duties as assigned

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES REQUIRED BY THE POSITION:

• Knowledge of library principles, practices, tools, policies, and procedures, including collection development, planning, coordination, evaluation of services, and budgeting.
• Thorough knowledge of youth and teen services, programming, literature, developmental stages, and interests.
• Proficiency in use of technology, including but not limited to library automated systems, databases, office and consumer technology, and marketing/graphic design software.
• Skill in organizational planning and budgeting.
• Ability to set goals, determine priorities, and complete projects independently and in a team environment.
• Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing, with all age groups.
• Ability to keep good records.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with both internal and external customers, including the public, supervisors, subordinates, trustees, friends, town employees, community groups, and the local press.

WORKING CONDITIONS/PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

Normal library environment. Frequent interruptions.

May spend periods at a computer terminal or on telephone requiring eye-hand coordination and finger dexterity. Regularly required to walk, stand for (long) periods, bend, crouch, reach, and lift and carry books and materials. Must be able to lift 25 pounds. Driving a car to outside events may be required.

QUALIFICATIONS: IDEALLY:

• Master’s degree in Library & Information Science or Information Studies from an ALA-accredited institution.
• Two years professional, public library experience.
• Two years of experience in youth and/or teen programming.
• A background check is required

BENEFITS:

• This is a 40-hour per week position. Some evening and weekend hours will be required.
• Starting salary: $50,000-$56,000 depending on experience.
• The position includes a benefits package, including:
• Health insurance
• Retirement
• Paid vacation, sick leave and holidays