Community Engagement Librarian

The Oak Park Public Library seeks a full-time Librarian to join its Community Engagement team.

About the Oak Park Public Library

The Oak Park Public Library strategically prioritizes equity, anti-racism, engagement, learning, and stewardship. We serve a diverse population at our three locations and out in the Oak Park community. Our vision is to empower every voice in our community, and our mission is to share the information, services, and opportunities that fulfill Oak Park’s aspirations.

Position Summary

The Community Engagement Librarian collaborates with community partners to provide access to library services and resources outside traditional library spaces. They foster relationships and build bridges between community-based entities and work to bring community voices and equitable, inclusive collaborations inside library spaces. 

Under the direction of the Manager of Community Engagement, the person selected for this position will advance the library’s vision, mission, and strategic direction by:

• Executing day-to-day experiences related to designated service areas, 
• Leading or participating on project teams based upon areas of expertise and knowledge, 
• Providing direct service to patrons at service points located throughout the system and community, 
• Supporting library initiatives and projects, and 
• Contributing to projects across all service areas

Bilingualism in English and Spanish is a plus; while not required, fluency in Spanish will enable you to provide exceptional customer service and build relationships with our Spanish-speaking community members. 

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

The nature and allocation of work for a librarian may include, but are not limited to, the following:

Book Bike Management:

• Plan and execute Book Bike outings to parks, schools, community events, and other locations
• Engage with community members, provide excellent customer service, and promote library resources
• Circulate library materials and assist with new library card registrations using a mobile checkout system
• Stock and maintain the Book Bike's collection, ensuring it is well-organized and appealing
• Collaborate with other staff to plan and support Book Bike events and programs
• Ride the Book Bike to neighborhood locations across the village for outdoor, in-person engagement, such as community parks, schools, camps, festivals, and/or senior centers
• Circulate library materials and create new library card accounts using a mobile checkout system
• Provide exemplary customer service by answering questions, being an attentive listener, and engaging with community members inside and outside of the library
• Stock and unload library materials on/off the Book Bike or your personal vehicle 
• Co-facilitate and support outdoor storytime visits and other pop-up programming activities
• Document engagement data regarding outreach impact and Book Bike outings 
• Support other Community Engagement initiatives and services, staffing special events, and/or facilitating library-wide initiatives like the Summer Reading Program

Community Engagement:

• Build relationships with community partners and identify opportunities for collaboration
• Develop and deliver programs and services at community locations outside of the library
• Represent the library at community events and meetings
• Analyze community needs and contribute to the development of responsive library services

Programming:

• Design, facilitate, and evaluate programs in collaboration with other library staff

Service Points:

• Provide customer service, resolve conflicts, and troubleshoot technology issues

Required Qualifications

• Understands, supports, and advances the vision, mission, and strategic priorities of the library
• Analytical and problem-solving skills with excellent attention to detail
• Verbal and written communication skills, including presentation skills. Ability to express oneself clearly and effectively to internal and external stakeholders
• Service-oriented and committed to providing exceptional service to our patrons, staff, and community
• High level of professionalism and integrity with the capacity to maintain confidentiality.
• Proven ability with and knowledge of a wide range of physical and web-based technology, including but not limited to Windows PCs, Macs, mobile devices, social media, and standard desktop applications
• Working familiarity with ILS and related Library software, including print and PC management systems, RFID, and self-checkout technology
• Proven ability to exercise sound judgment and independent thinking
• Be comfortable riding a normal bicycle and an oversized tricycle (with and without an e-assist) on the streets within Oak Park village limits. (Note: Training will be provided on riding the tricycles safely.)
• Enjoy interacting with the public (especially children)
• Be comfortable working outdoors, primarily on one’s feet, for several hours at a time
• Be able to work independently and collaboratively
• Valid driver’s license and a reliable vehicle to provide year-round Community Engagement services
• Ability and willingness to work a flexible schedule, including evenings and weekends

Education and Experience

Required

• Master's degree in Library and Information Science from an ALA-accredited school (Consideration will be given to candidates who are within six months of completing their MLIS program provided they can demonstrate relevant experience and skills.)
• Experience planning and presenting programs
• Experience delivering customer service at library service points
• Valid driver’s license

Preferred

• Experience assisting and connecting with people from various ages and backgrounds
• Experience in building and managing community partnerships
• Experience with project management, instruction, and training
• Bilingual skills in a language relevant to Oak Park’s community

A combination of education, professional experience, and lived experiences that demonstrate the ability to successfully meet the position's requirements may be considered.

Details

This position is full-time, 40 hours per week. 

As part of the greater compensation package, library staff members receive generous benefits, including:

• 90% premium coverage for medical insurance for all tiers
• Enrollment in the Illinois Municipal Retirement Fund (IMRF), a premier defined benefit (pension) plan for Illinois municipal government employees
• 20 paid days of vacation annually
• 12 paid days of health leave annually
• 5 paid personal days annually
• 13 paid holidays each year
• 8 weeks of paid parental leave
• Remote work stipend (if applicable)
• $150 Lifestyle Spending Account to use to improve your physical, financial, and emotional well-being

Starting salary range: $54,000 to $64,000. Offers are made within this range based on competencies, experience, and internal equity. 

Please apply by Wednesday, November 20, to be considered for this position.

**The Oak Park Public Library is an equal opportunity employer. **We are committed to creating and supporting an environment of anti-racism, diversity, equity, and inclusion for the benefit of our staff, collections, programs and services, patrons, and community. Members of traditionally marginalized groups and those committed to working in a diverse cultural environment are encouraged to apply.