Full-Time Children/Youth Services Librarian

Demarest Public Library

Position: Full-Time Children/Youth Services Librarian

Are you passionate about inspiring and engaging young minds? Do you thrive in a dynamic and creative environment where innovation, technology, and community outreach are at the heart of everything you do? If so, the Demarest Public Library is looking for you! We are seeking a forward-thinking, tech-savvy, and fun-loving librarian to join our team as the next Children/Youth Services Librarian. In this role, you will work with children, teens, and families, developing and running programs as you foster a love for reading and learning in our community.  This role reports to the Library Director as their direct supervisor.

Key Responsibilities:

• Programming & Outreach: Design, plan, and execute a variety of innovative programs for children and teens, including storytimes, monthly crafts, summer reading programming, STEM activities, and more. Lead in-person and virtual programming that captivates diverse audiences.
• Collection Development: Lead the development and maintenance of a high-quality, inclusive collection for children and youth, ensuring it reflects current trends in children’s and teen literature, educational resources, and technology.
• Community Engagement: Foster and maintain relationships with local organizations, schools, vendors, volunteers, and community groups to expand library outreach, ensuring our resources and services are accessible to all families and children in the area.
• Communications: Develop and maintain the Youth Services department’s social media presence, create promotional materials, write press releases with administration and ensure that programming information reaches the community via various communication channels
• Technology Integration: Utilize and promote emerging technologies in administrative tasks and library programming, ensuring patrons of all ages can engage with library offerings and the latest tools and resources in the digital landscape.
• Youth Services Leadership: Provide expert reference services and readers’ advisory to children and young adults, assisting them in discovering new books, resources, and materials that align with their interests and developmental needs.
• **Administration: **Supervise pages and manage their schedules, working closely with other staff members to coordinate staffing needs, ensure efficient coverage, and collaborate on program development and execution within the Children’s Department..
• Professional Development: Stay current with library science trends, including attending professional seminars and participating in industry organizations to continually improve library services and methodologies.
• Operational Support: Catalog children’s books and media, assist patrons with library equipment, and maintain the children’s department’s daily operations, ensuring an efficient, safe, sanitary, and welcoming space for all visitors.
• Prepare a monthly board report to update board members on the activities, progress, challenges, and key performance indicators of the Children’s Department, ensuring all relevant information is effectively communicated for informed decision-making.

Qualifications:

• Education: Master’s Degree in Library Science or Library and Information Science from an ALA-accredited institution.
• Certification: Professional Librarian certificate. 
• Experience: 1-3 years of experience in a professional library setting, with direct experience working with children from birth through age 17 and a strong background in children’s and teen literature.
• Skills: Proficiency in computers and technology trends, with strong programming abilities to create dynamic activities and engaging library experiences for all ages.
• Interpersonal Skills: Ability to connect with children, parents, caregivers, and community members in a warm and engaging manner.

Physical Demands:

• This role requires occasional lifting of materials (up to 20 pounds), pushing carts, bending, reaching, and standing for extended periods.

Work Hours:

• This is a full-time position with a flexible schedule that includes daytime, evening, and weekend hours. 

To Apply:

Interested candidates should email their cover letter, resume, and three professional references to Library Director Parinda Desai at [email protected]. Please include “Children/Youth Services Librarian” in the subject line.

“Good Faith” Salary, Range, or Rate of Pay

Compensation & Benefits:

• The Demarest Public Library offers a comprehensive benefits package, including health coverage, pension, paid holidays, vacation days, personal time, and sick leave. The salary is competitive and commensurate with experience and aligned with NJLA guidelines.