Library Assistant - Youth Services

Mahopac Public Library has an immediate opening for an enthusiastic, self-motivated, and team-oriented Library Assistant to work part-time [15-25 hours/week] in our Youth Services department.

The successful candidate will be willing to perform a wide range of tasks.  Some of the duties associated with this position include planning, promoting and implementing after-school programs for elementary school age students.  Programs may include, but are not limited to, STEAM topics, story-time theater or puppetry, Book Buddies, book clubs, arts & crafts, and community guest reader series.  Additional responsibilities my include special programming during school vacations and staffing the Youth Services desk as needed.  There may also be an opportunity to assist with special projects.

Candidates must have a genuine desire to work with children and families, and must be able to work independently, as well as cooperatively with library staff as part of a team.  Solid previous experience working with children in a school, camp, after school or other educational program is desired. have great customer service skills and be friendly and approachable with all library patrons and other staff members. Our ideal candidate will have all of the above plus a mature, responsible attitude, flexibility and a sense of humor.

Hours include 3-4 afternoons a week, with occasional evenings and weekends.

Duties include, but are not limited to:

ESSENTIAL DUTIES

• Assisting patrons with reading guidance, locating materials, answering reference questions, and teaching library and computer skills;

• Performing general clerical duties, including using a computer, filing, and registering children and teens for programs;

• Preparing craft projects and other materials for programs;

• Creating special displays, including making bulletin-board type backdrops and selecting appropriate books;

• Attending and participating in workshops and library meetings and visits outside organizations and/or schools as required;

• Assisting in promoting and publicizing library events;

• Monitoring Children's Room and Teen Area, keeping them neat and orderly;

• Assisting with opening and closing duties, as assigned;

• Contributing to a high quality work culture through participation in training and mentoring to develop skills, including safety related training and skills;

• Providing excellent customer service and ensures high operational and service standards;

• Performing duties according to Mahopac Public Library Policies and Procedures, and any applicable laws regulated by an outside authority; and

• Completing additional projects as assigned by the Department Head(s).

• Performs such other duties as may be assigned.

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

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

Knowledge of:

• Microsoft Office Suite;

• Dewey Decimal system;

• Effective customer service techniques;

• Current and classic children's literature;

• General child development; and

• Library reference systems.

Skill/Ability to:

• Understand and follow instructions;

• Multitask;

• Demonstrate proficiency in both oral and written communication;

• Perform duties in a professional manner and demonstrate understanding, patience, and open-mindedness while assisting library patrons who are diverse in age, culture, beliefs, lifestyle, demographics, socioeconomic background, etc.;

• Accurately shelve books and materials;

• Accurately perform data entry relating to books, materials, and participant registrations;

• Operate standard office equipment, including computer using standard word processing, data inquiry, and library reference software;

• Perform simple mathematical calculations;

• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with co-workers;

• Interface with other employees and customers in a courteous and respectful manner;

• Project positive support of their department and the Mahopac Library at all times; and

• Maintain and enhance the Mahopac Public Library's commitment to customer service excellence.

RECRUITMENT QUALIFICATIONS

Required:

Bachelors’ degree.

PLEASE NOTE: Your degree must have been awarded by a college or university accredited by a regional, national, or specialized agency recognized as an accrediting agency by the U.S. Department of Education/U.S. Secretary of Education.

Desired:

• Previous experience working in a library environment.

• At least one (1) year of experience working with children and/or teens.

• Bilingual in Spanish

Work Environment

Most work is performed in an indoor environment. Must be able to work days, evenings, and weekends. May be required to change schedule to fill in for other staff. Standing or sitting, for long periods of time is required, as is stooping, bending, and lifting as much as forty (40) pounds independently, and pushing a book truck.

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS

Salary: $22.00/hr.

Benefits:

• Paid sick/personal days

• Paid holidays

• Paid Family Leave

• Option to enroll in the NY State Retirement System

• Option to enroll in New York State Deferred Compensation

• Option to enroll in AFLAC

This is a Civil Service position.  Permanent appointment dependent upon completion of the Library Assistant examination and score.

If interested, email your resume and cover letter to Cindy Green, Head of Youth Services, at [email protected] by April 22, 2025.