Librarian I - Youth Services - Main Branch

Overview

Under general guidance, the Youth Services Librarian manages all programming and services targeted at children and teens from birth to 18 years old. This role focuses on providing engaging, age-appropriate educational programs to foster a love of reading and learning. Independent judgment, tact, and initiative are essential. Performance is assessed through program planning, reporting, and supervisory conferences.

Key Responsibilities

• Design and lead diverse programs for youth, including weekly and monthly activities, special events, group tours, puppet shows, and multimedia presentations both inside and outside the library.
• Apply program production expertise to plan, implement, and evaluate the success of age-specific activities, incorporating a strong foundation in readers’ advisory tailored to young audiences.
• Partner with Technical Services to curate and maintain a current, well-organized children’s collection by recommending new materials and regularly removing outdated or damaged items.
• Provide personalized reference assistance and reader’s advisory to children, parents, teachers, and other library users, ensuring resources include print and digital formats that suit diverse needs.
• Compile and submit monthly reports detailing library activities and statistics to supervisors for administrative review.
• Operate personal or city vehicles to facilitate travel for outreach and programming.
• Perform additional job-related duties as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Familiarity with public library operations, especially pertaining to youth services and collection management.
• Proficiency with print, online resources, and current technologies relevant to children’s literature and library programs.
• Understanding of children's developmental stages and reading interests to tailor programs effectively.
• Ability to engage children through storytelling, puppetry, crafts, and multimedia presentations.
• Strong problem-solving skills, including participation in grant writing to secure program funding.
• Experience supervising and training paraprofessional and clerical staff, organizing community tours and visits.
• Competence in operating audio-visual equipment and motor vehicles.
• Effective communication skills, both written and verbal, with a professional and courteous demeanor.
• Commitment to fostering a safe, welcoming learning environment, and maintaining safety awareness for juvenile patrons.
• Dedication to professional development through association memberships, training, and teamwork.

Experience and Education

• Preferred: At least 1 year of experience in children’s literature or early childhood education within a public library.
• Required: Master’s degree in Library Science (MLS) or Library and Information Science (MLIS) from an ALA-accredited institution.
• Preferred emphasis on childhood or early childhood services in education or training.

Licenses and Requirements

• Must possess a valid Texas driver’s license or obtain one within 90 days of hire; military waivers accepted.
• Willingness to travel to various branches and off-site locations to conduct programs.
• Availability for evening and weekend work as scheduled.
• Ability to work outdoors as required for outreach activities.

Physical Demands

• The role requires medium strength activities such as lifting up to 50 pounds and carrying up to 25 pounds.
• Typical tasks include moderate standing, sitting, walking, lifting, carrying, pushing, pulling, kneeling, crouching, crawling, bending, twisting, balancing, and extensive fine motor skills.
• Tasks like climbing occur infrequently.
• Vision, hearing, and talking are extensively required to perform job functions.
• Exposure to outdoor elements during programming is expected at times.

Work Values and Behavioral Expectations

This position embraces the City of Abilene’s Core Values—Respect, Integrity, Service Above Self, and Excellence in All We Do. The incumbent is expected to lead and collaborate respectfully, ensuring dignity and courtesy among team members and patrons, while meeting deadlines and maintaining outstanding customer service.