Children’s & Young Adult Librarian, Forbes Library, Northampton, MA

Posted December 1, 2019

Forbes Library, Northampton’s public library, is looking for a creative and energetic person to work in our bustling Children’s and Young Adult Department.

Northampton is one of the top small arts cities in the United States and lies in the heart of the beautiful Connecticut River Valley. The city of just under 30,000 offers a vibrant downtown unique for its number of independent businesses and a lifestyle rich in cultural, artistic, and academic resources.

 

Duties and Responsibilities

The Children’s & YA Librarian is responsible for providing quality customer service to patrons. This includes, but is not limited to: perform daily operations of the circulation desk, including readers’ advisory; assist in developing and executing programming for patrons, including baby, toddler and preschool storytimes, afterschool programming for children, and teen programming; conduct outreach at community events and in schools; create and maintain book displays; and shelving as needed. The position reports to the Head of Children’s & Young Adult Services and works 37.5 hours per week, including occasional Saturdays.

Other job functions include: select and purchase books and other materials; assist with using social media and update the library’s website and online calendar; maintain the appearance, orderliness, and security of the department when on duty; co-coordinate the department’s Summer Reading program; work productively in a team atmosphere collegially with peers and supervisors; help create an atmosphere that celebrates inclusion and diversity; perform special Children’s/YA duties and projects; help to train and supervise work study students; help to ensure that patrons and staff follow library policies to protect patrons’ rights and library materials; and other duties as assigned. In the absence of the department head, this person is responsible for overseeing the department.

 

Qualifications

Master’s degree in Library Science from an ALA-accredited program and one year experience working with children and families. Creativity and self-motivation, independent thinking and initiative, strong communication skills, flexibility and adaptability to change.

Preference will be given to applicants who have experience working in a public library with young patrons, knowledge of/interest in library technology and social media, and a strong background/interest in Children’s and Young Adult services, literature, and programming.

 

Working Conditions

Considerable public and staff contact at noisy, busy circulation desk. Sometimes lifts and/or transports objects weighing 5 to 20 pounds; pushes or pulls carts loaded with materials; retrieves and/or shelves objects weighing 5 to 20 pounds from all shelving areas. Possible exposure to dust, newsprint, mold, etc. Extended periods of standing or sitting may be required.

 

Salary/Benefits: Grade 8: $18.77 – $23.88/ hour. Health insurance; vacation, sick, and personal time.

Closing Date: December 2nd, 2019

 

To apply, please submit cover letter, resume and names of three references to Sarah Johnson, Head of Children’s and Young Adult Services, via email at [email protected]