Assistant Youth Services Librarian, Palmer Public Library, (Palmer, MA)

Posted August 22, 2025

Description

Performs professional librarian tasks for the library including development and maintenance of print and non-print collections for children, tweens, and teens. Plans, implements, and evaluates programs, and provides reference service and community outreach. Performs other duties as required. This is a bargaining unit position in AFSCME Local 1364. The Palmer Public Library is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer, committed to nondiscrimination and cultural diversity.

Responsibilities

Assists the Youth Services Librarian and Young Adult Librarian with:

Developing and maintaining the print and non-print collections for youth of all ages.
Selecting and ordering materials for youth, within established department budgets.
Maintaining awareness of popular titles and trends in youth publishing to facilitate collection development and reader’s advisory.
Planning, preparation, and implementation of youth programs.
Administering the youth Summer Reading Program.
Publicizing programs, services, and special events, including maintenance of the library website, posting to various social media channels, and any other relevant forms of publicity.
Providing outreach to the community, including the Palmer Public School System, homeschool students, and families/caregivers in the greater Palmer community.
Maintaining and decorating the youth and young adult space, including creating themed displays.

Works daily rotations on circulation, reference, and youth services desks, including one evening a week and a regular Saturday rotation.
Uses the Evergreen Integrated Library System to circulate material and maintain patron records
Assists patrons with circulation, interlibrary loan, and related functions.
Assists patrons in the use of library equipment, technology, and electronic resources such as the online catalog, research databases, downloadable e-books and audiobooks, and the internet, etc.
Provides reference services, bibliographic instruction, and reader’s advisory to children, teens, and adults in person, over the phone, or via email.
Actively participates in team meetings and activities to support the library’s mission, goals, and objectives.
Attends continuing education opportunities and network meetings as appropriate to the position and within the library’s budget and schedule.
Reads professional literature to stay current with emerging library trends and technology.
Provides quality customer service and builds positive community relationships.

Qualifications

Required:

Bachelor’s degree.

Preferred:

American Library Association accredited Master of Library Science degree.
One year of library experience.
One year of experience working with youth.
Comfort with a range of social media platforms.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

Commitment to public service.
Ability to be helpful, friendly, courteous, and tactful with patrons; and exhibit a professional demeanor at all times in dealings with the public, co-workers, and volunteers.
Knowledge of youth and young adult literature and related materials.
Knowledge of libraries including purpose, use, and goals of public libraries.
Knowledge of library technology, social media, and the internet.
Working knowledge of the content and use of information resources in all media formats.
Excellent computer skills, including expertise with personal computers and other devices used to access and print information from library databases and the internet.
Ability to interpret library services and policies to the general public.
Ability to plan, organize, and conduct programs; and to make public presentations and use computer technology with groups in meeting rooms and computer labs.
Ability to understand and meet the needs of the community with appropriate library services and programs.
Knowledge of professional literature.
Ability to work independently and to exercise initiative and good judgment in the performance of duties.
Ability to work collaboratively with co-workers and volunteers in daily activities and on special projects.
Ability to handle and prioritize many tasks and duties, and to work effectively and meet deadlines.
Excellent verbal and written communication skills.

Hours and Compensation

Full-time (35 hours per week). $20.47 – $22.75 / hour, depending on qualifications. Full benefits as a Town of Palmer employee.

How to Apply

Interested candidates should submit a cover letter, resume, and names of 3 references to:
Matthew DeCara, Palmer Public Library, 1455 North Main Street, Palmer, MA 01069, or to [email protected].

Open until filled. For first consideration, please apply by September 15th.