Head of Youth Services, Kingston Public Library, (Kingston, MA)

Posted June 9, 2026

Job Description:

The Head of Youth Services is responsible for the planning, coordinating and directing of the provision of library service work in providing a comprehensive program through collection development, programming, reference and readers advisory services and public relations for patrons of the library. The Head of Youth Services acts as a bridge liaison to the children and teen departments. The employee is required to perform all similar or related duties.

Professional, supervisory, administrative and direct service work in providing a comprehensive program of public library services with a focus on technology to youth birth to 11 and their families through collection development, programming, reference and readers advisory services, and public relations for the Kingston Public Library; performs professional library functions of a responsible nature involving considerable judgment and initiative in designing programs, developing the children’s collection, and in supervising children’s activities; access to sensitive patron information; maintain a high degree of confidentiality and patron trust; all other related work as required.

Position Duties:

• Manages and supervises the children’s department at the Kingston Public Library.
• Writes and manages grants relating to children’s services.
• Plans, organizes, directs and implements programs and activities for children at the library; plans and conducts programs to stimulate the use of the library; including reading clubs, book fairs, holiday events, book readings at schools, and other related programs for children and parents; plans and develops related public relations materials.
• Provides reference and children’s services; provides reader advisory services for children, parents, teachers, and community and regional organizations; develops and maintains materials and collection for children.
• Initiates, develops, and responds to specific requests for services for pre-school through intermediate school classes; advises teachers and/or group leaders on age-appropriate programs and projects.
• Administers the Children’s Department budget. Develops and maintains collections in a variety of formats for children, families, parents, teachers, and students, requiring use of professional journals and standards, and a thorough knowledge of children’s materials, family relations, community resources, and child development.
• Supervises and manages the children’s area of the library website. Keeps informed of web resources for children.
• Actively integrates technology into children’s services. Attends workshops, webinars, conferences to keep abreast of appropriate emerging technologies. Keeps informed of current trends and developments affecting libraries and particularly in children’s librarianship.
• Plans and oversees the physical condition and appearance of the children’s department, including book and bulletin board displays.
• Assists, as needed, in the performance of all procedures relating to library services and library organization.
• Represents the library at professional meetings, workshops, conferences and seminars. Participates in regional, state, and network committees.
• Advises Library Director and Board of Trustees in the development of library policies and procedures, as related to the children’s department.
• Performs similar or related work as required or as situation dictates.
• Other duties as assigned by director.

Technology Services:

• Researches and keeps current with trends in library technology.
• Provides leadership in library outreach via technology and social media.
• Works with Library Director and other staff to create, manage, and update technology plan. Maintains knowledge of network architecture.
• Works on special projects as needed, such as migrating to new software and developing the staff intranet.
• Manages use of web-enabled equipment such as cameras, smartboards, television, announcement display monitors.
• Manages content for Technology service sections of library website; coordinates and manages website, acts as a primary contributor and designer for the library’s website.
• Participates in long range planning process for the library, including recommending changes or improvements and develops new types of service and operations.

Supervision:

• Works under the general direction of the Library Director.
• Performs professional library functions of a responsible nature involving considerable judgment and initiative in designing programs, in developing the children’s collection, and in supervising children’s activities.
• Supervises a variety of part-time and full-time employees and volunteers when they are assigned to the Children’s Room.

Qualifications:

Education and Experience:
Master’s degree in Library Science from an ALA-accredited school with a concentration in Children’s Services; experience in children’s services highly desirable; or any equivalent combination of education and experience. Familiarity with technology is highly desirable.

Knowledge, Ability and Skill:

Knowledge:
Working knowledge of the principles and practices of professional library work specifically related to library services including reference tools, current events, topics, movies, CDs and authors popular with the public, cataloging, automated library systems and information technology including web sites and the Internet; knowledge of the organization and management of library including operations and emerging technologies in support of department operations and services such as the inter library loan system and the Internet. Knowledge of and interest in children’s books, new or controversial literature and media; basic familiarity with many fields of knowledge. Knowledge of the organization and management of library operations. Knowledge and skill in Readers Advisory services and familiarity with reference sources. Knowledge of office software, the Internet and various forms of social media in support of department operations.

• Thorough knowledge of professional library principles, methods, material and practices specifically relating to services to children.
• Knowledge and skill in readers advisory services.
• Knowledge of and sensitivity to the special needs of children. Thorough knowledge of children’s literature; basic knowledge of child development.

Ability:
Ability to plan and develop creative programs and displays. Ability to handle numerous, diverse tasks at one time. Ability to interact positively with staff and the public, especially children and teenagers. Ability and interest in working with other staff and departments in cooperative approaches to service. Ability to relate well to the public and to organize programs. Ability to express self clearly both orally and in writing. Ability to use technology resources in children’s services. Ability to integrate emerging technologies into traditional children’s services. Ability to foster community awareness of the services available at the Kingston Public Library. Ability to work with schools, town departments, and other institutions.

Skills:
Proficient interpersonal, customer service and community outreach skills to interact with patrons of all ages; proficient oral and written communication skills; excellent organizational, analytical, listening and technology skills.

Hours & Compensation:

Full Time

Salary Range: $62,527.00 – $81,286.00  / year

How To Apply:

Qualified applicants should complete the Town of Kingston employment application found on the Town website under Employment and submit their résumé. Please include a cover letter with salary expectations. Application materials can be emailed to [email protected], mailed to the Town of Kingston Town House Attn: Human Resources, or hand delivered.
The Town of Kingston is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer.
Applications will be reviewed on a continuous basis and posting may close at any time.

To learn more about this position, please visit the official job posting linked here.