Position: Children’s Librarian

Reports To: Library Director

Directly Supervises: Volunteers specifically assigned to Children’s area

Position Summary: The Children’s Librarian is responsible for effectively planning, implementing, and managing the children’s programming and material selection and maintenance for the library

General Responsibilities:

· Introduces literature and early literacy skill development through regular story time programs for babies, toddlers and preschool-age children and designs and prepares crafts to complement preschool story times

· Plans and organizes special events for children and families, including researching possible programs, contacting performers/experts, and overseeing scheduling and contracts (when necessary)

· Plans and presents class visits, tours, and other specialized programs for preschool and school-age youth

· Engages in outreach to and develops partnerships with schools, daycares, preschools, homeschool groups and other community organizations and agencies that serve children and their caregivers

· Evaluates and selects print, audio, and video items for purchase or replacement

· Reevaluates and deselects materials which need to be cancelled, repaired, replaced, or removed from the collection

· Monitors shelves in children’s area, straightening and filling displays and shelving as needed

· Maintains children’s circulation desk, providing copies of story time schedules, special events, recommended reading lists, etc.

· Attends workshops and meetings pertaining to the Children’s department, when possible

· Submits required reports and budget requests.

· May serve on library committees. Attends applicable department meetings.

· Assists with system-wide programs, activities, and initiatives

· Fulfills all duties at circulation desk as scheduled, including opening and closing library

· Other duties as assigned

Required Qualifications:

· Education: MLS/MLIS from an ALA-accredited program

· Two years of library experience

· Current Indiana Public Library certification, or the ability to attain one within two years

· Experience with young children in learning environments

· Comfortable with computers, standard office equipment and basic knowledge of MS Office, email, Internet, presentation platforms, and vendor-provided services

· Excellent written and verbal communication skills

· Ability to work cooperatively and have positive working relationship with patrons, co-workers, and volunteers

· Ability to prioritize job responsibilities and work independently

· A heart for families while seeing the value of professionalism in services and communications

Physical Requirements: Ability to lift at least 30 pounds, reach high shelves, stoop, bend and remain standing and/or sitting for extended periods of time

Work Environment: Ability to work without supervision in a fast-paced multitasking environment, interact with public in cordial fashion, be receptive to change, and attentive to details

Hours: Salaried, exempt, full time (37.5+ hours). Must be available to work evenings and occasional Saturdays

Salary: $40,000 – $70,000

Benefits: Health, Dental, Life Insurance, Vision, Vacation, Sick Time, Paid Holidays, and Retirement Plan

Extra Special Benefits: Hosting bedtime story time in your PJs; perfecting your drawing skills with crayons; singing and dancing with others; sharing your love of children’s literature and not feeling the least bit judged; creating excellent art pieces with your mad glue stick skills; being recognized as THE go-to person for all things child-related; smiling and laughing with little people while realizing you’re making an impact on others; providing a welcoming, fun, and safe environment for kids, parents, and caregivers; making new friends with fellow Pete the Cat fans; infusing energy and positivity to your department and library; and, solving book searches based on one or two descriptions of a book.

Please send resume and cover letter to Director Juli Wald at juliw@middleburylibrary.org. Priority will be given to applicants who respond by Friday, May 20th, 2022.