Head of Youth Services Librarian

Your Home Port. The Premier Community on the Great Lakes.

Port Washington is known for offering “a touch of New England charm combined with Midwestern friendliness” and has been named by Midwest Living to their Top 100 Best Midwest Small Town Getaways. Port Washington, today, is a tourist destination with a vibrant downtown and community events.

The City’s population is 12,353 resides within seven square miles including 4 miles of waterfront. The City provides full-city services including Public Safety (Police, Fire, EMS), Engineering, Public Works, Water and Sewer utilities, Building Inspections, Community Development, Parks and Recreation, Marina, Senior Center, Library, Finance, Clerk and Administration. We are a welcoming destination for living, working, and visiting that – combined with our core values of accountability, innovation, trust, industriousness, and friendship – create an environment with opportunities to make a positive impact for our community.

THE ROLE 

The Head of Youth Services is responsible for oversight of all youth services functions with a focus on children through teens and an emphasis on the provision of library services to youth in the Port Washington community that supports the W. J. Niederkorn Library mission set by the Library Board of Trustees.

• Coordinate activities with library staff and community members to create a youth-friendly, inclusive, welcoming, and respectful environment throughout the library and community, celebrating the diversity of youth and their families in our community.
• Oversees the planning, implementation and review of all youth programs and activities; Oversees collection development, selection and weeding of children’s and teen materials. 
• Assists in the development of the departmental budget and oversees appropriate expenditure of funds; Uses acquisitions funds in ILS system and catalogs children’s and YA materials. 
• Markets youth programs/services to the community via library newsletter, website, social media, newspaper, and other means in order to create participation and promotion.
• Keeps abreast of new trends in library services to youth and gauges what may be successful for our community. Compiles a wish list of possibilities along with funding consequences.
• Maintains regular communication with school staff and day care staff and visits schools and other facilities for children when practical, such as summer reading program promotion; Creates and maintains procedures for the Youth Services Department.
• Answer reference questions, assist customers with technology, and provide readers’ advisory guidance.
   

QUALIFICATIONS

What does it take to succeed in this role? We’re looking for a motivated individual with strong project management skills and a willingness to learn. You should also have: 

• Bachelor's degree in Library Science, Public Administration, or related field with an MLIS preferred
• Three (3) or more years of experience in public libraries with experience in the youth services department preferred
• Valid Wisconsin driver’s license

WHAT WE HAVE TO OFFER

The City of Port Washington offers an excellent benefits package, including inclusion in the state WRS pension plan, and ample opportunities for professional development. Starting pay is $25.00 per hour +/-, depending on experience and qualifications.

Commitment to Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging (DEIB)

The City is committed to building a culture where difference is valued and where everyone feels empowered to bring their full, authentic selves to work. We believe that every person brings a unique perspective and lived experience that advances our mission and vision to be the Premier Community on the Great Lakes. We commit to centering Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging in our community, our workforce, and our decision-making. These are more than just words. They are guiding principles that shine a path forward to foster a culture based on mutual respect and passion for the community we serve.