Librarian- Youth Services- Main Library

POSITION SUMMARY:

The Youth Services Librarian is responsible for the oversight, planning, and implementation of, programming, collection development, and outreach for children and teens. This role involves curating a diverse and engaging collection of materials, designing and executing high-quality programs that promote literacy and learning, and developing outreach initiatives to connect with youth and families in the community. The Youth Services Librarian collaborates with library staff, community partners, and local organizations to ensure that all services meet the evolving needs of young patrons, fostering a love of reading and lifelong learning.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS OF THE POSITION:

• Develops and implements strategic plans, goals, and objectives for youth services programming, collections, and outreach activities.
• Provides visionary leadership and guidance to youth services staff, fostering a culture of excellence, innovation, and collaboration within the youth services department.
• Collaborates with library administration, branch managers, and stakeholders to align youth services initiatives with the library system's mission, vision, and strategic priorities.
• Coordinates the planning, development, and execution of a wide variety of youth services programs, including early literacy story times, STEAM activities, programs for teens and school-aged children, summer reading initiatives, and cultural events.
• Analyzes data, patron feedback, and usage statistics to identify trends, assess community needs, and inform decision-making related to program planning, resource allocation, and strategic direction.
• Prepares reports, presentations, and recommendations highlighting youth services achievements, challenges, and opportunities for improvement for library administration, youth services staff, and stakeholders.
• Oversees the selection, acquisition, cataloging, and maintenance of youth services collections, including books, multimedia materials, and digital resources.
• Provides leadership, guidance, training, and support to youth services staff including performance evaluation, and professional development opportunities.
• Fosters a culture of collaboration, communication, and teamwork among youth services staff, encouraging knowledge sharing, best practice adoption, and staff empowerment.
• Collaborates with youth services staff across all library locations to coordinate programming, resource sharing, and staff development initiatives.  
• Works with community partners, and local organizations to develop and implement outreach strategies that promote youth services programs and resources to underserved populations and marginalized communities.
• Coordinates the scheduling and logistics of ancillary programs and services such as food literacy, health and wellness initiatives, summer reading program events, program resources, and reading incentive practices.   
• Represents the Main Library at community events, meetings, and forums to raise awareness of youth services initiatives, build partnerships, and advocate for the library's role in supporting children and teens.
• Coordinates outreach efforts, such as school visits, library tours, and community presentations, to connect with youth, families, and caregivers and promote library services and resources effectively.
• Identifies and pursues external funding opportunities, grants, and sponsorships to support youth services initiatives and supplement library budget allocations as needed.
• Collaborates with library staff to create engaging promotional materials, such as flyers, posters, brochures, social media posts, and newsletters, to increase awareness of library services and events.
• Provides reference services such as readers’ advisory for children, parents, caregivers, and educators. 
• Builds and maintains positive relationships with community organizations, local businesses, schools, civic groups and other stakeholders to promote the library’s programs, services, and volunteer opportunities.
• Stays informed on community needs and trends: Keep abreast of local community issues, demographics, and trends to proactively identify opportunities for library involvement and develop responsive programming.

• Excellent communication skills both written and verbal.
• Strong organizational skills and time management abilities.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Knowledge of developmental stages and needs of children and young adults.
• Familiarity with children’s and young adult literature across genres and formats.
• Knowledge of designing and implementing library programs and events for children and teens. 
• Proficient in using technology and software applications such as databases, Microsoft Office, social media platforms, and graphic design software and tools.  
• Knowledge of the operation principles and practices of a public library and practices of library science.
• Knowledge of the use of computer systems including on-line systems, computer software, printers, and other peripheral hardware.
• Ability to provide excellent customer service to library patrons of all ages.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective and collaborative working relationships with other employees, volunteers, and community partners.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS TO PERFORM WORK: 

• Master’s of Library Science degree with a preference for prior professional public library experience.
• Minimum of two years of supervisory experience.
• Possession of a valid North Carolina driver's license 

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:
Must be able to perform medium work frequently exerting up to 30 pounds of force to lift, carry, push, pull, or otherwise move objects; and occasionally requiring to exert up to 50 pounds of force to move objects.  This work also involves the physical abilities of balancing, crawling, crouching, grasping, handling, perceiving sounds at normal speaking levels, kneeling, lifting, using mental acuity, pulling, pushing, reaching, performing repetitive motion, speaking, standing, stooping, expressing ideas by the spoken word, and walking.  An incumbent must also possess the visual acuity to prepare and analyze data and figures, to operate a computer terminal, for extensive reading; for visual inspection of books and materials at distances close to the eyes, and for use of measurement devices.

WORK ENVIRONMENT:
The employee works in a library environment.