Middle School Librarian

The Browning School is a K-12 boys school located on 62nd Street in midtown Manhattan, New York. Founded by scholar and teacher John A. Browning, The Browning School has been a leader in fostering the intellectual and personal growth of boys and young men since 1888. Serving roughly 400 students in kindergarten through grade 12, Browning strives to combine the best of a traditional prep school environment and curriculum with imaginative teaching and a strong value system – all in a single-sex setting.

MISSION STATEMENT AND VALUES 

The Browning School fosters growth of courageous and compassionate men of intellect and integrity who aspire to contribute meaningfully to our world.

The Browning gentleman develops amid a community that upholds these values…
 

HONESTY
We speak the truth, act with integrity, and take responsibility for our actions.

DIGNITY
We honor and celebrate the dignity of all people and support the power of a diverse, inclusive, and welcoming community.

CURIOSITY
We encourage and celebrate open-minded inquiry about our world and the perspectives of those around us.

PURPOSE
We believe that education encourages exploration and discovery in pursuit of meaning and enduring fulfillment.
 

DIVERSITY STATEMENT

The Browning School strives to create a diverse community in which all members are safe, respected and valued. We believe that in actively promoting a diverse learning environment, we are fostering intellectual, social, and emotional growth for all. Recognizing and pursuing diversity, however, are not enough; we seek to transcend mere tolerance of differences and aspire to a celebration of the varied appearances, abilities, perspectives, and values that characterize our community.

BROWNING PHILOSOPHY OF LEARNING

Boys come to Browning to be known, challenged, and inspired.  When a boy’s capacities and aspirations are known and understood by his teachers, that boy can be guided, year after year, to take increasing ownership of his learning.  He will develop the disposition not only to respond to others’ questions, but also the ability to craft questions of his own, questions that will drive his class’s process of inquiry.  Through this activity, the boys are likewise challenged to ask similar searching questions of themselves.  It is through this questioning that they come to understand their identities as intellectual and moral agents, and recognize the opportunities they have to develop and refine their senses of self and character.  In reflecting upon the bigger, essential questions that arise from their self-examination and academic work alike, Browning boys are inspired to seek a deeper level of understanding and to build a sense of purpose that will engage their passions and skills in the service of the world beyond themselves.

POSITION DESCRIPTION 

The Browning School seeks an experienced, dynamic, full-time Middle School Librarian for the 2025-26 school year starting August 2025. The ideal candidate will support our school’s mission, goals, and vision; value community; bring a spirit of enthusiasm and energy; and be willing to take thoughtful initiative in a collaborative setting with a commitment to equity and inclusion.

The Browning School library aims to support the curricula of The Browning School by providing students with access to print and digital materials that will enhance, supplement, and reinforce their classroom work. The Middle School Librarian is an essential member of The Browning School academic team, responsible for maintaining and enhancing the library resources and fostering a love of reading among students. This position is new with room to grow.

Reporting to the Library Director, the Middle School Librarian serves as the main point of contact for Middle School students, faculty, staff, and families in their interactions with the library. Working in partnership with the Lower School Librarian, the Middle School Librarian will oversee the library's daily operations and provide essential support to the middle school community. Annual salary range for 2025-2026 based on years of teaching experience and level of degrees earned: $80,000 - $95,000. 

Key Responsibilities

• Curriculum Instruction: Teach Media Literacy to Grades 5 & 6 helping students develop essential research and information literacy skills.
• Classroom Instruction: Teach a Middle School course (most likely English or history).
• Collection Management: Maintain and curate the Middle School library collection, including shelving, weeding, and creating engaging displays to promote resources.
• Research Support: Collaborate with grade 7-8 teachers to support research projects and provide guidance on effective research strategies.
• Library Events: Collaborate with the Parents Association to coordinate and communicate details about the annual book fair.
• Summer Reading Program: Manage the middle school summer reading program, including inviting authors and illustrators.
• Diversity and Inclusion: Actively seek out and incorporate diverse perspectives and experiences into the library's collection and programming to create an inclusive environment.
• Library Management: Oversee the day-to-day operations of the Middle School library section, making sure it is a welcoming and accessible space for all students.
• Middle School Advisor: Provide guidance and support to students, helping them navigate academic and social challenges.
• Covering Lunch Periods and Middle School Clubs: Supervise students during lunch periods and Middle School clubs.

Desired Qualifications

• A Master's of Library Science (MLS), Masters of Library and Information Science (MLIS)
• Ideally experience as a school librarian, preferably in a middle school setting
• Technology proficiency and experience, including familiarity with Follett Destiny, Overdrive Marketplace, Sora, Libguides in order to maintain library and patron records in Follett Destiny 
• Strong knowledge of children's and young adult literature, with a focus on diverse and inclusive materials
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively with teachers, students, and the broader school community
• Demonstrated experience in creating engaging library programs and events that foster a love of reading
• Desire to pursue professional development by attending library conferences and workshops
• Familiarity with the unique needs and interests of an all-boys school environment

Key Competencies

In general, successful members of the Browning faculty are: 

• Champions of boys -- They believe in and love the expansive potential in boys. 
• Relationship-oriented -- They actively build meaningful relationships with students and families.
• Purpose-driven -- They are inquiry-minded, curious and resourceful in finding solutions and growth opportunities.
• Justice-seeking -- They seek to address students and their needs with an equity-oriented and antiracist lens and engage in the deep work of equity in the classroom and school community.
• Can-do collaborators -- They seek collaboration and listen deeply to others, and they believe that a can-do attitude allows a team to accomplish more.

The Browning School seeks to promote diversity in its hiring process and is committed to building an inclusive community and culturally diverse faculty. The Browning School does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, age, national or ethnic origin, sexual orientation, citizenship, marital status, disability, or any other basis.

Those interested in the position should send their résumé and a cover letter to Murielle Louis, Library Director through this link.