Outreach Services Librarian/Children's Services Librarian

Do you believe libraries are more than books? Are you passionate about empowering young minds, sparking creativity, and building community connections that make a lasting impact? If so, you might be the perfect fit for our team!

We’re looking for a dynamic Outreach Services Librarian and a Children's Services Librarian who are equal parts educators, event planners, storytellers, and community ambassadors. One of these roles is your chance to champion literacy, imagination, and lifelong learning—inside the library and out in the community.

The Community

El Paso de Robles, or "The Pass of the Oaks," is located halfway between San Francisco and Los Angeles, in San Luis Obispo County. Paso Robles is surrounded by scenic rolling hills and California’s premier wine regions and is only 27 miles from beautiful beaches. This thriving community of over 30,000 actively engaged residents possesses the benefits of a suburban-rural community while retaining a small-town feel. With over 200 wineries nearby and a bustling downtown with a variety of excellent restaurants and specialty retail, Paso Robles is fast becoming one of the most desirable places to live, work, and play.

Paso Robles has a long history of agriculture and hospitality resulting in a strong work ethic and an enjoyable quality of life. Once hailed as the “Almond Capital of the World”, Paso Robles is now known for top quality food, wine, beer, distilled spirits, and an annual calendar filled with events that celebrate everything from wine to pioneers to classic cars. Paso Robles has been honored by the national media, including Country Living’s “10 Best Small Towns in America”; Travel and Leisure Magazine’s “Best Small Towns to Retire to in America”; the Today Show’s “Top Summer Destination for 2021”; a New York Times “Must Visit Region”; Sunset Magazine’s “Best Travel Spots for 2021”; and Wine Enthusiast Magazine’s “Wine Region of the Year”.

The City understands the importance of business development and works hard to attract commerce in a diverse array of industries. The economic outlook for Paso Robles continues to be strong. The housing market is robust and offers a wide array of housing choices including new neighborhoods, houses with acreage, infill, and charming Victorian homes, with a median home price of about $634,500. Paso Robles also has excellent schools, both public and private. Approximately half an hour away is the nationally ranked Cal Poly State University in San Luis Obispo, and within the city of Paso Robles is Cuesta College, North County Campus.

The Organization

The City was incorporated in 1889 as a general law City that operates under the Council-Manager form of government with a general population of 30,907 as of January 1, 2024. The governing body consists of a five-member City Council and, beginning in 2020, the City is now divided into four voting districts, each district represented by one City Councilmember residing in that district; the Mayor’s position remains at-large. The voters also elect one City Treasurer at-large. All six elected positions are non-partisan. The City Manager, appointed by the City Council, is the Chief Executive Officer, and is empowered to appoint all non-elected employees, except for the City Attorney.

The City has a total annual budget of $170 million for fiscal year 2024/2025, and a total of 304.4 FTEs across the departments of: Administrative Services, City Manager’s Office, Community Development, Community Services, Fire and Emergency Services, Police, Public Works, and Utilities.

Duties include, but are not limited to the following:

• Supports the development of internal and external training opportunities
• Serves as the intermediary between the City's library staff and community partnerships
• Maintains knowledge of trends in the library profession through a variety of literary, training, educational, professional, and networking means 
• Supervises, mentors, trains, and evaluates assigned staff and volunteers in work procedures; provides policy guidance and interpretation
• Identifies materials to be considered for addition to the library collection, including identification and integration of new technology
• Assists customers at all library service points, including information and circulation functions that may include, but are not limited to, checking materials in and out, handling complaints, placing holds and registering new customers 
• Represents the City at local community gatherings to promote library services and programs
• Serve as a resource to people of all ages in the effective use of library materials and services
• Assists with the development of library marketing and messaging
• Coordinates and performs other functions and tasks as assigned

• Spearheads the development of community outreach for the library
• Identifies underserved populations who might benefit from library services and develops strategies to reach them
• Coordinates, manages, and schedules outreach library services for seniors, residents with disabilities, residents with limited transportation, and underserved children 
• Manages library improvements to address community hurdles in accessing library services
• Develops resources for residents that promote the library's services or initiatives
• Evaluates library outreach policies and procedures; proposes revisions as needed; ensures adherence to policies and procedures
• Advises and assists customers in the selection of books, periodicals, media, and other materials
• Assists and instructs customers in the use of print and online materials and technology
• Plans and provides outreach programs to customers of all ages
• Drives, operates, and schedules maintenance of the library's outreach vehicle

• Oversees all youth services operations and maintains library programs centered around children ages infant through 12th grade
• Designs, implements, promotes, and coordinates regularly scheduled youth programs, special events, and activities
• Selects, acquires, catalogs, and prepares new materials for children and teens
• Develops resources geared toward youth that promote the library's services or initiatives
• Evaluates library policies and procedures related to youth services; proposes revisions as needed; ensures adherence to policies and procedures
• Assists children and teens in library research and the selection of books, periodicals, media, and other materials

Knowledge of:

• Principles, standards, and practices of library science
• Effective networking with vital community partners
• Library software and technology, such as self-service computer reservation and printing systems, online event booking systems, virtual training platforms, and RFID circulation equipment
• Principles and practices of employee supervision, including work planning, assignment, review and evaluation, and the training of staff in work procedures
• Open source library information systems, bibliographic databases, and online public access catalogs
• Inclusive verbal and written communication strategies to best reach a wide range of community members
• Standard office practices and procedures including business letter writing and formatting for reports and correspondence; records management principles and practices
  

• Organize own work, initiate processes, coordinate projects, set priorities, meet critical deadlines, and follow up on assignments with a minimal amount of direction
• Provide a high level of customer service to both external and internal customers over the phone and in person while using tact and discretion, with a flexible, approachable, and friendly demeanor
• Cover the circulation, reference, and children's desks as needed
• Implement strategies that improve community engagement, access, and knowledge of library services
• Plan, organize, schedule, assign, review, and evaluate the work of staff and volunteers
• Present programs and materials to the public in an engaging and effective manner
• Communicate clearly, concisely, and accurately, both orally and in writing to maintain an inclusive environment while working with diverse populations, as well as all ages
• Maintain technical expertise and competence by attending classes and seminars, and train users on newly learned skills
• Attend community/special events outside of regular working hours as necessary

Spanish language skills and experience in dealing with the public are also desirable.