Supervising Jail and Prison Services Librarian

Brooklyn Public Library is one of the nation’s largest library systems and among New York City’s most democratic institutions.

We offer thousands of free programs every day for people from all walks of life—immigrants learning a new language, aspiring entrepreneurs launching their dreams, children discovering the world, people of all ages exploring arts and culture. And we give patrons millions of opportunities to enjoy one of life’s greatest satisfactions: the discovery of a good book.

Now’s your chance to join the best team in Brooklyn!

Reporting directly to the Coordinator of Justice Initiatives, the Supervising Jail and Prison Services Librarian is responsible for overseeing, developing, and delivering jail- and prison-based library services to incarcerated New Yorkers in the NYC Department of Correction facilities and state & federal prisons as needed. The Supervising Jail and Prison Services Librarian is primarily responsible for overseeing weekly book loan service in NYC jails and developing and implementing programming at State and Federal Prisons. They will supervise full-time, part-time and volunteer staff, develop and maintain high-quality and innovative collections, and develop relationships with institutional partners to support library programming. A cornerstone of the Outreach Services Department, the Supervising Jail and Prison Services Librarian advances the mission of the Brooklyn Public Library by providing access to resources and learning opportunities to people with limited access to the library. The successful candidate will also be expected to use the resources of the Outreach Department to identify overlapping services to other populations we serve.  

• In partnership with other City library systems, develops and implements mobile and standing lending libraries at jail facilities of the NYC Department of Correction
• Supervises and supports full-time and part-time staff and volunteers providing library services to incarcerated patrons
• Oversees the development and implementation of Daddy/Mommy & Me and other library programming in correctional facilities
• Recruits participants for BPL’s Welcome Home reentry program
• Collaborates with other city library systems on developing and expanding library programming for incarcerated New Yorkers
• Regularly attends staff meetings across BPL to communicate efforts and solicit feedback and support for efforts related to library services for people who are incarcerated
• Develops key relationships within Department of Correction administration and on-the-ground staff in NYC jails
• Facilitates Library orientations and library card sign up at NYC jails and prisons
• Facilitates library programming in partnership with the education department located at the MDC federal prison in Brooklyn
• Responsible for collection development (including book donations) for all mobile and standing libraries in correctional facilities
• Works with branch library staff and Outreach Services staff to identify new opportunities for community outreach, including tailoring programs, services and collections for organizations working with incarcerated and formerly incarcerated individuals
• Represents BPL at local and local and national events and conferences
• Seventy hours library branch service during the course of a year is required
• Performs related duties as required

• ALA accredited Master’s degree in Library Science required; Public Librarian’s Professional Certificate issued by the State of New York, required
• Successfully demonstrated public library experience working in roles displaying supervision, administrative, outreach, and leadership skills appropriate to the position
• Successfully demonstrated commitment to providing consistent, high-quality public services
• Excellent interpersonal, oral, and written communication skills including the ability to serve as an enthusiastic ambassador for the Library
• Demonstrated ability to exercise sound judgment, identify and assess problems, and decisively implement appropriate solutions or recommendations
• Ability to work well independently and collaboratively across the Library to meet priorities of the department
• Creativity, flexibility, and initiative in accommodating community and staff needs
• Commitment to diversity and inclusion
• Knowledge and understanding of urban library issues, library and information technologies; library policies and procedures
• Ability to bend, reach, sit and stand as needed
• Ability to work evenings and weekends
  

The candidate selected for the position will receive:

• Starting salary of $68,176 plus an automatic increase of $2,830
• An additional $2,076 after 6 months in title
• This position is in the bargaining unit