Youth & Family Outreach Librarian

The Oak Park Public Library seeks a full-time Youth & Family Outreach Librarian to join its Children’s Services team.

About the Oak Park Public Library

The Oak Park Public Library strategically prioritizes equity, anti-racism, engagement, learning, and stewardship. We serve a diverse population at our three locations and out in the Oak Park community. Our vision is to empower every voice in our community, and our mission is to share the information, services, and opportunities that fulfill Oak Park’s aspirations.

Position Summary

Under the direction of the Manager of Children’s Services, the person selected for this position will advance the library’s vision, mission, and strategic direction by:

• Executing day-to-day experiences related to designated service areas, 
• Leading or participating on project teams based upon areas of expertise and knowledge, 
• Providing direct service to patrons at service points located throughout the system, 
• Supporting library initiatives and projects, and 
• Contributing to projects across all service areas

Ideal Candidate

The ideal candidate is a self-motivated individual who thrives in both independent and collaborative settings. They are empathetic and deeply committed to fostering inclusivity and breaking down barriers to access. Above all, the applicant is someone who genuinely values children, has a lifelong love of learning, and is eager to engage with the community. They will actively build and nurture relationships with local schools, educators, and family-centered organizations to strengthen community connections and support early literacy, cultural understanding, and social-emotional development.

Bilingualism in English and Spanish is a plus; while not required, fluency in Spanish will enable you to provide exceptional customer service and build relationships with our Spanish-speaking community members. 

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

The nature and allocation of work for a librarian may include, but are not limited to, the following:

Youth and Family In-House and Outreach Programming:

• Supports, organizes, and facilitates school and daycare-based engagement with children, educators, and caregivers. 
  • Early childhood literacy 
  • Social-Emotional learning
  • Anti-bias/ Anti-Racist Learning
• Fosters long-term relationships with local educators, caregivers, parents, students, and other family advocates, building rapport and gaining public knowledge to inform library services and strategic priorities.
• Represents the library at family-focused community events and meetings. 
• Identifies, analyzes, and communicates emerging community needs and aspirations to help determine the direction for library services and programs.

Service Points:

• Provides reference and reader’s advisory services during regular shifts at service desks at any library location

• Manages customer complaints and resolves conflicts
• Provides technology troubleshooting support to the Library’s internal and external customers
• Adheres to library policies and proactively enforces the A Library for Everyone policy

Community Engagement:

• Identifies and cultivates regional or local community relationships that advance the library's mission, vision, and strategic priorities, particularly those related to youth and family interests in the community.
• Provides programs and services at community locations outside of the library
• Collaborates where appropriate with the Book Bike and Community Engagement team

Required Qualifications

• Understands, supports, and advances the vision, mission, and strategic priorities of the library
• Working familiarity with ILS and related Library software, including print and PC management systems, RFID, and self-checkout technology
• Analytical and problem-solving skills with excellent attention to detail
• Technical competence and a willingness to learn and grow in technical understanding
• Verbal and written communication and active listening skills, including presentation skills
• Ability to express oneself clearly and effectively to internal and external stakeholders
• Service-oriented and committed to providing exceptional service to our patrons, staff, and community
• Excellent interpersonal and project/time management skills
• Demonstrated proven ability to exercise good judgment and independent thinking
• Broad cultural competency knowledge and ability to work effectively with a culturally diverse community
• High level of professionalism and integrity with the capacity to maintain confidentiality
• Ability to deliver up to 25 pounds of library materials
• Valid driver’s license and a reliable vehicle in order to provide year-round outreach services
• Ability and willingness to work a flexible schedule, including evenings and weekends

Education and Experience

• Master's degree in Library and Information Science from an ALA-accredited school (Consideration will be given to candidates in their final semester of an MLIS program)
• Experience planning and presenting programs, providing reference and reader’s advisory services, and delivering customer service at library service desks
•  Valid driver’s license

Preferred

• Experience working with preschool and elementary-aged children
• Working knowledge of children’s literature 
• Experience in building and managing community partnerships
• Bilingual skills in a language relevant to Oak Park’s community 

A combination of education, professional experience, and lived experiences that demonstrate the ability to successfully meet the position's requirements may be considered.

Details

This position is full-time, 40 hours per week. 

As part of the greater compensation package, library staff members receive generous benefits, including:

• 90% premium coverage for medical insurance for all tiers
• Enrollment in the Illinois Municipal Retirement Fund (IMRF), a premier defined benefit (pension) plan for Illinois municipal government employees
• 20 paid days of vacation annually
• 12 paid days of health leave annually
• 5 paid personal days annually
• 13 paid holidays each year
• 8 weeks of paid parental leave
• Remote work stipend (if applicable)
• $150 Lifestyle Spending Account to use to improve your physical, financial, and emotional well-being

Starting salary range: $54,000 to $64,000. Offers are made within this range based on competencies, experience, and internal equity. 

Please apply by Sunday, September 22, to be considered for this position.

The Oak Park Public Library is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to creating and supporting an environment of anti-racism, diversity, equity, and inclusion for the benefit of our staff, collections, programs and services, patrons, and community. Members of traditionally marginalized groups and those committed to working in a diverse cultural environment are encouraged to apply.