The James Blackstone Memorial Library is seeking an enthusiastic Programming Assistant to join our Youth Services team. The ideal candidate enjoys working with children, teens, and parents in a diverse community, is creative and flexible, customer-service oriented, and a collaborative team player. This individual will work under the direction of the Associate Librarian for Youth Services and Children’s Librarian to assist in planning and implementing programs and services for babies, children, and teens. Experience with children is a must.
The Blackstone Library is located in Branford, CT, a shoreline town of 28,000 residents. The library recently completed a $5.2 million renovation, creating a new Computer Lab, Conference Room, Café area, and a new Youth Services area.
Duties: Assists with the implementation of innovative programming for children, teens, and families, including multiple weekly storytimes and school visits. Develops and maintains effective relationships with schools and community organizations that serve children. Assists patrons and provides reader’s advisory services to children, teens, parents and adults who work with children. Participates in all aspects of circulation, including sorting and shelving returned items, straightening shelves, and shelf-reading, assists with collection maintenance, answers department phone, routes calls, and responds to messages, helps pick up library materials and restocks informational materials.
See complete job description here.
Education and skills: This position requires a minimum of a High School diploma. Basic clerical skills, computer proficiency, and a passion for working with youth is required. Successful candidates must possess excellent customer service skills and the ability to work courteously and tactfully at a busy youth services circulation desk. Flexibility, creativity and an interest in children’s literature is also desired. Candidates should be energetic and attentive to detail, with an ability to multitask and lift up to forty pounds. Previous experience with planning and executing educational arts, sciences, and/or early literacy programs is preferred.
Hours: 40 hours per week, full-time, non-exempt position with a generous benefits package, including medical, dental, and paid time off. Includes daytime, evening, and weekend shifts. Salary range is $16-$18 per hour.
To apply, send a cover letter and resume by December 30, 2023, to Emily Yates, Associate Librarian for Youth Services: eyates@blackstonelibrary.org.
