The Mercer County Library System is seeking to fill a full-time, 35 hour per week candidate for the Youth Services Department of the West Windsor Branch. The applicant must have proven organizational skills, and the ability to work independently, as well as to motivate and support a team. The applicant must also have the capacity to supervise others. The ideal candidate will be able to implement and create innovative programming for children of all ages.
This is an excellent opportunity for a librarian with a strong vision either already in the library system, or who wants to become a part of a thriving and busy library, to provide exciting services and programming to children and teens in this vibrant and diverse community. The West Windsor Youth Services department is the busiest children’s program in the system, and we are looking for a candidate who thrives in a busy and creative environment. This position includes at least one evening per week and Saturdays in rotation, although during a normal operating schedule, the West Windsor Branch is open Sundays throughout the school year and four County-observed holidays per year, of which the candidate must be available to work at least some. The candidate should expect to be flexible about scheduling to accommodate the needs of the branch and programming.
We are seeking an energetic librarian, with a passion for children’s services, and a strong commitment to providing excellent public service. The candidate will have responsibility for providing reference and readers’ advisory services to children and parents, developing the children’s and teen collections, creating and facilitating innovative programming (both small- and large-scale), outreach to schools and the community, and the Summer and Winter Reading programs.
It is essential that the Youth Services Librarian is able to tactfully lead and motivate others and is a strong role model who is organized and can prioritize duties in a fast paced, changing environment. The person in this position must love working with people, especially children, and must be energetic, with a passion for providing excellent customer service in a public library setting. The ideal candidate will have a thorough knowledge of children’s literature and the developmental stages of youth.
Additional responsibilities include, but are not limited to: writing library blog articles, contributing to social media posts, preparing statistical reports on departmental activities and use, helping maintain the collection budget for YS/YA materials, staying current on new developments in the library field (particularly with regard to children’s and teen services), providing reference assistance to patrons of all ages, preparing crafts, and planning and participating in library outreach events. The candidate will contribute to the summer reading program, and s/he may assist in overseeing teen volunteers.
The successful candidate will be enthusiastic, flexible, and forward thinking. Strong knowledge of literacy, child development, and literature for children and teens are vital in this role. S/he will be comfortable planning programs that encourage children to read genre of all types, and sharing literacy tips with parents. Knowledge of current library technologies and demonstrated experience using technology (including library automated systems, online reference resources, and Microsoft Office programs such as Word and Excel) are necessary.
The candidate should have flexibility for scheduling programming at days and times that children and young adults will find convenient, and expect to participate in outreach in the schools and community and across all of the MCLS social media platforms. This includes submitting blog posts, participating on the library’s podcast, as well as participating in social media marketing campaigns. Willingness to be part of a team environment and collaborate with the adult services and circulation librarians are a must, as are strong oral and written communication skills, and the ability to manage multiple projects and meet deadlines.
This position requires an MLS from an ALA accredited institution. A New Jersey Professional Librarian’s Certificate is required for those with an MLS degree, as well as one year experience in the title of Librarian 1. Mercer County residency is also required.
This title is affiliated with AFSCME 3566. The current salary range for Librarian 2 is currently $45,060 – $73,444. A full job descriptions can be found on the NJ Civil Service Commission website. There is a 90-day probationary period before permanency.
Note: Mercer County residency is required within one year of appointment. All applicants are subject to pre-employment tests: drug, physical and criminal background check.
Résumés will be accepted until the vacancy is filled.
EOE/AA/ADA Employer
If you are interested, please email with a resume and three professional references.
Résumés may be submitted care of:
Ellen Brown, Library Director
Mercer County Library System
Lawrence HQ Branch
2751 Brunswick Pike
Lawrenceville, NJ 08648
email: director [at] mcl.org
fax: (609) 538-1206