Full-Time Programming Librarian (Emphasis on Youth Services) Dover Free Public Library | Dover, NJ

Full-Time Programming Librarian

(Emphasis on Youth Services)
Dover Free Public Library | Dover, NJ

About the Library

The Dover Free Public Library serves one of Morris County’s most culturally diverse communities. Approximately 75% of Dover residents identify as Hispanic, and more than half are foreign-born. The Library is actively implementing its 2026–2030 Strategic Plan, which prioritizes culturally responsive programming, multilingual access, outreach, and trust-building with historically underserved populations.

This position is central to that work.

Position Summary

The Dover Free Public Library seeks a full-time Programming Librarian with an emphasis on youth services to plan, deliver, and evaluate programs that respond to the needs of adults, seniors, children, teens, and families while supporting broader community engagement goals.

This position will work closely with a retiring Programming Librarian during a planned transition period to ensure continuity of service and institutional knowledge transfer. The successful candidate will be expected to assume increasing responsibility and operate with a high degree of independence.

This role is well suited to either:

• a newly graduated MLIS/MLS candidate ready to take on meaningful responsibility early in their career, or
• an experienced librarian who can demonstrate adaptability and a willingness to redesign services for a new community context.

Core Responsibilities

Programming & Community Engagement

• Plan, implement, and evaluate library programs with a primary focus on youth and families, including early literacy, school-age, and teen services but also includes adult and senior programs.
• Contribute to library-wide programming initiatives that support cultural engagement, multilingual access, and community awareness.
• Use attendance data, feedback, and observation to refine or discontinue programs as needed.
• Deliver both in-library and outreach-based programming aligned with community needs.

Youth Services Focus

• Develop programs and services that support literacy, learning, and positive community development.
• Work directly with children, teens, caregivers, seniors and educators in a public-facing environment.
• Collaborate with local schools, childcare providers, and youth-serving organizations.

Collaboration & Transition

• Work alongside the retiring Librarian to learn existing programs, community relationships, and operational systems.
• Document procedures, schedules, and workflows to support continuity.
• Collaborate across departments to ensure programming aligns with broader library goals.

Initiative & Strategic Alignment

• Take ownership of assigned programs and projects with minimal day-to-day supervision.
• Contribute to implementation of the Library’s 2026–2030 Strategic Plan, particularly initiatives related to community engagement, outreach, and cultural relevance.
• Participate in evaluation, planning, and continuous improvement efforts.

Required Qualifications

• Master’s Degree in Library and Information Science (MLIS/MLS) from an ALA-accredited program (completed or expected by start date).
• Demonstrated interest in programming and public services.
• Ability to work independently, manage multiple responsibilities, and follow through on projects.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills.
• Comfort working in a busy, diverse, public-facing environment.
• Willingness to work evenings and weekends as required by programming schedules.

Strongly Preferred Qualifications

• Experience (professional, paraprofessional, internship, or practicum) in youth services or public programming.
• Spanish-language proficiency (spoken and/or written).
• Experience working with multicultural, multilingual, or immigrant communities.
• Experience evaluating programs and using feedback to guide change.

Compensation & Benefits

• Full-time municipal position - initial appointment provisional pending Civil Service procedure.
• Salary commensurate with experience and aligned with NJLA recommendations ($65,834-75,730).
• Benefits package includes health insurance, paid time off, and pension enrollment (as applicable).

Application Instructions

Please email a resume and cover letter to timothy.domick [at] dfpl.org (timothy[dot]domick[at]dfpl[dot]org).

Your cover letter must address the following:

1. What draws you to programming librarianship, and why youth services are a meaningful focus for you.
2. Describe a time you had to adjust or rethink your approach because a community’s needs or feedback differed from your expectations.
3. How would you begin learning about Dover’s community before proposing or changing programs?

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis. Position open until filled, with a tentative start date of June 1, 2026.  No phone calls, please. Only candidates selected for interviews will be contacted. 

The Dover Free Public Library is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to building a staff that reflects and serves our community.