Senior Librarian, Children and Family Services

Full-Time

The Edison Public Library is a vibrant cornerstone of one of New Jersey’s most diverse and dynamic communities. Serving over 100,000 residents across three locations—the Main Library, North Edison Branch, and Clara Barton Branch—the library acts as a vital "community crossroads" where technology, education, and people intersect. Our mission is to provide an inclusive and welcoming environment that promotes cultural enrichment and lifelong learning through a collection of over 300,000 items, cutting-edge digital resources, and specialized programming. As we continue to evolve into a modern 21st-century information hub, we are looking for dedicated individuals to join our team in maintaining the high standard of service and organization that makes our library a trusted destination for all Edison residents.

The Library is seeking a highly motivated Children and Family Services Librarian to join our team. The successful candidate should be enthusiastic, curious, patient, and have a strong sense of community. The successful candidate will demonstrate commitment and the ability to deliver superior customer-driven services to the entire community. A proactive nature, flexibility, and a knack for creative problem solving are essential.                                                                       

This position reports to the Branch Manager.

The Edison Public Library is a member of the STELLA consortium.                                               

Qualifications for a Successful Candidate:

• Must have a master’s degree in Library or Information Science from an American Library Association accredited college or university; New Jersey Librarian Certificate
• At least two (2) years of experience providing reference and reader’s advisory services in children and family services
• Strong communication and customer service skills
• Knowledge of print and a general knowledge of digital resources for children and families
• Ability to work both independently and within a team
• Teaching or computer instruction experience a plus
• Strong technology skills and general comfort with learning new technology
• Knowledge of Polaris LEAP a plus
• This position includes the responsibility for opening or closing library branches and may act as Librarian-in-Charge

Key Responsibilities:

• Staffing the Children and Family Services Desk as scheduled and monitoring activities in the area
• Initiate and participate in departmental programming and services such as (but not limited to) story times, school visits, summer reading programming, author visits, and other stand-alone events
• Creates and maintains children and family library displays and merchandising of the library collection
• Prepares booklists and annotated bibliographies by genre or themes
• Selecting children and family fiction and/or non-fiction material as part of the collection development team
• Identify and promote library services for children and families both in the library and in the community
• Comprehend, analyze and interpret rules, regulations, policies and procedures of the library. Propose recommended changes
• Compile statistics and write reports
• Continue to develop skills by attending seminars and meetings of professional library groups and organizations
• May train librarians and library associates
• Maintain up-to-date knowledge of the resources and services provided through the New Jersey State Library, STELLA, and LibraryLink NJ
• Notary services (training and licensure provided by library once hired)
• Work with the Director on researching potential grants that create or support library mission and services
• Provides leadership through active participation in library committees
• Other duties as required for an evolving and growing Library

Essential Skills

• Knowledge of current trends and practices in children and family services, literature and materials
• Familiarity with serving children and families of all abilities
• Ability to understand and apply library shelving and classification system
• Physical stamina is required to put away materials, push and pull loaded book carts and other library equipment and materials. Physical activity includes, but is not limited to, prolonged periods of sitting as well as periods of standing, mobility, stretching, bending and stooping.
• Ability to work harmoniously with colleagues, librarians, supervisors and patrons of all ages
• Ability to understand the importance of following established procedures and regulations
• Ability to work and perform tasks without supervision

Education: Master's Degree from an American Library Association Accredited college or university

Hours: 35 hours; includes a rotation of hours during the week, evening and weekends (includes Saturdays and Sundays)

Benefits: Excellent benefits package including life, health, dental, and vision insurance; vacation-15 days/year, sick-12 days/year, personal-2 days/year, floating holidays-2 days/year and holidays

Union eligible: Yes

Application Instructions:

Please email the following three (3) REQUIRED documents:

1. Cover Letter, (2) Resume and (3) Edison Public Library Employment Application (available at https://edisonpubliclibrary.org/job-openings/) to: hr [at] edisonpubliclibrary.org (hr[at]edisonpubliclibrary[dot]org)

The Library will only consider candidates who submit all required paperwork.

APPLICATIONS WILL BE ACCEPTED UNTIL THE POSITION IS FILLED.

Only candidates under consideration will be contacted.

The selected candidate will be required to successfully pass a six month probationary period.

Pre-employment background check and drug test are required for Edison Township employees.

The Edison Public Library hires under NJDOP and EOE Guidelines.

As a New Jersey First Act Employer, new employees must establish a primary residence in New Jersey within one year unless an exemption applies.