Youth Services Specialist, Part-Time, 10-12 Hours/Week
The Pennington Public Library seeks a passionate, creative and dedicated Youth Services Specialist to maintain the print and media collection and to plan, publicize and execute onsite and virtual library programs for families. This position helps keep the library running smoothly during daily operations by performing circulation duties, answering reference questions, as well as other tasks related to the maintenance of library materials, library appearance and library resources.
PRINCIPAL RESPONSIBILITIES
Programming, Publicity and Public Relations
- Plans, coordinates and implements youth and family library programs, in-person and virtual.
- Identifies and designs programs to align with community needs.
- Leads weekly story time.
- Helps manage event volunteers.
- Writes public information and social media materials.
- Collaborates with community organizations.
- Serves when needed as library representative to community groups, including Hopewell Valley Arts Council, PALS on Main, Hopewell Valley Municipal Alliance, Hopewell Valley Regional School District, etc.
Collection Development
- Identifies the reading and viewing needs of patrons and the community, responding to collection requests from patrons and staff.
- Researches and purchases children’s print and media collections.
- Assists the Library Director in culling of the children’s print and media collection.
Patron Services
- Checks books in and out for patrons.
- Reserves books for patrons.
- Assists patrons and library volunteers with computers, WIFI, copier, book requests, etc.
- Coverage of circulation desk as needed.
- Trains and manages volunteers as needed
Additional Responsibilities
- Helps to implement the Library Strategic Plan.
- Participates in daily library operations.
QUALIFICATIONS/REQUIREMENTS
Essential Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree.
- Excellent analytical, organizational, problem solving, and communication skills, both orally and in writing.
- Ability to work on-site at the library building.
- Ability to work independently and take initiative.
- Strong interpersonal skills as well as a demonstrated ability to work as part of a team and interact effectively with volunteers and patrons.
- Digital literacy skills.
- Availability to work a number of evenings and weekends throughout the year to oversee programs.
- Availability to work Wednesday mornings for story time.
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience with program planning, presentation and/or training.
- Experience working with children.
- Experience presenting/hosting programs for a group.
- Demonstrated creative ability in program development.
- Customer service or public interaction experience.
HOURS
10-12 hours per week. Schedule includes Wednesday mornings, and occasional weekend and evening hours.
COMPENSATION: Starting Salary: $20/hour, Compensation includes paid time off and enrollment into the New Jersey Defined Contribution Retirement Program (DCRP).
HOW TO APPLY: Application Deadline: August 5, 2026. Submit cover letter, resume, and three professional references to kha@penningtonlibrary.org. Documents should be sent as an attachment in PDF. Hard copies may also be mailed to: Kim T. Ha, Library Director, 30 North Main Street, Pennington, NJ.
The Pennington Public Library is an equal opportunity employer.