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CHAMPAIGN-URBANA AREA JOBS

Champaign County Economic Development Corporation

Librarian I - Children's Services - 3.2026

Champaign Public Library

Champaign Public Library

Champaign, IL, USA
Posted on Mar 10, 2026

Description

Under the direction of the Children’s Services Manager, supports a welcoming, inclusive, and responsive service environment. Provides reference and readers’ advisory assistance for children and teens and helps them navigate the library’s catalog, digital resources, and technology. Develops, delivers, and evaluates engaging programs both in the library and throughout the community. Builds and maintains collaborative relationships with schools and community partners. Oversees designated areas of the children’s collection to ensure it remains relevant, diverse, and well-maintained.

Offers prompt, friendly, and high-quality customer service to patrons of all ages, with a particular emphasis on children from birth through fifth grade and the adults who support them.


Schedule includes a mix of daytime, evening, and weekend hours.

Open until filled, with first review of applicants on April 13, 2026.

Examples of Duties

  • Works as liaison with schools and community groups to promote library use
  • Develops and maintains children’s collections, including books, videos, CDs, and other special materials
  • Designs, implements, and evaluates programs and activities in the library and in the community
  • Merchandises books and other library materials to enhance their appeal and promote their use by browsers
  • Contributes to webpage and newsletter
  • Presents booktalks and story times in the library and at local elementary schools
  • Provides reference and reader’s advisory services to children, teens, and their caregivers
  • Assists users with the library catalog
  • Assists with training of staff and volunteers
  • Assists with questions on software, makerspace tools, and other technology related needs to customers of all ages
  • Assists users of the public Internet computers and other equipment
  • Attends various staff meetings; serves on various departmental and library committees
  • Participates in departmental and library-wide training and activities, including technology and safety training
  • Provides excellent internal and external customer service
  • Other duties as assigned

Requirements

  • Knowledge of and appreciation of literature for children birth through fifth grade
  • Knowledge of current reading, viewing, and listening interests of children and teens
  • Working knowledge of major bibliographic tools and reference materials
  • Proficiency with workplace productivity software, including skills in Microsoft Office Suite
  • Proficient keyboarding and computer skills
  • Ability to coordinate the work of others
  • Strong commitment to public service
  • Ability to interact harmoniously and communicate well with customers and staff
  • Ability to issue guidance and ensure compliance with the Library’s Rules of Conduct and policies
  • Excellent communication skills, oral and written, and public-speaking presentation skills
  • Ability to maintain reliable attendance and regular schedule
  • Ability to maintain a varied schedule, including day, evening, and weekend rotations
  • Good vision and hearing to effectively engage with customers
  • Manual dexterity to operate computer, phone, and makerspace equipment
  • Physical ability to lift library materials, set up events, and push fully loaded carts of library materials
  • Valid driver’s license, acceptable driving history, and personal automobile for job-related transportation
  • Satisfactory pre-employment background check

Acceptable Experience and Training

  • Master of Library Science degree (MLS) from ALA-accredited institution required
  • Public library experience preferred
  • Experience with children’s programming preferred
  • Knowledge of Spanish and/or French is helpful
  • Any equivalent combination of experience and training which provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities