Teen Librarian - Children's Services
Champaign, IL, USA
Posted on Jul 21, 2026
Description
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Under the supervision of the Children’s Service Manager, develops programs and services for teens and preteens, ages 11-18. The Teen Librarian creates an environment that attracts and invites teens and children to use the library. Cultivates relationships with middle and high school teachers and librarians; presents programs of interest to teens; assists customers of all ages at public service desks with information and reference questions; assists and instructs customers with their use of library computers, personal electronic devices, and other technologies; and performs collection management duties focused on materials of interest to teens.
Schedule includes a mix of daytime, evening, and weekend hours.
Open until filled, with first review of applicants on August 10, 2026. Examples of Duties
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- Designs, implements, and evaluates public programming and community engagement activities for teens and those that work with teens
- Leads the daily Teen Lounge creative efforts, preparation, and provision of teen appropriate enrichment activities
- Assists with training of volunteers and staff
- Develops and maintains effective relationships with schools, community groups, agencies and non-profits that target teens in order to plan and deliver programs and services that meet local teen needs and interests
- Provides collection development for all formats of teen material collections
- Assists and advises customers with their use of library resources in all formats
- Assists with questions on software, makerspace tools, and other technology related needs to customers of all ages
- Maintains current awareness of developments in technology as they relate to libraries and library users, including knowledge of mobile and handheld devices
- Answers informational and reference questions for customers of all ages
- Merchandises books and other library materials to enhance their appeal and promote their use
- Contributes to the library’s webpage, newsletter, and social media
- Participates in departmental and library committees
- Attends and participates in professional activities, conferences, and committees, including on-site and virtual professional development opportunities and training
- Assists with monitoring and correcting customer behavior to ensure a safe and welcoming environment
- 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
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- Exceptional customer service skills and enthusiasm for working with teens
- Ability to identify and translate teen needs and interests into effective library services and programs
- Knowledge of current reading, viewing and listening interests of teens
- Effective interpersonal relationships with teens and the adults who work with teens
- Ability to work with library customers and staff in a consistently friendly, respectful, and efficient manner
- Excellent computer and technology skills, including use of the Internet, computers, mobile devices, and social media
- Ability to issue guidance and ensure compliance with the Library’s Rules of Conduct and policies
- Ability to locate information and answer customer questions using bibliographic searching tools, print, and electronic reference materials
- Excellent written and oral communication skills
- Ability to work as part of a team within the department and the library as a whole, including leading and coordinating the work of others
- Ability to recognize and set priorities, and to use initiative and independent judgment in a variety of situations
- Knowledge of professional-level library practices, and an interest in keeping up with developments within the field
- Proficiency with workplace productivity software, including skills in Microsoft Office Suite
- Ability to maintain reliable attendance and regular schedule
- Flexibility to adapt to changing situations and to vary work schedules
- 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 maker space equipment
- Physical ability to lift library materials weighing up to 40 pounds, setup for events, and to 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
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- Master of Library Science degree (MLS) from ALA-accredited institution required
- Customer service experience in a public library experience preferred
- Knowledge of Spanish and/or French is helpful
- Any equivalent combination of experience and training which provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities
