CHILDREN'S SERVICES LIBRARIAN

Who We’re Looking For:

The Children’s Services Librarian is responsible for developing, implementing, and promoting library services and programs for children from birth through middle school, as well as their parents and caregivers. This position fosters a welcoming environment, supports early literacy, and encourages a lifelong love of reading and learning among young patrons.

Key Responsibilities:

• Experience working with children and families in a public library, school, educational, childcare, community, or other youth-serving environment required.
• Knowledge of children’s literature, early literacy practices, child development, and age-appropriate learning principles, with the ability to select and recommend materials, educational programs, recreational activities, and special events that support the developmental needs and interests of children.
• Provide a welcoming, safe, inclusive, and child-centered environment that encourages curiosity, creativity, literacy, learning, and positive engagement
• Build and maintain relationships to collaborate with local schools, educational institutions, childcare providers, community organizations, businesses, and other partners to expand access to information resources and strengthen Library services.
• Assist patrons in identifying and accessing appropriate books, media, digital resources, databases, and other Library materials based on age, developmental needs, interests, and information needs.
• Monitor and maintain the tutoring and computer labs to ensure appropriate use, adherence to Library policies, and a clean, organized, and welcoming environment that supports learning, technology access, and youth services.
• Participate in the selection, acquisition, evaluation, and ongoing development of children’s collections, ensuring materials reflect community needs, interests, developmental levels, and diverse perspectives.
• Systematically evaluate and weed outdated, damaged, inaccurate, or underutilized materials.
• Stay current with children’s literature, early literacy research, child development, educational practices, technology, programming trends, and emerging best practices in youth library services.
• Apply and communicate Library policies and procedures consistently and professionally.

What You’ll Bring:

• Master's degree in library science (MLS/MLIS) from an ALA-accredited program required. Must hold or be eligible to obtain and maintain an Indiana Library Certification at Level 3 or higher, consistent with applicable Indiana public library certification requirements.
• Two (2) years of relevant professional library or public service experience working with children and families in a public library, school, educational, childcare, community, or other youth-serving environment required.
• Knowledge of children’s literature, early literacy practices, child development, and age-appropriate learning principles, with the ability to select and recommend materials that support the developmental needs and interests of children.
• Strong instructional and presentation, written and verbal communication, and customer service skills.
• Creativity, enthusiasm, and flexibility, with the ability to develop innovative activities, displays, programs, and learning opportunities that encourage reading, exploration, and lifelong learning.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively, manage multiple priorities, and effectively adapt to changing service demands and Library initiatives

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: From $41,973.75 per year

Benefits:

• AD&D insurance
• Dental insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Professional development assistance
• Retirement plan
• Tuition reimbursement
• Vision insurance

Education:

• Master's (Required)

Experience:

• library or public service : 2 years (Required)

Location:

• Gary, IN 46402 (Preferred)

Work Location: In person

Salary : $41,974