Youth Services Lead

Position Summary

The Napoleon Public Library is seeking an enthusiastic, customer-focused individual to lead our Youth Services Department. This position oversees and provides reference and circulation services, assists patrons with library resources and technology, develops and presents programs, supports collection development and maintenance, and promotes library services throughout the community. Cultivates relationships with and among the community to inform and shape the Library’s work. Supervises a staff of Youth Services employees. The successful candidate will demonstrate adaptability in a dynamic public service environment and a commitment to providing free and equal access to information, resources, and services for all.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

• Identifies the kinds of library resources, programs, activities, and support with potential for addressing the needs identified by partnering educational institutions and community organizations; determines how the Library can be strategically and sustainably positioned to have genuine impact in communities served.
• Develop and maintain Youth collection. Assist with cataloging, processing, repair, shelving, inventory, and weeding of youth collection.
• Builds and maintains relationships with community organizations and institutions to identify and prioritize the kinds of activities that draw upon the Library’s expertise and capabilities; identifies and activates the ways in which the community can meaningfully inform and impact the work of the Library.
• Prepares and schedules programming and outreach events. Manages program resources effectively.
• Develops, implements, and assesses the Library’s outreach and collaboration strategy in consultation with the Director.
• Supports the mission and goals of the Library.
• Reports to Director, and follows additional directions from Fiscal Officer.

Leadership

• Models behaviors consistent with the Library’s standards of service to enhance the patron experience.
• Cultivates a transparent, collaborative, and supportive team environment.
• Responds to situations in accordance with Library policies and in a manner that enhances the reputation of the Library as a public service organization.
• Maintains effective two-way communication among peers and staff; seeks to understand, actively listens, accepts and provides feedback and demonstrates flexibility in order to enhance team effectiveness and ensure quality outcomes.

Staff Supervision

• Assists with interviews, recommends, on boards, cross-trains, and supervises staff.
• Works with Director to set performance measures, and provides regular feedback, and holds staff accountable.
• Interprets, explains, and upholds adherence to organizational policies, processes, and standard operating procedures.
• Delegates and monitors special projects.
• Prepares shift schedules to support the Library’s efforts.
• Reviews and approves staff timecards.

Other Duties

• As a building keyholder, performs opening and/or closing procedures including maintaining the security of the cash drawer, ensuring set up or shut down of equipment, and unlocking or locking doors.
• Develops and maintains supportive and professional relationships with patrons
• Register patrons for library cards and maintain patron records ensuring patron privacy.
• Process checkouts, returns, reserves, and financial transactions.
• Performs light janitorial tasks
• Participates in professional learning opportunities to enhance leadership, library services, and operational effectiveness. Shares knowledge with staff, implements best practices, and fosters a culture of learning and continuous improvement within the department.
• Monitors the development of regional and national trends relevant to the theory and practice of library youth services and community engagement
• Other duties as assigned

Qualifications

Required

• Minimum of high school diploma or equivalent.
• Valid driver’s license for travel by automobile and periodic attendance at off-site events and training.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Excellent customer service, communication, organizational skills, and attention to detail.
• Ability to prioritize tasks and meet deadlines.
• Knowledge of children's and young adult literature, educational resources, and age-appropriate materials.
• Understanding of child development and the developmental needs of children and teens.
• Ability to communicate effectively and positively with children 0-18, parents, caregivers, educators, and community partners.
• Ability to manage group dynamics and address behavioral issues in a professional and respectful manner.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and internet applications.
• Adaptability and willingness to learn new technologies, procedures, and services.
• Creativity and enthusiasm in promoting literacy, learning, and library services.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively as part of a team.

Physical Demands & Working Conditions

• Ability to operate library and office equipment.
• Ability to lift and move materials weighing up to 40 pounds.
• Ability to sit, stand, walk, bend, push, pull, and lift as required.
• Duties for this job are performed both indoors and outdoors at various locations.

This job description is not intended to be a complete list of all responsibilities, skills, or working conditions associated with this job and is subject to review and change at any time in accordance with the needs of the Napoleon Public Library.

Benefits

Vacation, sick leave, paid holidays, Ohio Public Employees Retirement System (OPERS), life insurance benefit, and employee health insurance.

Schedule

Full-time, 36 hours per week. Flexible schedule required, including some evenings and Saturdays. Occasional participation in outreach events outside of library’s open hours.

Date Posted: July 17, 2026
Application Directions: Visit the service desk at one of Napoleon Public Library’s three branches or email Sarah Boeglin at sboeglin@seolibraries.org to request a job application. Then, email sboeglin@seolibraries.org your completed job application and resume.

Application Deadline: Open Until Filled.

Please do not call or email regarding application status. Applicants will receive a follow-up email.

The Library is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, protected veteran status, disability, or genetic information.

Benefits:

• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Retirement plan

Work Location: In person