The Decorah Public Library is seeking an energetic leader to fill a full-time Children’s and Young Adult Librarian position. Ideal candidate will be a dynamic, creative individual who has a passion for serving children, young adults, and families and providing transformative library experiences.
Duties include, but will not be limited to: creating, promoting, and overseeing all services, collections, and programs for children and young adults; assisting with the development and implementation of the library’s goals, objectives, and policies; researching and coordinating library services for children and young adults; developing and implementing new and revised programs for children and young adults; and overseeing expenditure of the materials budget for the children’s and young adult department. Position receives direction from the Library Director and collaborates with other library staff. This full-time role requires a varied work schedule that fluctuates day to day and week to week including some evening and weekend hours based on the needs of the Children’s and Young Adult department. PTO requests generally need to be arranged around critical program times including June and July.
Qualifications
Exemplary customer service skills; excellent oral and written communication skills; a passion for working with children, young adults, and their families; extensive knowledge of child and adolescent development, children’s and young adult literature, and library materials for youth in various formats; the ability to model best practices in public library work with children and young adults; the ability to form effective collaborative relationships with schools, committees, and other community organizations and departments who serve children; a vision for and the desire to reach underserved youth populations; the ability to quickly respond to and solve problems; a high degree of empathy, diplomacy, and patience; superior listening skills; a friendly, approachable style that children and teens gravitate to; and curiosity, creativity, and innovative thinking.
Special Requirements
Bachelor’s degree (Master’s preferred) from an accredited college or university in Education or Library Science required. Previous work experience that has demonstrated ability to relate to children individually or in groups and to provide stimulating activities which interest them also required. Consideration may be given for an appropriate combination of a related degree, coursework, experience, and/or abilities. Lifelong learners with a willingness to continuously re-evaluate best practices and a passion for serving diverse populations are encouraged to apply.
Position subject to post-offer physical examination including drug testing, background check and motor vehicle records check.
For more information email ktorresdal@decorahlibrary.org or call 563-382-3717.
Send application, resume, cover letter and a minimum of three professional, work-related references to:
Kristin Torresdal, Director, Decorah Public Library
202 Winnebago St.
Decorah IA 52101
or ktorresdal@decorahlibrary.org
Position open until filled; first review of applications will be July 17. Desired start date Sept 12. Starting wage $19.35/hr. Competitive benefit package offered. M/F Disabled and Veteran EEO/AA Employer.
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