Showing posts with label youth librarians. Show all posts
Showing posts with label youth librarians. Show all posts

Saturday, April 18, 2026

Foundations of Wisconsin Librarianship Workshop

Registration is now open for the Foundations of Wisconsin Librarianship: Essential Skills for Library Media Specialists and Public Library Staff Serving Youth workshop. 

Photo from dpi.wi.gov
This workshop is specifically structured to be most beneficial to public library staff newly (three years or less) serving youth in Wisconsin libraries and introduces essential skills, resources, and strategies for working in public libraries and collaborating with school libraries. Attendees will be joined by school library media specialists, with time set aside for each group to convene separately, focusing on their institutional role. The groups will also join together to begin networking and building relationships for future collaborations.
The Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction is hosting this workshop at Hotel Marshfield, in Marshfield, Wisconsin, from 12:30 p.m. on Tuesday, August 4, through 2:00 p.m. on Thursday, August 6, 2026. There is no registration cost, and most meals will be provided. Attendees, or their library, will be responsible for mileage, two nights lodging, and one evening meal. Participants who successfully complete the full workshop will receive a $100 stipend. 
Space is limited to 25 public library attendees.
Tentative Topic Sessions:
  • Resources Spotlight (collection development)
  • Programming 101
  • Early Literacy, Brain Development, and Storytime 101
  • Compassion Resilience
  • Building Community Based Summers
  • BadgerLink for Public Libraries
  • Games and Play Learning

Registration will close on Monday, May 4, 2026. Participants will be notified of their attendance status by May 11, 2026, and they will need to confirm their attendance by May 20, 2026.

Saturday, February 7, 2026

Jobs! Jobs! Jobs!

Delafield Library: Youth Services Librarian

Image by Satheesh Sankaran from Pixabay
The Delafield Library is seeking an energetic, enthusiastic individual for the position of Youth Services Librarian.  If you are a self-motivated, flexible, and forward-thinking professional with a strong public service commitment to provide great service to children, teens, and families, we welcome your application! This nearly full-time position (averaging 34 hours/week) will work diligently with and report to the Head of Youth Services Librarian. 

Full job description can be found on our website.  If interested, please send a resume and list of three professional references to Library Director Stephanie Ramirez, sramirez@delafieldlibrary.org. Starting pay rate of $23.50/hour with excellent benefits as well as paid holidays. First review of applications will begin on Friday, February 20. If you have any questions, please contact the Delafield Library at (262) 646-6230 or visit our website, www.delafieldlibrary.org.

Tuesday, January 6, 2026

Library Resolutions

Happy New Year Youth People!!

Photo by Kelly Sikkema on Unsplash
Are you a New Year's Resolution person? Personally, I'm not, but I was thinking about what I want to accomplish this year at work, and thought that I might just be a resolution person at work. 

My 2026 library resolutions:

1. Say no more often. I think in this profession, we often tend to be yes people. We like fun things and want to be involved. But, we need to think about boundaries and burnout and the fact that those are real things. In an article for the American Library Association, Matthew Weirick Johnson says, "Causes of burnout can be extensive and multifaceted, including overwork but also erosion of work-life balance..." Saying no is necessary sometimes, even though it can feel hard. 

2. Plan ahead more. Our library has a really great programming model in which four departments work together on programming (youth services, adult services, outreach, public services). This allows us to do so much more than we could otherwise, but also creates an interesting dynamic when it comes to planning. Youth librarians, at least in our library, tend to do more of the programming in house, which means more planning and prep time is needed. This often means that looking forward is harder, and things are not planned as far in advance as in the adult services department. In an effort to work together in a different way, I'm working on planning a little bit differently this year.

3. Get more people to write for this blog! This is where you come in! If any of you are interested in contributing to the blog, please reach out to us at yss.wla@gmail.com. We all do such cool things, and we'd love to share more of what you're doing on a local level with a wider audience. 

Do you have any work resolutions for 2026?



You can read the full article on burnout here. [Keeping Up with...Burnout. Weirick Johnson, M. ala.org]  https://www.ala.org/acrl/publications/keeping_up_with/burnout

Sunday, August 3, 2025

Jobs! Jobs! Jobs!

Once or twice a month on weekends, YSS posts round-ups of ads that are sent to us or that we come across. If you have a position opening up and would like to see it on the YSS blog, please forward the job ad link/descriptions to the YSS blog at the email address listed in the header above the day's blog post.

Here are early August listings:

Boscobel Area Schools             PK-12 Library Media Specialist Consultant (part-time)
The Boscobel Area School District is excited to announce an opening for a Part-time Library Media
Specialist Consultant for the 2025-2026 school year! We’re looking for a passionate and innovative educator to join our team and make a meaningful impact on our students and community.

Why Choose Us?
✅ Excellent Schedule – Flexible Schedule(1-2 days per week)
✅ Competitive Salary – Offered to qualified candidates.
✅ Supportive Environment –Work in a district that values collaboration and continuous improvement.

What We’re Looking For:
✔️A licensed educator(Wisconsin-certified Library Media Specialist (1902 or1900) preferred).
✔️Ability to manage the Common School Library Fund
✔️ Prior experience in this position or experience through an internship/student teaching or training and experience supporting students with disabilities in an inclusive preschool/school setting is preferred.
✔️Adedication to establishing effective partnerships with students, parents, and colleagues.

If you are qualified and are interested in the job opening, please apply on the WECAN website at
wecan.education.wisc.edu. Please include a Boscobel Area School’s job application, letter of interest, resume, 3 current letters of reference, copy of license and transcripts. If you have any questions, please contact: Shannan Aspenson, 608-375-4164/608-375-2378, aspeshan@boscobel.k12.wi.us

--------------------------------

Shorewood Public Library        Youth Services Librarian (full-time)
The Shorewood Public Library is seeking a customer-focused and creative librarian to join our team. The Youth Services Librarian provides high quality reference service to all ages with a focus on ages birth through six grade, caregivers, and teachers. The position also includes collection development, programming, advising on policy, and advocating for youth. The ideal candidate is a team player, empathetic, self-motivated, and willing to help without prompting. Complete job description can be found here: https://www.shorewoodlibrary.org/discover/who-we-are/join_our_team.php.

This is a 40-hour per week position that requires evening and weekend shifts and reports to the Director of Library Services. Benefits include paid holidays and vacation, health and dental insurance, and Wisconsin Retirement System enrollment. The pay range for this position is $27.42-$38.38 per hour, and the starting pay depends on experience and qualifications.

TO APPLY: Submit a cover letter, resume, and three references to Confidential Secretary/Office Manager Angela Andre - angela.andre@mcfls.org - by Friday, August 22, 2025.

Saturday, February 3, 2024

Jobs! Jobs! Jobs!

Once or twice  a month on weekends, YSS posts round-ups of ads that are sent to us or that we come across. If you have a position opening up and would like to see it on the YSS blog, please forward the job ad link/descriptions to the YSS blog at the email address listed in the header above the day's blog post.

Here is an early February listing:


East Troy Lions Library       Children's Librarian ((part time)
The East Troy Lions Public Library (ETLPL) is hiring a new, regular part-time Children’s Librarian. This person would work 26-29 hours a week year-round under the direct supervision of the Library Director to direct the activities of children services as well as assisting library patrons with the full range of services at the public service desk. The posting will remain open until full. First review of applicants will begin on February 27, 2024.

For a full posting and job description, please follow this link to the Village of East Troy's website.


Tami Bartoli, Director
East Troy Lions Public Library
3094 Graydon Avenue,  East Troy, WI 53120
(262) 642-6262    

bartoli@easttroy.lib.wi.us


Cudahy Family Library         Youth Librarian (part time)
The Cudahy Family Library is seeking a creative and energetic individual to be a part of the Library’s Youth Services Department. The Cudahy Family Library is located in Cudahy, Wisconsin, and is a member of the Milwaukee County Federated Library System. The City of Cudahy is approximately 8 minutes south of Milwaukee on the shores of Lake Michigan. The automation system is Innovative Interfaces, Inc.

Primary Responsibilities, under direction:


  • Assists in providing Library services and programs for children and young adults

  • Provides reader’s advisory and reference services

  • Assists in the maintenance and development of the Library’s Youth Collections


Requirements:


  • ALA accredited Master’s degree in Library Science

  • Two years experience as a Youth Librarian 


Compensation:


The position is part time, approximately 20 hours per week, with weekends and weeknights required. The hourly wage is $24.50 per hour, with paid sick leave.


To Apply:


Please submit a City of Cudahy job application and resume to Michelle Gibbs, Cudahy Family Library, at michelle.gibbs@mcfls.org or 3500 Library Drive, Cudahy, WI 53110. For more information, the online job application and the position’s job description, see the Library’s website at www.cudahyfamilylibrary.org. Review of applicants will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled. Incomplete application submissions will not be considered.






Saturday, August 19, 2023

Jobs! Jobs! Jobs!

Once or twice a month 
on weekends, YSS posts round-ups of ads that are sent to us or that we come across. If you have a position opening up and would like to see it on the YSS blog, please forward the job ad link/descriptions to the YSS blog at the email address listed in the header above the day's blog post.

Here is our mid-August listings: 

Hartland Public Library    Youth Services Librarian (full time) 

The Hartland Public Library is seeking an energetic and enthusiastic individual for the position of Youth Services Librarian. If you are a self-motivated, flexible, and forward-thinking professional with a strong commitment to providing great service to children and their families, we welcome your application! This full-time position (40 hours a week) will work diligently with and report to the Library Director. Starting pay is $21.53 an hour, with a range depending on experience and qualifications. 

 

Typical Responsibilities of Position: 

  • Provides age-appropriate children’s programs and events. 
  • Provides reference and reader’s advisory services for both children and patrons of all ages. 
  • Acts as a liaison to the community, organizations, schools, etc. 
  • Works the reference desk for certain shifts throughout the week. 
  • Buys, processes, and catalogs children’s materials. 

Major Duties and Responsibilities: 

  • Plans and implements youth programming (years 0-10), including the annual summer reading program. Responsible for planning and implementing weekly storytimes year-round. Coordinate special events as applicable. 
  • Hosts, schedules, and implements monthly lessons/storytimes for Kindergarten through Second Grade students in conjunction with local school teachers at the Library. 
  • Develops and maintains children’s materials collection using collection development practices; identifies trends in children’s publishing while also enhancing patrons’ browsing experience. 
  • Possesses extensive creativity with working with children and enjoys trying out new ideas.  
  • Provides outstanding internal and external customer service; demonstrates a positive attitude and supports Library goals and objectives.  
  • Responds to patron questions and situations in accordance with Library policy and in a manner to enhance the reputation of the Library as a public service organization.  
  • Demonstrates initiative and is a self-starter; demonstrates ability to focus on details. 
  • Assists in creating marketing materials. 
  • Actively seeks out new avenues for outreach and children’s programming opportunities. 
  • Assumes a community engagement mindset, which includes developing and maintaining effective relationships with schools, community groups, agencies, and non-profits that target youth in order to plan and deliver youth-based programs and services. 
  • Attends system-level meetings as they relate to children’s programming. 

Knowledge and Abilities: 

  • Considerable knowledge of modern library science theory and practices. 
  • Strong public service attitude and ability to relate to and communicate with children (and patrons of all ages when applicable). 
  • Is eager, excited, and enthusiastic to work with the children population here in Hartland. 
  • Displays excellent customer service skills, both with patrons in-house and at community forums/spaces. 
  • Ability to maintain and foster cooperative and courteous working relationships with the public, peers, and supervisor. 
  • Ability to perform reference work using both print and digital resources. 
  • Demonstrates flexibility and teamwork; ability to effectively present information in one-on-one and small group situations. 
  • Ability to work independently, organize and prioritize tasks, respond to varied/changing work demands, and make decisions as required. 
  • Ability to plan, organize, and carry out a program of library service independently and/or in conjunction with other librarians. 
  • Ability to communicate effectively with outside partners, such as school leaders. 
  • Excellent communication skills, both oral and written. 
  • Must be proficient and comfortable with the changing nature of technology. 
  • Creativity and marketing experience in a library setting are a plus.  

Physical Demands of the Position:  

  • Sit, stand, walk, climb, stoop, bend, twist and reach. 
  • Lift and carry 50 pounds or less. 
  • Handle processing, picking up, and shelving books. 
  • Push and pull objects weighing 60 to 80 pounds on wheels. 
  • Travel to meetings outside of the library; provide own transportation to said events. 

Environment & Working Conditions: 

  • Primarily an inside work environment. 
  • Some evening and weekend hours required. 

Education & Experience: 

  • Currently in the pursuit of or have already obtained a Master’s Degree in Library Science (MLIS) from an ALA-accredited college or university. 
  • 2+ years of customer service experience. 
  • Previous Library experience preferred but not required. 
  • Previous teaching experience, in a school OR library setting, preferred but not required. 
Interested candidates should send a cover letter, resume, and the Village of Hartland application via email to Library Director Andy Kristensen at akristensen@hartland.lib.wi.us. Position will be open until filled.  

Andy Kristensen, Library Director, Hartland Public Library   262 -367-3350   hartlandlibrary.org
​

Saturday, July 22, 2023

Jobs! Jobs! Jobs!

Once or twice a month on weekends, YSS posts round-ups of ads that are sent to us or that we come across. If you have a position opening up and would like to see it on the YSS blog, please forward the job ad link/descriptions to the YSS blog at the email address listed in the header above the day's blog post.

Here is our late July listings: 

Rice Lake Public Library   Public Services Director (full-time)

The Rice Lake Public Library is accepting applications until Monday, August 7, at 7 p.m. for one Regular Full-time Public Services Director. The non-union salary range is $60,000-$70,000 depending on qualifications, (new hires start at 95% of their salary during their orientation period) and includes benefits. Schedule includes evenings and weekends. An MLS from an ALA accredited university or equivalent experience is required.

This position directs the day-to-day operation and service functions of the library. Oversees youth and public services including programming primarily for children and families. Responsible for collection development for young patrons in a variety of formats. Acts as a community liaison and stays current with trends in library planning and services. Directly supervises 3-5 FTE employees. In the absence of the Library Director assumes responsibility for staff and the building.

Rice Lake is a growing community and the library was newly renovated and expanded in 2019. The ideal candidate will be highly customer service oriented, will enjoy working with patrons of all ages, including children, teens and adults, will have supervisory experience, and will be adept at working independently in a dynamic, ever changing library services environment.


The job posting, position description, city application, and more information about the library can be found online at www.rlpl.org or are available at the Rice Lake Public Library, 2 East Marshall St, Rice Lake, WI 54868. To be considered please submit a city application, cover letter, resume and references (three) in person, mail or email to rachelthomas@ricelakegov.org.


Spring Green Community Library Youth Services Librarian (part-time)


The Spring Green Community Library is looking for a creative, energetic team player to lead our youth services projects. This position will work with the director to plan youth and teen programs, make community connections, and manage the youth and teen collection. 

The day-to-day of the job would consist of spending time helping out on the desk, delivering books, communicating with community partners, running story times, and planning future crafts and programs. The YS Librarian with the help of the YS Assistant works to provide excellent service to the kids and families of Spring Green.   

Home to Frank Lloyd Wright’s Taliesin, American Players Theater, the House on the Rock, and Tower Hill State Park, the vibrant village of Spring Green is the crown jewel of the River Valley, a place where nature and art meet. Just 45 minutes from Madison, our quiet village boasts endless recreational and creative opportunities in Wisconsin’s beautiful Driftless Region. 

The busy community library belongs to South Central Library System where we maintain a collection of over 35,000 items and circulate over 80,000 items each year with an annual budget of $270,830. Located in the village center, the Spring Green Community Library serves the village, the River Valley School District, and its outlying communities with a passionate staff, active Friends of the Library group, and widespread community support.

Wage Range: $15-16 per hour

Schedule: 22 hours per week, including one Saturday a month

Requirements: Bachelor’s degree in a related field and/or experience in a public library or early childhood setting. Applications accepted until position is filled


Please submit a cover letter and resume to Emily Whitmore at ewhitmore@springgreenlibrary.org

General Description: 

Work as part of a team to support the overall mission of the library and effectively provide library  services. This position reports to the Library Director. Hours include regular weekday shifts, one  Saturday every month, and one weekend day (to run a children’s program) at least every other  month.  

Essential Job Duties:  

∙ Develop, present, and evaluate fun and educational programs for children ∙ Actively promote library services, materials, and programs through marketing and networking ∙ Assist in youth collection maintenance and management  

∙ Perform circulation functions including: check materials in/out, process applications, retrieve  materials, process deliveries, re-shelve items, collect fees 

∙ Provides assistance to youth and their families in locating and using library materials and  facilities.  

∙ Develop and maintain a network of contacts in the community to enhance programs and  services 

∙ Conduct tours, present programs to local groups as requested and perform other outreach  activities.  

∙ Supervise the work of volunteers 

∙ Assist patrons in understanding library services, procedures, resources, and technology ∙ Create eye-catching fliers and displays promoting library programs and materials ∙ Provide basic technology assistance to patrons 

∙ Provide patron-focused reference and reader’s advisory services  

∙ Utilize the internet, electronic databases, knowledge of library collection(s), and/or other  sources to anticipate and meet patron needs 

∙ Maintain expertise through professional literature, webinars and training videos, and/or  workshops 

Other Duties: 

∙ Serve as greeter and primary point of contact for patrons 

∙ Troubleshoot equipment and/or report equipment problems  

∙ Assist with other library programs and displays 

∙ Schedule community room and assist users with access 

∙ Contact users via telephone or email as needed 

∙ Update calendars in a variety of formats 

∙ Maintain familiarity with library programs, policies, procedures, technology and related  developments 

∙ Serve on committees and attend meetings as requested 

∙ Develop procedures and solutions for library operations

∙ Modify records in the SCLS database 

∙ Provide instruction or tours to customers on the use of library resources 

∙ Maintain a safe and welcoming library environment 

∙ Perform other duties as assigned 

Competencies: 

∙ Knowledge of current trends in early literacy practices and education 

∙ Ability to represent the library and enthusiastically promote its programs and services ∙ Communication skills (written and verbal) 

∙ Creativity  

∙ Time management skills 

∙ Ability to work independently and collaboratively  

∙ Excellent customer service skills 

∙ Technical skills including MS Office and social media. Ability to learn circulation software. ∙ Positive attitude toward children 

∙ Knowledge of pop culture helpful 

Education and/or Other Requirements: 

∙ Bachelor’s degree in a related field and/or experience in a public library or early childhood  setting 

∙ Proficiency in Microsoft Office suite 

∙ Proficiency with technology including basic typing/data entry, social media, databases,  graphic design, and internet searches  

Physical Requirements: 

∙ Ability to see, walk, sit, bend, stoop, kneel, crouch, reach, stand, talk and hear ∙ Ability to push full carts and lift materials  

∙ Ability to read, write, and communicate fluently in English 

∙ Dexterity to perform data entry on a computer, laptop, tablet, or other electronic device Note: 

This job description describes a general category of jobs. In order to meet the needs of the Spring  Green Community Library, employees may be assigned other duties, in addition to or in lieu of those  described above, and duties are subject to change at any time. 

The Spring Green Community Library is an Equal Opportunity Employer. In compliance with the  Americans with Disabilities Act, the Library will review any reasonable request for accommodation to  qualified individuals with disabilities and encourages both prospective and current employees to  discuss potential accommodations with the employer.

Tuesday, July 4, 2023

Jobs! Jobs! Jobs!

Once or twice a month on weekends, YSS posts round-ups of ads that are sent to us or that we come across. If you have a position opening up and would like to see it on the YSS blog, please forward the job ad link/descriptions to the YSS blog at the email address listed in the header above the day's blog post.

Here is our early July listing: 

Kewaunee Public Library   Children's Librarian (part-time)

The Kewaunee Public Library is seeking an innovative, tech-savvy, customer-focused, and self-motivated individual to join our team that serves the community of Kewaunee and Kewaunee County. The ideal candidate enjoys working with children; readily adapts to change, and projects a welcoming and helpful personality. Applicant must have excellent written and oral communication skills and be comfortable helping people of all ages in a group or one-on-one setting. Candidates with work experience in youth services settings, library, customer service, or technology are preferred. On the fly tech instruction is a frequent part of the job, so the qualified applicant must be comfortable using and troubleshooting a wide range of technology. Attention to detail and organization is key. Providing high quality early literacy learning experiences is the goal. The Position is 20 hours a week. Applicant must be willing to work one or two evenings a week and one Saturday per month. Applications are available online at www.kewauneepubliclibrary.org or at the library. Please submit completed application with cover letter and resume to Carol Petrina, Director Kewaunee Public Library 822 Juneau St. Kewaunee, WI 54216, kew@kewauneepubliclibrary.org by July 7, 2023.


Berlin Public Library   Youth Services Librarian  (full time)


The Berlin Public Library is seeking an innovative, enthusiastic, and creative Youth Services Librarian to join our team! This is a fulltime position with benefits to match the City of Berlin.  More details can be found at www.berlinlibrary.org.  Application deadline is July 10. 

 

Thank you for helping spread the word about this fantastic opportunity.

 

Thank you,

~Chris

 

Chris Kalupa, Director

Berlin Public Library

121 W Park Ave

Berlin WI  54923

920-361-5420

920-361-5424 (fax)