Kingston Library seeks innovative, motivated and resourceful applicants for the position of Children’s Librarian. This individual will join a dedicated staff during a period of exceptional transformation as we realize the culmination of a long-planned renovation. Beginning in November 2023, Kingston Library will be fully operational in a temporary space for approximately 18 months before returning to our completely renovated building.

The successful candidate will be a dynamic, flexible, community-oriented person who is able to embrace change, has a strong customer service orientation, and a collaborative approach to library service. Applicants must have a desire and ability to work in an urban public library that serves a wide variety of people and promotes equity, diversity and inclusion.

As a professional librarian, the Children’s Librarian coordinates all aspects of children’s services and programming. The Children’s Librarian will develop and maintain the children’s materials collection; supervise clerks working in the children’s room; work collaboratively with teen and adult services librarians to identify and build on cooperative opportunities; and establish, support and maintain relationships with community partners. The Children’s Librarian is strongly encouraged to engage and empower all children’s services staff, as a team, to provide the full range of services and programs to children and families.

The staff of the Kingston Library are empowered to co-create relevant and responsive services for the people of Kingston, the person in this role with have great latitude to shape the future of children’s services in our city.  Kingston Library strives to be an environment that is conducive to growth, invests in professional development for all staff, and is well-suited to those who are self-directed.

The City of Kingston is a diverse and vibrant city with an engaged citizenry. In addition to its rich history and heritage, Kingston has a thriving arts community that supports a broad range of cultural events. In a prime location on the Hudson River, Kingston has many outdoor parks and is highly walkable and bikeable. Kingston Library is well connected to the larger community and is an enthusiastic partner to many affiliated organizations.

The Children’s Librarian is a full-time (40 hours per week) position including regular evenings and weekends. Compensation is $50,000 per year with paid vacation, holidays, sick leave, and health insurance. This is a provisional appointment pending Civil Service examination of training and experience.

MINIMUM ACCEPTABLE TRAINING AND EXPERIENCE: Possession of a Master’s Degree in Library Science* from a library school that is accredited by the American Library Association or recognized by the New York State Education Department as following acceptable education practices, and 1 to 3 years of professional library experience, at least 1 year of which must have been in a children’s services role. Eligibility for a New York State Public Librarian’s certificate at the time of application is required and possession of the certificate is required at the time of appointment.

*SPECIAL NOTE: Some universities have renamed their programs and no longer designate the degree as a Masters in Library Science or MLS. Contact the New York State Library’s Division of Library Development for assistance.

Not sure you meet all qualifications? Let us decide! Research shows that women and members of traditionally excluded groups tend not to apply to jobs when they think they may not meet every qualification when, in fact, they often do! We are committed to creating a diverse and inclusive environment and strongly encourage you to apply.

To apply, email cover letter, resume, and contact information for three professional references to Margie Menard, Library Director at mmenard@kingstonlibrary.org with the subject heading: Children’s Librarian Application

Application review will continue until the position is filled.

The mission of the Kingston Library is to be a vital center in our diverse community that inspires lifelong learning and empowers our citizens by providing free and equal access to information, ideas, books, and technology.