Library Associate Children's Services

About the role

The Bastrop Public Library is seeking a Library Associate for Children’s Services. This role involves designing and leading engaging programs for young children, delivering exceptional service, and managing the youth collection.

Responsibilities

• Plans, prepares, and implements programs and events for children, youth, and families that foster learning and positive engagement with the library.
• Works collaboratively with the Youth Services Librarian and the library team in planning and implementing summer programs, family programs, adult programs, general library events, and outreach services to schools and other organizations.
• Maintains orderly appearance of facility by clearing tables of books and magazines, replacing tables, chairs, and other materials periodically, and dusting shelves and desks.
• Provides organization and maintenance of library materials in the Children’s and Juvenile collections to ensure ease of access and optimal shelf usage.
• Assists in the management of assigned collections, including, but not limited to, selecting material, weeding, inventory, and evaluating donations for addition to the collection.
• Performs routine shelf checks to ensure continuing physical maintenance and proper location of books, periodicals, and other library materials.
• Keeps current on topics of collection development and library issues specific to children and youth 0-12 and their parents.
• Affords assistance at the public service desks, assisting patrons with accessing the library resources, providing technology assistance, and completing reference requests.
• Utilizes the Integrated Library Management System to run reports, maintain patron accounts, and complete general circulation duties.
• Performs administrative record keeping and reporting of various statistics.
• Promotes library programs and services through a variety of channels by creating, designing, preparing, and distributing information in print and digital formats; creating and monitoring social media posts; designing engaging displays; and seeking other promotional opportunities.
• Attends professional conferences, meetings, and workshops to maintain current knowledge of trends and developments in the field of library and information science.
• Travels as required.
• Affords assistance with the implementation and changing of library policy and procedures.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree that supports the essential duties and responsibilities of the position.
• One (1) to three (3) years' customer service experience.
• One (1) to three (3) years' of experience developing and presenting programs for children.
• Bilingual and able to read, write, and speak Spanish proficiently (preferred).

Skills

• Knowledge of general office software, social media applications, internet/web navigations, mobile application awareness, office equipment and technology.
• Intermediate computer skills and current technology, practices of automated library systems, and informational search skills using the Internet and on-line databases.
• Knowledge of routine clerical functions, record maintenance principles and techniques, and basic accounting principles and practices.
• Knowledge of standard library operations.
• Knowledge of children’s literature and resources.
• Knowledge of working with children in groups.
• Ability to sort and file alphabetically, numerically, and according to the Dewey Decimal Classification System.
• Ability to read numbers and letters rapidly and accurately.
• Ability to exercise independent judgement in accordance with established policies and procedures.
• Ability to work with children individually and in groups.
• Ability to create, plan, and present a variety of programs that support learning and positive engagement with the library.
• Ability to exercise independent judgment in selection of support materials and planning age-appropriate activities.
• Ability to communicate effectively; receive both oral and written instructions; listen actively to coworkers and the public.
• Ability to serve the public with patience, tact, and integrity.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with supervisors, fellow employees, and the public, especially children and their parents.
• Ability to work days, evenings, and weekends.

Benefits

The City of Bastrop provides a competitive salary and a comprehensive benefits package that includes a mandatory retirement plan through Texas Municipal Retirement System (TMRS), a voluntary 457 plan, comprehensive medical coverage, Health Savings Account (HSA), life insurance, paid vacation, paid sick leave, and 13 paid holidays.

Pay

The salary range for this position is $30,000 - $35,000 annually.

Schedule

The position requires a non-traditional work schedule, Monday through Friday, 9:15 a.m. – 6:15 p.m., with either Tuesday or Thursday hours being 12:15 p.m. – 9:15 p.m., and at least one scheduled Saturday per month, 8:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. Occasional hours outside this schedule may be required for events or outreach activities.

Why work at the Bastrop Library?

We believe in fostering a community where everyone can learn and grow. Our team is dedicated to making a difference in the lives of our patrons, and we're looking for someone who shares our passion for inspiring young minds and creating meaningful connections. Join us in making a difference!

What does excellent customer service look like to you?

Excellent customer service means being approachable, patient, and attentive to the needs of each individual. It involves listening actively, providing clear and accurate information, and going above and beyond to ensure satisfaction. We strive to make every interaction a positive one, whether it's helping a child find a book or resolving a technical issue.

Do you have volunteer experience that is relevant to this position?

While not required, having experience volunteering in a library or similar setting can be highly beneficial. It demonstrates your commitment to the community and your ability to work with children and adults alike. Please provide details of your volunteer experience if you have any.