Library Page - Teen Reading Ambassadors (Staten Island)
Department: Branch Services & Programs – Various Locations
Compensation: $17.00 / hour
About the role
The New York Public Library is looking for teens in the 10th, 11th, or 12th grade who are interested in at least one of the following:
- Working with children
- Exploring a career in education, literacy, librarianship, and/or youth services
- Exploring the world and work of libraries
Teen Reading Ambassadors (TRA) will be assigned to one of NYPL’s drop-in After School homework help and enrichment programs at local library branches in the Bronx, Manhattan, and Staten Island. Ambassadors will receive pre-work and ongoing training to serve as high-quality academic tutors, focusing on developing literacy skills and a love of reading in children ages 6–12. Ambassadors may also support the production of Portal, a literary magazine for younger children.
Position hours are scheduled between September 25, 2026, and June 3, 2027, including:
- Kick-off training on Saturday, October 3 and Friday, October 9
- Additional training on Saturday, November 14
- 32 weeks of work at your assigned library branch (starting the week of October 5)
- Up to 7 hours per week, working either Monday & Wednesday or Tuesday & Thursday for 3-3.5 hours each day after school
- Special events and opportunities
Most hours will be scheduled starting around 3 PM on weekdays, with a few weekend events. Ambassadors will not work during regularly scheduled NYC school breaks or holidays. A program calendar will be provided if selected for an interview.
In the application, you will select the locations where you would be willing to work. You must be able to arrive at your selected location by around 3 PM on weekdays (exceptions may be discussed during the interview). If hired, you will be assigned to one location, confirmed during the interview process.
Expected position locations include:
- Staten Island Branches: Port Richmond, Todt-Hill, Westerleigh
Responsibilities
- Support the set-up and clean-up of the After School program
- Help students with their homework
- Serve as a literacy tutor to children ages 6–12
- Develop and lead literacy-focused enrichment activities
- Participate in trainings and meetings to develop best practices in tutoring, with a focus on literacy
- Support programs conducted by the Children’s Librarian and other key staff
- Be role models for elementary school children and model exemplary behavior
- Collaborate with Tutors and/or other Teen Reading Ambassadors to create an enriching and fun environment for children
- Optional: Support the production of the Teen Reading Ambassadors’ literary magazine, Portal
Requirements
Education & Experience
- Current enrollment in 10th–12th grade in an NYC high school
- Proper employment certificate for minors under 18 as required by NYS law
- A resume is required for this position
Skills
- Demonstrated interest in and/or experience working with children
- Interest in reading, writing, and/or libraries
- Strong communication skills and ability to interact with a diverse group of people
- Demonstrated reliability and punctuality
- Ability to work as part of a team
- Hardworking and willing to be flexible
- Able to communicate through email and other electronic formats in a timely manner
- Demonstrated integrity
- Basic computer skills, including email, internet, and word processing
Core Values
- Be Helpful to patrons and colleagues
- Be Resourceful in solving problems
- Be Curious in all aspects of your work
- Be Welcoming and Inclusive
Physical Duties
- Limited physical effort is required
- Light lifting required (up to 20 lbs.)
- May require travel within NYC
Schedule
- 6-7 hours per week
- Scheduled for 3-3.5 hours each day on either Monday & Wednesday or Tuesday & Thursday after school
- Additional orientation, training, and special opportunity hours
Pay
$17.00 / hour