Long-Term Substitute Middle and Upper School Librarian

About the role

Sayre School seeks a long-term substitute Middle and Upper School Librarian with a demonstrated passion for collaboration, teaching, and working with young people. This position begins October 19, 2026 and ends December 18, 2026, with the possibility of extending.

Schedule: Monday-Friday, 7:45am-3:30pm.

Responsibilities

• Sustain current collection offerings and develop the collection to meet the Sayre community’s evolving needs.
• Select and accession titles in Junior Library Guild monthly shipments.
• Evaluate and approve individual requests for new additions on a limited basis.
• Communicate with vendors to maintain database and periodicals subscriptions.
• Collaborate with and support teachers and their curriculum through recreational reading selections and information literacy related classroom instruction:
  • Schedule class visits for independent reading selection.
  • Conduct instruction sessions with 10th grade World History and others.
  • Teach 6th grade English read-along.
  • Teach the Library Helpers class.
  • Teach 5th grade library class.
  • Promote recreational reading with book talks and DEAR time.
  • Provide instruction on using the library’s resources.
  • Teach technology skills and information literacy.
• Maintain the library as an accessible, welcoming space for all members of the Sayre community:
  • Keep the library open throughout the day, including US lunch, MS recess, and E hour.
  • Schedule use of the space for special events (KUA, Reading Room, etc).
  • Support use of the Makerspace.
  • Assist students, faculty, and staff in using the machines for school and personal projects.
  • Become proficient in using and troubleshooting the machines.
  • Keep supplies stocked.
• Conduct programming and outreach to raise awareness of the library’s resources and presence on campus:
  • Observe themed awareness weeks and plan coordinating events (Banned Books Week, Black History Month, Women’s History Month, etc.).
  • Update bulletin boards in MS and US.
  • Host Fireplace Friday once every 4-6 weeks.
  • Update monthly book displays in the library.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree, preferably in Education, English, History, or a related field.
• Experience teaching or working with students in an educational setting.
• Experience working or volunteering in a library and managing aspects of library services.
• Technology proficiency with computers, iPads, printers, and Google Drive.
• Commitment to Belonging and Inclusion.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master’s degree in Library Science (MSLS) or related field and/or teaching credential.
• Experience collaborating with teachers to design and implement lessons and activities.
• Familiarity with middle grades and YA fiction and nonfiction and experience promoting recreational reading.
• Experience organizing and implementing special events.

About Sayre School

Established in 1854, Sayre School is an independent PS through 12th grade college preparatory co-educational school located in downtown Lexington, Kentucky. A second campus, comprising a 50-acre athletic complex and farm, is several miles outside of town.