Librarian I – Youth Services Librarian

We are excited to make this full time position available. Initial applications received from December 18, 2025-January 5, 2026 at noon will be reviewed on January 5 and initial phone interviews will begin that week. Due to the holiday break, it may take a few days to receive confirmation that your application has been successfully submitted. If you do not hear back by January 6, 2025, please resend your original application.

POSITION TITLE: Librarian I – Youth Services Librarian 

JOB DESCRIPTION:  

The Lake Placid Public Library seeks an innovative, team-oriented Youth Services Librarian with a strong commitment to welcoming and educating children, teens, and adult learners. This is a Competitive Civil Service position, working a full-time schedule of 40 hrs./wk. 

The Youth Service Librarian will provide library service for children, youth, and organizations who work with them. We seek someone to guide and implement a range of programs in collaboration with staff, volunteers, and parents and to contribute to the development of the children’s room and collections to meet evolving community needs.  

This position is full-time and includes occasional evening and Saturday events. The Youth Service Librarian reports to the Library Director and works closely with a team of librarians, library clerks, and volunteers. While the majority of the time will be spent focused on youth, the Youth Service Librarian will also contribute to core public and technical services in coordination with their colleagues. 

LOCATION: 

Lake Placid Public Library is a school district public library that serves the town of North Elba/Village of Lake Placid and surrounding areas. Located in Essex County on Main Street overlooking Mirror Lake, the Library serves as a public haven for locals and visitors alike. The Lake Placid Public Library is part of the Clinton, Essex, Franklin Library System, consisting of 33 member libraries. The library’s mission is to be a focal point of our community which provides educational, informational, cultural, and recreational material for all. 

COMPENSATION: 

This position offers starting compensation of $22.50-25.00/hr. commensurate with experience. We offer a competitive benefits package including health insurance, dental insurance, paid vacation, sick days, personal time, holidays, NYS Retirement, and a parking permit. 

DUTIES: 

Youth Services (40%) 

• Ensure the library collections include relevant print and digital resources aimed at the specific interests and needs of children and teens in the community. 
• Develop and maintain effective relationships with schools, community groups, agencies and non-profits that serve youth to plan and deliver programs and services that meet local needs and interests. 
• Take a leadership role in developing and implementing the overall youth services program which includes a dynamic summer reading series, offsite events, homeschool programs, story times, and holiday events. This includes facilitating regularly scheduled programs for preschool-aged children 0-6, elementary aged children 6-11, and middle and high school youth directly and/or arranging special guest instructors and performers. 
• Provide individualized and small group support to visitors in the children’s room.

Public Service & Patron Assistance (30%) 

• Provide prompt, courteous, and direct assistance to all patrons with basic information regarding the use of library materials, equipment, and services. 
• Assist patrons in locating materials within the library and through the online catalog. 
• Answer reference questions and offer readers advisory services. 
• Support patrons in the use of library computers, digital resources, and technology tools. 

Administrative & Collaboration (25%) 

• Collaborate with other staff members to support library initiatives and services. 
• Participate in staff meetings and community outreach as needed. 
• Oversee library clerks and volunteers to complete daily tasks in public services, facilities, and collection management. 
• Contribute to technical services such as item cataloging, ILL requests, and website updates (training provided) .
• Maintain a welcoming space for patrons.  
• Other duties as assigned. 

Professional Development (5%) 

• Attend and participate in professional library workshops, seminars, and network committees; read professional literature. 

EDUCATION/QUALIFICATIONS: 

• Preferred: Candidates possess a Master’s Degree in Library Science (MILS) or a Master’s of Science in Information Science (MSIS) from a library school that is accredited by the American Library Association or recognized by the NYS Education Department OR three or more years of professional experience in a library setting. 
• Required: Candidates possess a college degree and three or more years of professional experience in a library setting OR in related fields including education, public service, administrative tasks, and/or program delivery. 
• Required: Experience working for and with children (ages 2-11) and youth (ages 12 to 18). 
• This position is subject to Civil Service requirements. 

KNOWLEDGE/SKILLS: 

• Knowledge of the developmental, recreational, and educational needs of children and youth. 
• Knowledge of current trends in library services and literacy education for and with children and youth. 
• Knowledge of standard library procedures, current information technology, Internet and database search capabilities. 
• Knowledge of best practices in children and youth services, including guidelines and standards published by ALA, YALSA and other recognized organizations. 
• Cultural competence skills. 

ABILITIES: 

• Able to communicate effectively with others, orally and in writing, including through email. 
• Able to identify and translate children, young adult, and adult needs and interests into effective library services and programs. 
• Able to establish and maintain effective working relationships with co-workers, patrons, user groups, community organizations, volunteer groups, and to serve the public courteously. 
• Able to recognize and set priorities, and to use initiative and independent judgment in a variety of situations. 
• Able to learn and stay current with emerging technology, including digital media. 
• Able to lift and carry bags of books or boxes weighing up to 40 pounds. 
• Able to speak to large groups. 
• Must be able to drive a car and hold a valid driver’s license. 
• Must be available to work evenings and weekends with prior arrangement. 
• Must possess physical mobility involving bending, lifting, reading, and hearing. 

To APPLY: Please submit resume with cover letter, three references, and a copy of your Civil Service application for employment by email to [email protected]. Civil Service applications can be found at https://www.co.essex.ny.us/jobs.asp. No calls or in-person applications, please. The application will be open until the position is filled, with priority given to applications received before January 5, 2026.