Assistant Branch Manager, Children's Services

Harris County Public Library (HCPL) - History

The Harris County Public Library (HCPL) system, established in 1921, began as a collection of small libraries located in stores, post offices, and private homes. Over the years, it has grown into a robust network comprising 26 branch libraries, two technology service centers, and two partner locations that provide collection and circulation services. HCPL serves the communities of unincorporated Harris County and cities without independent library systems.

In 2024, HCPL received the prestigious National Medal for Museum and Library Service, the highest honor awarded to libraries in the United States. Bestowed annually by the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS), this award recognizes institutions that deliver exceptional service to their communities. The library was recognized for innovative initiatives like HCPL Connected, Enhanced+ Library Cards, and its Mobile Outreach Librarian program.

HCPL is also recognized as one of the best places to work, offering a supportive and inclusive environment that fosters innovation, collaboration, and professional growth. Its dedication to employee well‑being, diversity, and community impact makes HCPL more than just a workplace—it’s where individuals can grow, inspire, and contribute to meaningful change.

This position is responsible for library services that include but are not limited to identifying and interpreting user needs, planning and implementing a variety of children’s programs to encourage library usage and to foster community relations, providing exceptional customer service, reference, and reader's advisory, and assisting Library patrons in the use of library services, facilities, and equipment. Leads literacy initiatives for the branch.

Exemplify the high standards and expectations for the library system in its daily operations and services.

• Provides direct supervision and management of the assigned staff, establishes goals and priorities
• Plan, coordinate, and promote services and programs for children, including summer reading and other special events
• Cultivates cooperative relationships with external stakeholders and actively participates in outreach to the community
• Develop an engaging and attractive library collection through awareness of current children’s literature
• Identifies information needs in the community and presents recommendations to the Branch Manager
• Supervises the library in the absence of the Branch Manager
• Attend staff meetings, activities, and professional conferences, and actively serve on committees
• Implement knowledge of current trends in services and programs
• Exemplify the high standards and expectations for the library system in its daily operations and services
• Other duties as assigned

• Master’s Degree in Library and Information Studies or related field from an accredited university or college AND two (2) years of library experience working in a variety of roles, displaying administrative, supervisory, and leadership skills in community engagement and planning, collection development and reference services, digital and Library technology, program management, and data analysis for the effectiveness of programs, services, and resources.
• Bachelor's Degree in a related field from an accredited college or university AND four (4) years of library experience working in a variety of roles, displaying administrative, supervisory, and leadership skills in community engagement and planning, collection development and reference services, digital and Library technology, program management, and data analysis for the effectiveness of programs, services, and resources.
• Associate degree in any field or 60 hours of secondary education credits from an accredited college or university AND seven (7) years of library experience working in a variety of roles, displaying administrative, supervisory, and leadership skills in community engagement and planning, collection development and reference services, digital and Library technology, program management, and data analysis for the effectiveness of…