Youth Services Department Manager | McHenry Public Library District

Youth Services Department Manager | McHenry Public Library District

Posted on May 22, 2026

The McHenry Public Library District seeks an on-site individual with proven experience in Youth Service librarianship to lead a team of librarians and library associates in offering exemplary services, programs, and collections to children, teens, and their families in our growing and diverse community.

With strong communication, project management, and interpersonal skills, the person in this position will manage our Youth Services department's primary responsibilities of collection development, reference and reader's advisory, outreach, and programming. This will be achieved by fostering a workplace where staff are engaged, supported, and motivated to excel. This includes training, mentoring, and evaluating staff in ways that encourage creativity, collaboration, idea exchange, and a shared drive to do great work.

A successful candidate can demonstrate their ability to utilize strong leadership and operational knowledge to make sound decisions regarding collections, services, procedures, and policies that support our Library's strategic goals.

• Knowledge of commonly accepted library practices and current awareness in responsibility areas.
• Knowledge of the needs and abilities of children and teens related to learning, literacy, social skills, and cognitive development, and their implications for library service.
• Knowledge and appreciation of literature for children and teens.
• Familiarity with a broad range of professional library services and library trends.
• Principles, practices, methods, and techniques of developing and implementing child and teen programs and associated facility management.
• Ability to fairly and effectively supervise staff and delegate duties as needed.
• Ability to establish and maintain harmonious working relationships.
• Support equity, diversity, and inclusion (EDI) in the workplace.
• Ability to maintain a safe environment for staff and the public.
• Commitment and desire to provide excellent customer service to library patrons.
• Ability to deal courteously and diplomatically with the public.
• Ability to master new technology and software and serve as a trained resource to department and library staff.
• A high degree of organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Ability to set priorities to plan, organize, and manage projects simultaneously to meet assigned deadlines.
• Principles and practices of grant writing and management.
• Ability to follow directions and multitask.
• Ability to work without direct supervision.
• Ability to be tactful and respect confidentiality.
• Flexibility to adjust to changing directions and deal with frequent interruptions.
• Ability to respond to emergencies and stressful situations with a calm and professional demeanor.
• Dependability; ability to work a flexible schedule, including evenings, weekends, and on-call hours.

• MLS (MLIS) degree from an ALA-accredited institution.
• Three to five years of public or school library experience working with youth and teens.
• Three (3) or more years of supervisory experience.
• Experience in developing and evaluating library programs, services, and collections for children and teens, and in coordinating and performing community needs assessments for children and teens.
• Proficient technology skills, including Microsoft Windows and Office applications, Google Suite applications, Internet, and the ability to adapt to changing technology.
• Travel is required as needed for the demands of the position.
• Excellent interpersonal, communication, leadership, time and project management skills.
• Bilingual skills (Spanish, Polish, or ASL) desirable.
• The salary range for this position is approx. $65,000-$75,000.

McHenry Public Library District
809 Front St
McHenry, IL 60050
United States