Peer Youth Branch Library Assistant - Washington Heights Library

Overview

Do you love books and connecting people to resources? The New York Public Library has been an essential provider of free books, information, ideas, and education for all New Yorkers for more than 100 years. As a Peer Youth Outreach and Programming Assistant at The New York Public Library you will do that and much more.

Department: Branch Libraries

Location: Washington Heights Library

Compensation: $17.50 / hour

A Peer Youth Outreach and Programming Assistant position is meant to give you knowledge about what it means to work within a library system. You will have access to a wealth of knowledge and experience which will allow you to decide if the library is where you want to begin your career. We are looking for candidates that demonstrate a strong work ethic, are reliable and possess excellent written and verbal communication skills.

You will be expected to be an ambassador for the Library, so a friendly demeanor goes a long way.

Schedule: 18 hours per week, including evenings and Saturdays. Schedules are variable based on Library needs and may be subject to change. Availability to work evenings or weekends as necessary.

• Project a positive and courteous attitude to the public by providing exceptional customer service in a fast‑paced and friendly environment.
• Assist with developing, promoting, facilitating and evaluating innovative programs to meet the expressed and anticipated needs of the community’s young adult population including reading clubs, homework help, instructional workshops, STEM and literacy programs, gaming, summer reading events, maker programs and a variety of other programs both in the Library and throughout the community.
• Assist Youth Specialist with outreach to and developing partnerships with community based organizations, schools and local businesses to promote the Library’s services (e.g., MyLibrary
  
  NYC, the Library’s partnership with NYC schools), programs and collections with a focus on young adults.
• Assist with building and maintaining a diverse young adult collection which includes staying on top of reading trends, offering recommendations, shelving and arranging library materials in order alphabetically and numerically.
• Learn and assist a Librarian with answering patron inquiries, offering resource recommendations using print, media and digital resources.
• Assist patrons with basic computer, internet and audio/visual equipment usage as well as encouraging digital literacy and providing age‑appropriate technology instruction to young adults.
• Assist with promoting the Library’s services.
• Co‑facilitate team meetings with other Library Pages to collectively cultivate ideas to enhance service and share learning opportunities.
• Locate and prepare library materials requested by patrons.
• Assist staff with checking materials for damage and removing them from the shelves.
• Help set up public spaces for events and programs.
• Navigate customer interactions and escalates issues to the manager.
• Perform other related tasks as needed.

• Must be in first year of college or entering second year.
• Proper employment certificate for minors under 18 as required by NYS law.

• Experience working and engaging with members of the public.
• Experience with various technology platforms.

• Ability to accurately and efficiently sort and arrange items in alphanumeric order.
• Strong organizational skills and ability to follow detailed instructions in a fast‑paced environment.
• Excellent customer service skills and the ability to work with a diverse patronage.
• Superb interpersonal and communication skills, including written communication.
• Strong problem‑solving skills.
• Demonstrated ability to work as part of a team.
• Demonstrated reliability and professionalism.
• Basic computer and technology skills such as Microsoft Office Suite and Google Applications.
• Proficiency with social media.
• Ability to troubleshoot basic computer and printer issues preferred.
• Experience with eReaders and library technologies preferred.
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision.

N/A

• Be Helpful to patrons and colleagues.
• Be Resourceful in solving problems.
• Be Curious in all aspects of your work.
• Be Welcoming and Inclusive
  .

• Public Library setting.

• Moderate lifting required (up to 25 lbs).
• Pushing book trucks.
• Shelving at various levels.
• May require travel within NYC.

No

Non‑Union

Non‑Exempt

• 18 hours per week, including evenings and Saturdays. Schedules are variable based on Library needs and may be subject to change. Availability to work evenings or weekends as necessary.