Youth and Teen Library Assistant

Position Summary

The Youth & Teen Services Library Assistant provides welcoming customer service and supports library services for children, teens, and their caregivers. This position assists with reference and readers' advisory, delivers engaging programs, maintains department collections and spaces, and helps foster a positive, inclusive environment that encourages lifelong learning. The ideal candidate is a self‑starter with excellent attention to detail, strong organizational skills, and the ability to thrive in a busy, fast‑paced environment while managing multiple priorities.

Every employee contributes to the patron experience and organizational culture. Success in this position is measured not only by job performance, but also by a commitment to collaboration, service excellence, continuous improvement, and the values outlined in the Sycamore Library Culture Statement. Employees are expected to:

• Provide welcoming, responsive service to all library users.
• Practice kindness, professionalism, and mutual respect.
• Communicate openly and assume positive intent.
• Take ownership of their work and contribute to team success.
• Collaborate across departments and support organizational goals.
• Embrace learning, adaptability, and continuous improvement.

Represent the library positively within the community

• Welcome children, teens, caregivers, and other patrons to the Youth & Teen Services Department.
• Provide reference, readers' advisory, and general assistance with library resources and services.
• Assist patrons with technology, software applications, digital resources, and personal devices.
• Plan, prepare, and present programs and outreach activities for children, teens, and families.
• Create displays and promotional materials highlighting library collections, services, and events.
• Assist with collection maintenance, including merchandising, shelving, and organization.
• Record program attendance, customer service interactions, and other departmental statistics.
• Help maintain safe, organized, welcoming public spaces.
• Assist with department opening and closing procedures.
• Participate in training and professional development opportunities.
• Support library initiatives, strategic priorities, and departmental goals.

Perform other duties as assigned.

Required

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Minimum one year of experience working with children, teens, or families.
• Strong customer service and communication skills.
• Basic computer proficiency.

Ability to work independently and collaboratively as part of a team.

• Associate degree or coursework in education, library science, child development, or a related field.
• Experience presenting programs or group activities.
• Experience providing technology assistance.

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform essential job functions.

• Sit, stand, and walk for extended periods.
• Bend, reach, squat, and stoop.
• Lift and carry up to 30 pounds.
• Push carts weighing up to 100 pounds.
• Operate computers, tablets, presentation equipment, and other office technology.

Communicate effectively in person, by phone, and in writing.

Sycamore Public Library is an equal opportunity employer and complies with all applicable federal, state, and local employment laws.

Please visit the Sycamore Public Library website; sycamorelibrary.org/Get Involved/Employment, and complete an online application and attach your cover letter and resume.

Part Time (18 hours/week) Classification:
Non Exempt, Hourly

Schedule:

Sunday 12:30 pm-5 pm , Monday 4 pm-8 pm , Tuesday 4 pm-8 pm , and Friday 1 2:30 pm-6 pm