Youth Services Librarian - Elementary Focus; Westfield Memorial Library

Youth Services Librarian - Elementary Focus (Westfield Memorial Library)

Westfield Memorial Library is seeking a passionate, creative professional to inspire and engage elementary-aged students in our vibrant community.

Under the supervision of the Head of Youth Services, the Youth Services Librarian contributes to the collection development and maintenance of children’s materials; informational and technology assistance, and readers advisory to all ages; and programming that meets the needs and interests of Westfield community children and families. This position collaborates on community outreach, marketing, and partnership efforts, and pursuing grant opportunities.

The successful candidate will display an eagerness to provide services to children of all ages, but will maintain some responsibilities with a specific age-level focus in services to elementary-aged children and their families.

Westfield Memorial Library is a county leader in public library service, with a reputation for providing high quality materials, programming, and information services to Westfield’s 30,000+ residents. Recent accomplishments include the installation of (7) private study rooms on the library’s 2nd floor, and construction of a new makerspace (expected to open in early 2026).

The library will be starting work on a new strategic plan in 2026, which is expected to be completed by late June.

Westfield is frequently listed as one of the best places to live in New Jersey, including a 2025 report from Niche, which gave Westfield an A+. Niche also ranked Westfield Public School district the 18th best school district in New Jersey for 2026. The district employs 10 librarians and school library media specialists, who closely collaborate with library staff.

Noted for its beautiful downtown, lovely and diverse housing, excellent school system, and varied commuting options to New York City, Westfield offers its residents the best of friendly small-town living influenced by the sophistication of New York City. Westfield’s historic downtown is a mix of locally owned specialty stores and well-known national retailers. Downtown is the scene for popular year-round events, attracting visitors of all ages.

Reports to the Head of Youth Services.

• Provide reference and reader’s advisory services for all age groups utilizing print and electronic resources.
• Instruct children and families in the effective use of print and non-print reference sources as well as use of library equipment.
• Contribute to the attractive appearance of the children’s room/area through appropriate displays.
• Recommend the acquisition of library materials according to the unit or section assigned, taking into consideration priority needs, budget limitations, and ensuring appropriate representation of marginalized groups in the collection.
• Review and weed library collection of books and other materials based on weeding guidelines.
• Design programs that foster a variety of literacies and learning methods including but not limited to pre-literacy, early literacy, family literacy, media literacy, technology literacy, computational thinking, STEAM, and maker-centered learning.
• Provide age-appropriate programs and class visits for children and their parents, educators, and caregivers.
• Prepare reading lists and relevant subject bibliographies for public distribution.
• Read professional literature to keep abreast of current trends; exchange ideas, information, and opinions with the Department Head to formulate policies, procedures, programs for service improvements.
• Establish professional relationships with school librarians in their service areas.
• In-charge of Library building and staff, when necessary.
• Perform other duties as required.

• Utilize effective public relations techniques to promote an awareness of and support for meeting children’s library and information needs through all media.
• Ensure that all children and their families have full access to library materials, resources, and services as prescribed by the ALA’s Library Bill of Rights and its interpretations.
• Identify and evaluate outside sources of funding and…