Childrens Librarian II

Req ID

2026-31810

Dept

Boston Public Library

Position

Regular Full-Time

Location

BPL: SOUTH END BRANCH

Salary Min

69,070.95

Salary Max

89,571.13

Union

PSA

Openings

1

Posting End Date

9/12/2026

Contact Email

[email protected]

Overview :

Under supervision and within the framework of the Library’s policies and practices, to assume responsibility for the effective execution of the Library’s programs of service to a diverse population characteristic of an urban setting with emphasis on children and to perform professional work requiring application of substantial professional knowledge and experience.

Reports to: Branch Librarian or ranking staff member.

Supervises: As assigned, professional and non-professional staff members.

Responsibilities :

• Initiates, develops, plans, and implements the Library’s programs of service to children through personal consultations, reference and readers’ advisory services, outreach, and programs.
• Develops interactive relationships within a defined neighborhood and implements activities to stimulate use of the Library’s resources by the community, especially through schools, and other agencies that serve children and their families.
• Plans and conducts comprehensive programming for toddlers, preschoolers and school-age children such as story hours, book talks, craft programs, puppetry, book discussion groups, and summer reading programs.
• Performs readers’ advisory services and difficult or involved reference work for the general public.
• Provides instruction to increase patrons’ skills in the use of book resources and electronic databases.
• Manages program funds assigned to children’s services.
• Responsible for the development of the children’s book collection and managing the appropriate materials budget.
• Compiles annotated lists and bibliographies involving book and non-book materials.
• Recommends and/or plans changes in service or new services for children.
• Responsible for oral presentations and written reports on children’s activities within the branch library.
• Assists in training professional and non-professional staff.
• May be responsible for the day-to-day operations of the branch in the absence of the Branch Librarian or other ranking staff member.
• Actively participates in system-wide committees, training, and other professional activities.
• May be called upon to represent the Library on city-wide and state-wide committees.
• Performs other related and/or comparable duties as assigned.

Minimum Entrance Qualifications :

• A bachelor’s degree from a recognized college or university. A master’s degree in library science from an accredited library school. Courses in children’s literature and children’s work taken for credit from an accredited library school. Storytelling courses and/or experience are desirable. In exceptional instances, specialized education, training, and/or experience may be substituted for part or all of the educational requirements.
• Two (2) years of pertinent professional library experience or any equivalent combination of education, experience, and training sufficient to indicate the ability to do the work.
• Broad knowledge of Library policies, practices, and procedures.
• Extensive knowledge of children’s literature, including bibliographic tools and sources pertaining to children’s literature and work.
• Demonstrated knowledge of the programming techniques for children.
• Demonstrated interest in children and in library work with children.
• Demonstrated ability and willingness to develop strong, interactive community relationships.
• Demonstrated ability and willingness to assume responsibility and to carry out assignments independently.
• Proven oral and written communication skills, as well as the ability to search the Internet and other electronic databases.
• Demonstrated ability to work well with staff and the public; initiative, dependability, good judgment, tact, and courtesy.
• Ability to exercise good judgment and focus on detail as required by the job.
• CORI - Must successfully clear a Criminal Offenders Record Information check with the City of Boston.

BOSTON RESIDENCY REQUIRED

Terms:

Union/Salary Plan/Grade: PSA/P-2

Hours per week: 35