Part-Time Bilingual Youth Services Associate - Public Library

About Kansas City, Kansas Public Library: Kansas City, Kansas Public Library (KCKPL) serves Wyandotte County, a community in Northeastern Kansas with a population of around 170,000, with five library branches and three mobile libraries. KCKPL was formed in 1893 and came under the authority of the Kansas City, Kansas Public School District Board of Education in 1899, where it remains today. The mission of Kansas City, Kansas Public Library is to connect members of a dynamic community with information, tools, resources, and welcoming spaces to enrich lives in Wyandotte County.

Job Goal: The Youth Services Bilingual Associate supports the delivery of inclusive and engaging library services for children, teens, and families-particularly those who speak Spanish. This position plays a key role in enhancing access to library resources by offering bilingual customer service, assisting with daily library operations, and planning and delivering youth-focused programs in both English and Spanish. The associate helps strengthen community outreach, fosters literacy, and contributes to an environment that is welcoming and culturally responsive for all patrons.

Essential Functions

• Provide bilingual customer service to patrons in person and over the phone at all public service points.
• Assist patrons with locating materials, using library resources, and understanding library procedures.
• Register new patrons and orient them to library services, technology, and account management.
• Plan and implement children's and family programs, including bilingual story times, crafts, and seasonal events.
• Assist with outreach efforts to schools, daycares, and community organizations, representing the library in both English and Spanish.
• Create and distribute promotional materials (print and digital) to support library programs and events.
• Shelve materials, conduct collection maintenance (weeding and shelf reading), and ensure departmental organization.
• Provide readers' advisory and basic reference assistance to patrons of all ages.
• Support circulation functions and general library operations as assigned.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED required; equivalent education/experience mix considered.
• Bilingual in English and Spanish with high proficiency in speaking and comprehension.
• Strong proficiency in written English.
• Experience working with children and the ability to engage effectively with all age groups.
• Prior customer service or library experience preferred.
• Basic computer skills, including use of email, word processing, and online applications.
• Ability to work evenings and weekends as required.
• Reliable transportation to participate in offsite outreach programs.
• Must pass a background check according to library standards.

Physical Demands:

This position requires the ability to stand, walk, kneel, stoop, and lift up to 35 pounds. Responsibilities may involve moving library materials, assisting with room setup for programs, and traveling to outreach locations. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Work Environment:

Work is primarily performed indoors in a library setting with occasional offsite outreach. The noise level is generally low but may increase during programming or events. The environment may include exposure to dust, mildew, and fluorescent lighting.

Benefits:

Vacation, disability, and personal days granted annually pursuant to KCKPS Board Policies, GARH - Absences, leave and vacation. Salary based on library classification and salary schedule.? Placement on the schedule based on qualifications and experience. A willingness to work evenings, weekends and extra duty as needed is a condition of employment.