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 Associate supports the library's mission by providing exceptional customer service, assisting with daily operations, and delivering engaging programs for children, teens, and families. This position plays a key role in fostering a welcoming and educational environment by supporting library programs and outreach efforts, assisting patrons with library resources, and helping maintain an organized and dynamic youth services area. The associate works closely with team members to promote literacy, lifelong learning, and community connection.

Schedule: Monday, 12:30pm-9:00pm, Tuesday-Friday 8:30am-5:00pm, Weekend Rotation

Essential Functions

• Provide friendly and effective customer service at public service points, including assistance with locating materials, library accounts, and general inquiries.
• Assist patrons in-person and by phone with circulation services, account management, and use of library technology.
• Register new library users and orient them to available services, programs, and procedures.
• Plan and implement regular story times, craft events, and topical youth programs at the library and in outreach settings.
• Collaborate with staff to deliver seasonal programs and special events, including the Summer Reading Program.
• Assist with and participate in outreach activities at schools, daycares, and community organizations.
• Create print and digital promotional materials for programs and services.
• Provide basic reader's advisory and reference services to patrons of all ages.
• Shelve, shelf-read, and weed materials to maintain a quality and organized youth collection.
• Maintain a neat and inviting department space, including displays and activity areas.
• Support general library operations and perform additional tasks as assigned.?

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED required; prior library or bookstore experience preferred.
• Experience working with children and the ability to engage with youth in both group and one-on-one settings.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to provide clear, empathetic assistance to patrons and colleagues.
• Basic computer proficiency, including familiarity with email, internet browsing, and word processing software.
• Ability to work evenings and weekends as needed.
• Reliable transportation to support outreach events.
• Must pass a background check according to library standards.

Physical Demands:

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

Work Environment:

Work is performed primarily in an indoor library setting with occasional offsite outreach. The environment is typically quiet but can become active and energetic during programming. The work area 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