Reports to: Library Director
Location: Ligonier, PA
Hours: This is a full-time, on-site position (40 hours per week) with some weekend and evening hours required.
Salary: Salary starts at $32,000 with compensation commensurate with experience and qualifications.
Benefits: Includes health, vision, and dental insurance; retirement plan; sick leave; personal time; and a generous vacation package.
Ligonier Valley Library is a vibrant, rural community library located in the heart of Pennsylvania’s scenic Laurel Highlands. Serving the communities of the Ligonier Valley, the library is dedicated to sparking curiosity, supporting lifelong learning, and fostering meaningful community connections through innovative programs, welcoming spaces, and access to diverse resources for all ages. The library offers a dynamic mix of youth, teen, and adult programming; robust digital and physical collections; local history resources; and community-centered events that make it a cultural and educational hub for the region.
The library values creativity, collaboration, and community engagement and offers staff the opportunity to develop innovative programs and meaningful partnerships in a welcoming small-town environment.
Job Summary: The Youth Services Librarian/Coordinator will provide library services to the youth of the Ligonier Valley, including reference and readers’ advisory services, programming, outreach, public relations, and collection development.
The ideal candidate will be forward-thinking, compassionate, and enthusiastic about working with children and teens. They will excel at building positive relationships with parents, teachers, caregivers, and community partners while creating welcoming and engaging library experiences for young people of all ages. The successful candidate will demonstrate a strong interest in expanding library services and outreach opportunities throughout the Ligonier Valley and developing partnerships with local schools, businesses, and community organizations. They should possess strong adaptability, creativity, and a willingness to explore new ideas, initiatives, and emerging trends in youth services.
The candidate should possess the following attributes:
Demonstrated knowledge of:
- Developmental, recreational, and educational needs of youth
- Current trends and best practices in youth library services
- Public library procedures
- Current information technology
- Best practices in community assessment and engagement
- Effective practices program/services evaluation and outcome measurement
Skill in:
- Program development and evaluation
- Budget management
- Developing and maintaining local partnerships
- Public speaking
Ability to:
- Be courteous and tactful with the general public
- Communicate effectively verbally and in writing
- Establish and maintain working relationships with patrons, library staff, community leaders and organizations
Youth Services Responsibilities:
- Develop, present, direct, and evaluate programs for youth of all ages, including summer reading programs and the Teen Advisory Board
- Develop engaging and inclusive programming and services for children, tweens, and teens
- Oversee the evaluation and selection of library materials for youth collections
- Follow and maintain the youth services collection development and programming budget
- Support the cataloging and processing of youth services materials
- Create marketing materials such as posters, newsletters, press releases, email blasts, social media posts, displays, and monthly calendars to promote youth services activities and programs
- Establish and maintain cooperative relationships with local public and private schools, working with administrators, librarians, teachers, and students to ensure quality library programs and services
- Establish and maintain working relationships with local service organizations and businesses to help promote and support quality library services
- Engage in outreach to schools, daycares, preschools, and other youth-oriented community organizations
Administrative Responsibilities:
- Supervise and manage all routine activities and the daily operation of the Youth Services Department, including the supervision of one part-time employee
- Train, schedule, and evaluate Youth Services staff and volunteers
- Prepare monthly and annual reports as required
- Work collaboratively with the Library Director, maintaining open communication regarding ongoing projects, operational needs, emerging issues, and opportunities for new or expanded services
- Attend professional meetings, conferences, and workshops to maintain professional growth and development
Required Qualifications:
- Minimum of three years of progressive experience working in libraries with demonstrated experience working with youth ages 0-17
- Experience developing, marketing, and evaluating library materials and programs
- Valid driver’s license and reliable transportation
Preferred Qualifications:
- Master of Library Science from an ALA-accredited institution or an equivalent degree
- Experience with grant writing
Physical Requirements:
- Ability to lift up to 35 pounds
- Ability to stand, bend, reach, and move throughout the library for extended periods
- Ability to set-up and break down program spaces and materials
All Positions at the Ligonier Valley Library require:
- A PA State Criminal Background Check, PA Child Abuse History Clearance, and an FBI fingerprint-based criminal history background check
- Compliance with state standards of professional continuing education
To apply, please submit:
- A cover letter
- Professional resume or CV
- Three professional references
- One example of programming for each demographic: preschoolers, school-aged children, and teens
Materials must be emailed to the Library Director, Lindsay Mattock, at lindsay.mattock@wclibraries.org with the subject line “Youth Services.”
This job opening will remain open until filled.
This job description is not, nor is it intended to be, a complete statement of all duties, functions and responsibilities of this position and may include other duties as assigned by the Library Director.