Library Associate II-Children's Outreach Services

GENERAL SUMMARY:   

Under direct supervision of the Mobile Outreach Supervisor, the Library Associate II provides information services and reader’s advisory to children and families, focusing on early childhood, elementary, and tweens; develops and conducts library and reading related programs for children outside of library branches via the Bookmobile and other library outreach vehicles. This position focuses on the development of outreach and programming promoting the relationships between organizations serving children and community neighborhoods. 

 ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:   

• Develops and coordinates outreach programming and services to community neighborhoods and organizations serving children, including childcare centers, schools, and camps, for children age birth through fourteen. 
• Develops and delivers StoryTime on the Go programming to children ages birth through five at childcare centers.
• Plans, schedules, and delivers reading-related programs for children and families ages birth through fourteen outside of library branches via Bookmobile and other library outreach vehicles. 
• Initiate, develop, and maintain working relationships with community neighborhoods and organizations serving children and other related community leaders. 
• Conduct book-talks and provides reader guidance and reference service to patrons of all ages.  
• Monitors and maintains collections on Bookmobile and restocks materials as needed.  
• Helps children and caregivers use computers and technology. 
• Promotes library resources and programs. 
• May lead book discussions and prepare age-related booklists. 
• Stays informed and knowledgeable about trends in early childhood education and district news and shares information with staff. 
• Serves as program liaison with community programs. 
• Works with the Mobile Outreach Supervisor to assess outreach needs and coordinate outreach response to requests for service. 
• Evaluates existing children’s outreach programs in Cecil County and recommends possible new sites and services. 
• Promotes library initiatives and programming  
• May participate in other community-based outreach events, community celebrations, fundraisers, etc. 
• Works with supervisors to develop and implement department goals within overall system goals. 
• Upkeep and periodic cleaning of library vehicles, including taking vehicles to scheduled maintenance appointments as needed. 
• Safely operate library vehicles and other job-related equipment. 
• Maintains accurate service statistics. 
• Other duties as assigned. 

 JOB STANDARDS:  

• Promotes and maintains a high standard of excellent customer service, both internal and external.  
• Demonstrates ability to work with diverse populations.  
• Models positive attitude towards library technology and change.  
• Maintains courteous, friendly, and constructive relationships with all patrons and staff.  
• Promotes and advocates a positive library image in the community.  
• Maintains professional growth and awareness through training, self-directed learning, and other means to stay abreast of current and emerging trends in the community and in libraries.  
• Performs job in keeping with the policies and procedures of the Cecil County Public Library.  

CRITICAL SKILLS/EXPERIENCE:  

• Baccalaureate Degree from an accredited college.  
• Within two years of appointment, each Library Associate shall have successfully completed Library Associates’ in-service training or nine credit hours of formal academic course work in library science. Such training may have been received prior to the date of appointment. Training provided by CCPL off-site in Maryland.  
• Two years’ working experience with children ages birth through five. 
• Excellent written and verbal communications skills.  
• Excellent customer service skills.  
• Demonstrated commitment to valuing diversity and contributing to an inclusive working and learning environment. 
• Ability to maintain composure and flexibility in a changing, public-facing environment.  
• Excellent technology, computer, and personal device skills and experience, including various software packages. 
• Knowledge of Windows operating system, internet resources, social media, and other technologies and how to use them effectively.  
• Knowledge of a variety of types of electronic hardware devices for computing, listening, viewing, gaming and new technologies.  
• Willingness and ability to acquire knowledge of library computer systems and applications.  
• Ability to analyze and perform and or manage a wide variety of library projects.  
• Strong knowledge of books, authors, current events.  
• Ability to reach, bend and lift up to 35 lbs.  
• Ability to push/pull rolling book cart. 
• Valid driver’s license and clean driving record. 

WORKING CONDITIONS: 

Works in normal heat and light conditions with the potential to work in extreme heat or wintry conditions outdoors. Some eye fatigue from working at computer terminals. Physical fatigue from repetitive lifting of books, moving and pushing carts, standing, walking, and driving. Some stress from constant public contact. 

 EQUIPMENT:  

Outreach vehicles, personal computers, laptops, scanners, printers, photocopier, book carts, fax machine, telephone, security system. 

 FAIR LABOR STANDARDS ACT STATUS:   Non-Exempt

SCHEDULE: Part-Time. Regular schedule requires evening, daytime and weekends. 

NOTE: Certain conditions, e.g., economic constraints or staffing patterns, may necessitate a change in job description. 

EOE                                                                                                                                                                     CREATED 7.2025