Job Opportunities

Newton Public Library is an Equal Opportunity Employer and ADAAA and values diversity in its workforce.

CHILDREN’S SERVICES COORDINATOR

Newton (KS) Public Library is looking for a Children’s Services Coordinator to develop and maintain a dynamic program of service to children (birth to upper elementary) through effective programming, collection development, reference & customer service, and other initiatives to promote reading and lifelong learning. Candidates must demonstrate flexibility, adaptability, and a positive attitude of respect for all persons.

This position involves:

  • Planning and carrying out a program of services for birth to upper-elementary-age children, including but not limited to storytimes, Summer Reading Programs, and other initiatives;
  • Assisting with collection development, evaluation, and maintenance within children’s services;
  • Cultivating partnerships with area youth-related organizations to promote the library and literacy;
  • Planning and organizing children’s programs, tours, services, and displays;
  • Staffing the children’s area desk to provide excellent customer and reference service to library patrons;
  • Utilizing and assisting library patrons with a variety of technology such as computers and tablets; computer programs including library software, Microsoft Office, and Zoom;
  • Formulating budgets, procedures, and changes to the children’s area;
  • Creating promotional materials, signage, and social media content;
  • Preparing necessary statistics, annual and state reports as assigned by Director.

Candidates should have the following skills and knowledge:

  • Familiarity with children’s literature and child development;
  • Skills and up-to-date knowledge, proficiency, and experience with a variety of technology;
  • Ability to work independently with minimal supervision and be able to prioritize tasks;
  • Ability to work as a team with other library staff members and contribute to the overall successful operation of the library;
  • Ability to provide customer service with a positive attitude, and effectively deal with members of the public, even in stressful situations.

For a complete job description with all position requirements, please click here.

HOURS:  Hourly, full time (40 hours) – non-exempt for purposes of Fair Labor Standards Act.  Must work some evening and weekend shifts.

SALARY:  Expected starting pay is $18.15/hour. Includes individual paid health insurance and paid vacation/sick leave.

SUPERVISED BY: Library Director

SUPERVISES: Desk aides & volunteers when scheduled in children’s area

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

Required:

  • BA/BS from an accredited institution
  • Valid Driver’s License

Preferred:

  • Master of Library Science degree, or degree in education or related field
  • Previous public library experience

TO APPLY: Send cover letter & resume with three references to Dr. Cari Cusick, Library Director, at ccusick@newtonplks.org, or mail to Newton Public Library, Attn: Dr. Cari Cusick, 720 N. Oak, Newton, KS 67114. Application deadline is June 18, 2021.

PART-TIME LIBRARY AIDE

Newton Public Library seeks a dynamic person with enthusiasm, people-oriented, experience with technology, knowledge of library services and minimum 16 years of age.  Must have flexible schedule and be available to work most hours library is open.

POSITION SUMMARY: Under immediate supervision of Adult Services Supervisor, this position re-shelves library materials, maintains materials in the library collection in a neat and orderly fashion, and performs clerical, circulation and related library work as required.  Works directly with the public.

HOURS:  Hourly – non-exempt for purposes of Fair Labor Standards Act.  Must be available mornings, including during the school year. 15-hour work week is average.

Job Duties Include, But Are Not Limited to the Following:

  • Actively greet and assist patrons with access to library materials, online databases, Internet resources, and computer applications.
  • Assist patrons in selecting library materials through knowledge of authors and types of literature.
  • Assist with collection development and maintenance such as inventory, shelving and shelf reading by approved library filing techniques and the Dewey Decimal system weeding of library materials based on NPL Collection Development policies and guidelines.
  • Answer directional questions and refer patrons to appropriate staff member(s).
  • Provide reference, information, readers’ advisory, referral services, and interpretation of policies to patrons.
  • Arrange returned materials on book carts and re-shelve them in proper order.
  • Perform circulation desk procedures including but not limited to manual processes and computerized checking in and checking out library materials, retrieve library materials from book drops, registration of patrons, placing and supplying holds, entering magazine holdings, changing status of barcodes, printing lists, searching and informing patrons of messages, overdues, and manage book drop and collecting money for fines and other library monetary transactions.
  • Prepare, repair, or recondition library materials.
  • Provide advisory services and bibliographic instruction.
  • Provide basic instruction to patrons on specified equipment, library software and databases.
  • Requests interlibrary loan materials and maintains interlibrary loan files.
  • Actively participate in continuing education efforts.
  • Assist with opening and closing, and follow safety and emergency procedures.
  • Assist with physical appearance of service areas and maintenance of building, advising Director of needed actions and performing routine custodial functions when no custodian is present.
  • Perform other duties as assigned.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

  • Education equivalent to sophomore in high school, minimum 16 years of age; High School Diploma or GED preferred.

Complete and submit the Newton Public Library Application Form to: Dr. Cari Cusick, Newton Public Library, 720 N Oak, Newton, KS 67114, or email to: ccusick @ newtonplks.org. EEO. You may also submit a resume and/or cover letter (optional).