Library Page - Teen Reading Ambassadors

Application Deadline: 30 July 2026 Department: Branch Services & Programs Location: Various Locations Compensation: $17.00 / hour Overview The New York Public Library is looking for teens in the 10th, 11th, or 12th grade who are interested in at least one of the following: Working with children Exploring a career in education, literacy, librarianship, and/or youth services Exploring the world and work of libraries Description The Teen Reading Ambassadors (TRA) position will be assigned to one of NYPL’s drop-in After School homework help and enrichment programs at local library branches in the Bronx, Manhattan, and Staten Island. Ambassadors will be provided with pre-work and ongoing training that will allow them to serve as high-quality academic tutors at their site, with a focus on developing literacy skills and a love of reading in children ages 6–12. Ambassadors will also have the opportunity to support the production of Portal, a literary magazine for younger children. Position hours are scheduled between September 25, 2026, and June 3, 2027. Those hours include: Kick-off training on: Saturday, October 3 Friday, October 9 Additional Training on Saturday, November 14 32 weeks of work at your assigned library branch (starting the week of Oct. 5): Up to 7 hours per week, working either Mon & Wed or Tues & Thurs for 3-3.5 hours each day after school Special events and opportunities Most hours will be scheduled starting around 3 PM on weekdays. A few weekend events will be scheduled. Teen Reading Ambassadors will not work during regularly scheduled NYC School breaks or holidays. A program calendar will be provided if the candidate is selected to go through the interview process. You must be able to get to the locations you select by around 3 PM on weekdays. In the application, you will select the locations where you would be willing to work. If hired, you will be assigned to one location. Branch locations will be confirmed during the interview process. Expected Position Locations Bronx Branches Allerton Clason’s Point Edenwald Grand Concourse High Bridge Kingsbridge Melrose Morrisania Morris Park Mott Haven Parkchester Tremont Van Cortlandt Wakefield Westchester Square Manhattan Branches 115th Street Bloomingdale Chatham Square Columbus Hamilton Grange Harlem Inwood Macomb’s Bridge Riverside Roosevelt Island Seward Park Washington Heights Staten Island Branches Port Richmond Richmondtown St. George Library Center Todt-Hill Westerleigh Key Responsibilities Support the set‑up and clean‑up of the After School program Help students with their homework Serve as a literacy tutor to children ages 6–12 Develop and lead literacy-focused enrichment activities Participate in trainings and meetings to develop best practices in tutoring, with a focus on literacy Support programs conducted by the Children’s Librarian and other key staff Be a role model for elementary school children and model exemplary behavior Collaborate and work with the Tutor(s) and/or other Teen Reading Ambassadors to create an enriching and fun environment for children Optional: Support the production of the Teen Reading Ambassadors’ literary magazine, Portal Required Education, Experience & Skills Required Education & Experience Current enrollment in 10th–12th grade in an NYC high school Proper employment certificate for minors under 18 as required by NYS law A resume is required for this position. You can find a guide to writing your resume here. Required Skills Demonstrated interest in and/or experience working with children Interest in reading, writing, and/or libraries Strong communication skills and ability to interact with a diverse group of people Demonstrated reliability and punctuality Ability to work as part of a team Hardworking and willing to be flexible Able to communicate through email and other electronic formats in a timely manner Demonstrated integrity Basic computer skills, including email, internet, and word processing Core Values Be Helpful to patrons and colleagues Be Resourceful in solving problems Be Curious in all aspects of your work Be Welcoming and Inclusive Physical Duties Limited physical effort is required Light lifting required Lifting up to 20 lbs. required May require travel within NYC Schedule 6-7 hours per week; scheduled for 3-3.5 hours each day on either Monday & Wednesday or Tuesday & Thursday with additional orientation, training, and special opportunity hours to be scheduled #J-18808-Ljbffr The New York Public Library