Children's Librarian

Children's Librarian

The Town of Needham is seeking passionate individuals to fill the full-time position of Children's Librarian at the Needham Free Public Library. Reporting to the Library Children's Supervisor, the Children's Librarian will support in a patron-facing capacity, providing readers advisory, reference services and technology instruction for patrons of all ages and executing children's programming and outreach that will support the library's long-range plan. The ideal candidate will have a background in children's library programming, excellent communication skills, some knowledge of basic coding and STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Math) activities, interest in promoting library programs and services through the webpage, and a passion for serving the Needham community's children and families.

It is an exciting time to join the Needham Free Public Library team! Our Strategic Plan and Annual Action Plans position the library to continue to meet the community's needs for years to come. In addition, our recent Library Space Utilization Study reimagines the library's interior space in four phases to enhance the work we do for our patrons and the community with our newly opened 4,000-square-foot Teen Room being the first phase. Along with diverse collections, plentiful programming, and great services, the Needham Free Public Library is on track to be the go-to place for new and current library workers.

Schedule: 37.5 hours/week

• Mondays 12:30 - 9:00 pm
• Tuesdays through Fridays: 9:00 am - 5:30 pm
• Every fourth Saturday with the Preceding Friday Off: 9:00 am - 5:00 pm

Applications will be accepted through 11:59 AM on September 8, 2026.

CON #27017

Duties and Responsibilities

• Advise and assist patrons, both children and adults, in selecting, locating, and utilizing library resource materials through knowledge of print materials, the computerized catalog, electronic databases, and the Internet, instructing patrons in the use of these resources.
• Establish, plan, and execute children's programming that will support the library's Long-Range Plan.
• Evaluate, weed, and develop assigned sections of the Children's Room Materials Collections.
• Assist the Children's Supervisor in providing outreach programs, services and library tours to local schools, preschools, and community organizations.
• Work with the Children's Supervisor to coordinate volunteer activities.

• Update and maintain the Children's Department web page, assisted by another Children's Department team member.

• Create and organize book lists and displays.
• Actively participate in professional library network committees and activities, including appropriate Minuteman Library Network committees and roundtables, attending professional meetings, seminars, and continuing educational opportunities as they arise.
• Assume responsibility for the Children's Room in the absence of the Children's Supervisor.

Requirements

• Master's degree in Library and Information Science.
• One to three years' experience in professional library children's service, children's programming experience is a plus.
• Excellent customer service, communication, and interpersonal skills with the capacity to interact effectively and tactfully with the general public.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently and collaboratively with colleagues within and outside the Children's Department.
• Familiarity with computers and the ability to perform detailed work accurately and efficiently, adapting to new technologies as required.
• Capability of standing for long stretches as well as bending, lifting up to 45 lbs., and pushing book carts loaded with books.

Supplemental Information

The Town of Needham is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to fostering an inclusive and encouraging workplace. There shall be no discrimination on the basis of race, age, gender, national origin, disability, religion or belief, sexual orientation, marriage/civil partnership, pregnancy/maternity, veteran status, or any other protected class. We are an inclusive organization and actively promote equality of opportunity for all with the right mix of talent, skills, and potential. We welcome all applications from a wide range of candidates. Selection for roles will be based on individual merit alone.

For general employment inquiries, please contact us at View email address on click.appcast.io.

The Town of Needham will endeavor to provide reasonable accommodation to a qualified applicant with a disability unless the accommodation would impose an undue hardship on the operation of our business. If you believe you require such assistance to complete this form or to participate in an interview, please contact us at View email address on click.appcast.io.

Benefits

As a Town of Needham employee, you are offered a rewarding career-opportunity serving the Needham community, a thriving and growing town of approximately 32,000 residents and a diverse commercial tax base. The municipality has a Representative Town Meeting form of government, with a five-member elected Select Board who appoints a Town Manager to serve as the Chief Executive Officer. Town departments include Public Works, Police, Fire, Library, Public Health, Park & Recreation, Aging Services, Youth and Family Services, Treasury, Tax collection, Tax assessing, Finance, IT, Human Resources and more!

The Town of Needham is a professionally run organization that is committed to creating an inclusive culture where employees can perform at the highest levels. Our employees are dedicated to their work and rely on each other as a team to ensure that Needham remains a place where engaged and committed people want to live, work and play.

The total offer will feature a comprehensive benefits package, which may include (depending on position):

• Competitive Compensation
• Flexible Work Options
• Early Release Fridays at 12:30 pm (position dependent)
• 12.5 Paid Holidays
• Generous Family and Medical Leave (employee group specific)
• Retirement Plan: Contributory Defined Benefit Pension Plan (mandatory participation)
• 457b Deferred Compensation Plan, Pre-tax or Roth with Employer Contribution Match (voluntary participation)
• Access to Rosemary Recreation Complex Pool during Summer months
• Access to Recycling and Solid Waste facility
• Free Library Card with Needham Free Public Library (part of the Minuteman Library Network)
• Employer-Sponsored Health Insurance
• Health Savings Account with an Eligible Health Insurance Plan
• Flexible Spending Account for Health Care and Dependent Care
• Dental and Vision Coverage
• Basic and Optional Life Insurance Coverage
• Paid Personal and Vacation Leave
• Employer Paid Non-Occupational Sick Leave
• Comprehensive Employee Assistance Program which includes mental health, financial education, legal referrals, and much more
• Employer-paid training opportunities, such as courses for municipal finance and leadership; conference or trade show attendance; paid memberships to professional organizations
• Tuition Assistance and Paid Professional Development Opportunities
• Qualified Employer for the Federal Public Service Student Loan Forgiveness Program
• Free Electric Vehicle (EV) Charging and Free Parking