You create amazing experiences for our library guests with your warmth, knowledge, and love of serving others. You work with other staff to plan, organize, and coordinate cutting-edge programs and services for babies and kids from Preschool through 8th grade, their caregivers and schools. You connect our guests of all ages with the information they need, helping them feel comfortable using our resources and expanding their world by enthusiastically sharing about our collections and services.
Who you are:
- You engage well with people of all ages and are passionate about providing exemplary customer service experiences.
- You are warm and friendly, and you just like helping people.
- You naturally empathize and relate to people, seeking to build relationships, especially with kids and their parents.
- You’re creative and enjoy learning new things.
- You’re outgoing – you love letting people know what is new and happening at the library.
- You’re a thoughtful and collaborative team player.
- You make smart, independent decisions, understanding the big picture and your place in it.
- You’re really comfortable with change and are always looking for new ideas and for ways to improve services.
- You have a strong attention to detail and accuracy is important to you.
- You are able to juggle multiple tasks and projects with frequent interruptions.
- You show initiative and can think on your feet.
- You’re a great communicator, both oral and written.
- You’re excited about the prospect of growing and learning in a changing environment.
- You enjoy a good laugh.
A position you’ll love:
- You warmly welcome guests into our library and ensure a great experience.
- On call, roaming the floor, and at the service desk, you provide an amazing library experience to guests of all ages:
- Engaging with guests on the floor where they are at.
- Providing basic reference services.
- Assisting and training guests on using our catalog, databases, and e-content.
- Talking with people about books, movies, and music and sharing meaningful suggestions.
- Helping guests find the items they are looking for.
- Sharing about our programs and services and being a point of referral for other library services.
- You support and present innovative programming for babies to age 7 in several ways:
- Developing and presenting programs, including storytimes.
- Assisting as needed with others’ programs and with larger events.
- You represent IPPL as part of the department’s outreach team at schools with students up to 8th grade and at a variety of community events for all ages throughout the year.
- You plan and maintain the 2nd floor activity table’s passive activities.
- You work with other staff to plan and execute special events.
- You love learning and keep up with library trends by participating in continuing education and training opportunities.
Do you have what it takes?
- Bachelor’s degree.
- A minimum of two years' experience working with children in a learning environment.
- At least one year of experience working with the public.
- Experience with facilitating storytimes preferred.
- Courses or experience in education or special education a plus.
- Valid driver’s license and State of Illinois approved automobile insurance.
- Proficiency in using computers and other devices, Microsoft Office Suite, plus apps and the Internet.
- Reliable transportation.
Physical requirements:
- Hear, speak, and listen to individuals in person and by telephone.
- Reading materials in print and electronic format.
- Ability to use a mouse, keyboard and computer monitor.
- Ability to sit and use a computer for extended periods.
- Ability to move throughout the library to provide, explain, interpret and retrieve resources.
- Ability to safely lift library materials up to 20 pounds.
- Ability to push/pull carts with materials.
- Ability to reach, bend, kneel and crouch to retrieve and replace library materials.
