Childrens Librarian II

Childrens Librarian II

Salary

$69,070.95 - $89,571.13 Annually

Location

BPL Fields Corner - 1520 Dorchester Avenue

Job Type

Full-Time

Job Number

2026-00089

Department

Boston Public Library

Opening Date

09/25/2026

Closing Date

3/13/2027 11:59 PM Eastern

• Description
• Benefits

Overview

Under supervision and within the framework of the Library's policies and practices, assume responsibility for the effective execution of the Library's programs of service to a diverse population characteristic of an urban setting with emphasis on children and perform professional work requiring application of substantial professional knowledge and experience.

Reports to: Branch Librarian or ranking staff member.

Supervises: As assigned, professional and non-professional staff members.

Responsibilities

• Initiates, develops, plans, and implements the Library's programs of service to children through personal consultations, reference and readers' advisory services, outreach, and programs.
• Develops interactive relationships within a defined neighborhood and implements activities to stimulate use of the Library's resources by the community, especially through schools and other agencies that serve children and their families.
• Plans and conducts comprehensive programming for toddlers, preschoolers, and school-age children such as story hours, book talks, craft programs, puppetry, book discussion groups, and summer reading programs.
• Performs readers' advisory services and difficult or involved reference work for the general public.
• Provides instruction to increase patrons' skills in the use of book resources and electronic databases.
• Manages program funds assigned to children's services.
• Responsible for the development of the children's book collection and managing the appropriate materials budget.
• Compiles annotated lists and bibliographies involving book and non-book materials.
• Recommends and/or plans changes in service or new services for children.
• Responsible for oral presentations and written reports on children's activities within the branch library.
• Assists in training professional and non-professional staff.
• May be responsible for the day-to-day operations of the branch in the absence of the Branch Librarian or other ranking staff member.
• Actively participates in system-wide committees, training, and other professional activities.
• May be called upon to represent the Library on city-wide and state-wide committees.
• Performs other related and/or comparable duties as assigned.

Minimum Entrance Qualifications

• A bachelor's degree from a recognized college or university. A master's degree in library science from an accredited library school. Courses in children's literature and children's work taken for credit from an accredited library school. Storytelling courses and/or experience are desirable. In exceptional instances, specialized education, training, and/or experience may be substituted for part or all of the educational requirements.
• Two (2) years of pertinent professional library experience or any equivalent combination of education, experience, and training sufficient to indicate the ability to do the work.
• Broad knowledge of Library policies, practices, and procedures.
• Extensive knowledge of children's literature, including bibliographic tools and sources pertaining to children's literature and work.
• Demonstrated knowledge of the programming techniques for children.
• Demonstrated interest in children and in library work with children.
• Demonstrated ability and willingness to develop strong, interactive community relationships.
• Demonstrated ability and willingness to assume responsibility and to carry out assignments independently.
• Proven oral and written communication skills, as well as the ability to search the Internet and other electronic databases.
• Demonstrated ability to work well with staff and the public; initiative, dependability, good judgment, tact, and courtesy.
• Ability to exercise good judgment and focus on detail as required by the job.

CORI & SORI CHECKS REQUIRED

BOSTON RESIDENCY REQUIRED

Terms:

Union/Salary Plan/Grade: PSA/P-2

Hours per week: 35

The City of Boston is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. We invite applications from all qualified individuals and do not discriminate based on race, color, national origin, ancestry, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, disability, genetic information, marital status, military or veteran status, or any other protected category.

At the City of Boston, we provide our employees with a wide array of benefits and resources that foster both their professional and personal development. Our goal is to make City government a place where everyone is empowered to make a positive impact for the communities in which we live, work, and play.

For full-time positions, employees may be eligible for the following benefits depending on the nature of their employment and applicable Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) for the position. View the Collective Bargaining Agreements page to learn more.

Benefits Available to City Workers

• Retirement & Savings Opportunities: Membership in the Boston Retirement System (BRS), a benefit pension plan providing lifetime income to vested employees when they retire, along with deferred compensation options to help you build a secure future. Visit boston.gov/retirement to learn more.

• Health Insurance & Benefits: The City offers competitive medical, dental, and vision coverage, plus flexible spending (FSA), dependent care accounts, and life insurance for our employees. Visit boston.gov/insurance to learn more.

• Other Benefits: City employees enjoy a benefits package featuring paid time off and leave, subsidized transit (MBTA and Bluebikes), educational assistance, and employee wellness programs. Visit boston.gov/life-city-boston to learn more.

• Salary information: To view salary plans and understand how salaries work at the City of Boston, go to boston.gov/salary.

Part-time employees who are scheduled to work for 20 hours or more per week may also be eligible for benefits on a pro-rated basis. Please refer to the applicable Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) to learn more about any benefits available for this position.

If you have any questions about the benefits offered for this position, please contact the Office of Human Resources at 617-635-3370 or ohr@boston.gov.

Employer City of Boston (MA)

Address 1 City Hall Plaza, Room 612

Boston, Massachusetts, 02201

Phone 617-635-3370

Website https://www.boston.gov