Scope of Job:
The Youth Services Coordinator leads the Library’s services to youth and families. Buena Vista Public Library’s youth program supports early childhood development and literacy, as well as provides families and caretakers with education and resources. The Coordinator plans and implements the Library’s youth programming lineup for children ages 0 - 12, including weekly recurring events, special events, passive programming, and a robust Summer Reading program; maintains a safe, engaging and welcoming children’s space; and, acts as the liaison to the community’s public, private and home schools, as well as to community youth organizations, including local schools, the Boys and Girls Club, and the Chaffee County Early Literacy Council.
Duties and Responsibilities
· Plan, design, and implement enriching programming for youth, both recurring and special events. Identify and contract with qualified presenters and instructors.
· Identify and recommend services and products for the Library.
· Recruit, train, and assign tasks to volunteers to assist with youth programming.
· Promote and market youth events, services, and collections in regular and special marketing campaigns.
· Conduct community outreach to broaden awareness and impact of library services.
· Contribute to collection development, organization, and curation of children’s materials.
· Communicate monthly updates to frontline staff to ensure promotion and effective delivery of youth services.
· Track program attendance, circulation, and other data to guide decision making and to identify service needs. Contribute to the annual State Library Report.
· Advise the Director in the planning, development and implementation of youth service priorities and policies.
· Effectively plan and implement a department budget; seek best return on investment of taxpayer revenue; accurately track and record expenses; and advise the Director in department budget needs.
· Provide guidance and training on youth service practices and resources to the library team.
· Participate with Director in grant procurement, tracking, and reporting.
· Enforce the library’s policies and procedures, while safeguarding confidential and restricted information.
· Uphold excellence in customer service standards.
· Develop and maintain effective working relationships with community members, presenters, contractors, library vendors and representatives.
· Complete special assignments related to youth services as directed.
· Serve on consortium and other committees as assigned by Director.
· Incorporate strategic plan intended outcomes and strategies in professional goals.
· Facilitate free and equal access to information for all; uphold the American Library Association’s Library Bill of Rights and patron privacy.
· Keep current in public library trends, services, policies and best practices for youth services and collections.
This employee has the following professional knowledge, skills, and abilities:
• Extensive knowledge of early childhood and literacy development.
• Confidence and initiative to provide value and affect change.
• Ability to develop and implement long- and short-range plans.
· Written and oral communication and presentation skills to address a wide range of audiences.
· Strong interpersonal skills to develop trust and relationships.
• Ability to provide outstanding customer service in person, on the telephone, and via e-mail.
• Skills in organization, planning, problem solving and decision-making.
• Technology skills, including word processing, spreadsheets, library apps, and online interfaces.
• Ability to effectively multitask while maintaining a positive attitude.
• Ability to deal calmly and effectively with a wide range of individuals, in some instances under stressful conditions.
Education and Experience:
• A minimum of a bachelor’s degree in library science, early education or related field.
• A minimum of three years of public library experience or public service-related field, including early childhood education.
Other Qualifications:
• Schedule may include evenings and weekend hours as needed.
Paid time off, 13 holidays, health insurance, PERA retirement contributions, professional development.
The Buena Vista Public Library (Northern Chaffee County Library District) serves the residents and guests of the Town of Buena Vista and the northern portion of Chaffee County, nestled in the Arkansas River Valley, surrounded by picturesque mountains and rock formations. The area is popular for its outdoor recreation, temperate weather, and small town community vibe. The total service area of 10,000 residents relies on the library as a hub for gathering, entertainment, resources and programming. The Library is currently under construction for a renovation and expansion, scheduled to complete in February 2026. The Library is operating in a temporary location in the interim.
Website
www.buenavistalibrary.org
Send letter of introduction, resume, and three professional references to Cecilia LaFrance, director, at [email protected]. Reach out with questions of for more information through email or call 719.395.8700.