Children's Literacy Assistant

Description:

The BPLD is committed to advancing equity in our diverse community by providing accessible programs, print and digital materials, tools and technology, and educational opportunities. Across our five current locations, we are proud to offer resources such as a makerspace, art galleries, outdoor learning areas, a multimedia local history archive, community literacy programs, and a theater. BPLD strives to be a safe and welcoming place to all staff and patrons alike. Through outreach, community partnerships, and volunteer-driven programs, we seek to adapt our services to those who may experience barriers to visiting our physical locations.

We circulate more than 1.5 million items annually, but we believe that a library is more than a place to borrow free materials. As a vital civic space, we provide opportunities for our more than 500,000 yearly visitors to study, host meetings, meet new people or try new experiences, and connect with essential local services.

Our employees are part of a vibrant, uplifting workplace culture that honors the joy and commitment of meaningful public service, while still caring for the needs of the individual. Our work is highly collaborative, adaptive, inquisitive, and is always ongoing. We are passionate individuals with diverse backgrounds, interests, and experiences, and we are dedicated to our mission of connecting people, ideas, and information to transform lives and strengthen our community.

Job Summary:

The Children’s Literacy and Outreach Specialist works 20-hours per week distributing books and information about the library using the library electric pedal-assist book bike; supporting and leading children’s drop-in programming for the Reading Buddies program in the community ; and helping manage the books and materials to be distributed.

Children’s Literacy Specialist may also support the library and its outreach efforts by attending fairs, programs, and events in the community, and at times in the library. This staff member may develop and organize materials and activities for community engagement with children. Most of this work will take place in the community at Boulder Housing Partner sites and in manufactured home communities.

This is a part-time, 20-hour-per-week, non-exempt, at-will position.

Typical schedule will include biking to share library information and books Monday through Friday 4:00 pm 7:00 pm and supporting community program Reading Buddy programming on Thursdays from 2:30 to 5 pm plus administrative work.

Essential Functions:

• Operate the pedal-assisted book bike within the Boulder Library District (mainly focusing on manufactured home and BHP communities) to promote the library by sharing information and giving out books, and at times doing a small activity. (65% in summer and possibly into the fall)
• Lead and facilitate children’s story times, activities and engagement primarily with grade school children in the community using versions of the Reading Buddies (RB) program. Engage the children in activities and programs to build and practice literacy skills and build understanding of library offerings. (20% in summer)
• Help with administrative planning for both the book bike and the RB Summer program, including bike route planning, book selection and RB material preparation. (15% in summer) No

Requirements:

Minimum Qualifications:

• Minimum of 2 years’ experience leading educational activities with children, preferably around literacy and learning.
• Ability to operate a large electric bicycle with a back carrier in Boulder to share books and information about the library.
• Experience working with children and community members from different cultures and socio-economic backgrounds.
• Experience engaging with the public to understand their interests and challenges and sharing information and resources that align with their needs and interests.
• Advanced oral and written English and Spanish language skills or preferably bilingual.

Desired Qualifications:

• Experience providing customer service and working in the community as a representative of a library or organization sharing information about an organization’s programs and services.
• Designed and/or utilized creative community education and engagement techniques and activities.
• Intermediate skills with using personal computers, performing data entry, and using information databases.
• Highly organized and ability to maintain systems.

Working Conditions:

Work based in the library, the community and/or at a community organization’s offices or community space. Travel via bike paths and the roads to drive and operate a pedal-assisted, electric book bike. Time is also spent in the library organizing materials and books as well as coordinating with staff members. Tasks may involve performing repetitive motions, grasping, lifting, and/or raising objects up to 30 lbs., from a lower to a higher position, or moving objects. Seeing, hearing, and speaking in English and Spanish required.

Ability to talk for extended periods of time at community events, move boxes and supplies, as well as guide learning with community members. Able to work under stress from demanding deadlines, public contact, and changing priorities and conditions. Ability to get to community events and transport materials.

Helping Your Future:

• Public Employee Retirement Association of Colorado (PERA) Defined Benefit Plan or PERA Defined Contribution Plan
• PERA 401(k) Plan
• Paid training and professional development

Library Perks: Easy access to unlimited resources—including books, movies, programs, digital technology, and more.

Please apply by March 30th, at 4 p.m.

Application Accommodations: BPLD is committed to advancing equity in our diverse community, and jobs are one of the best ways for us to do so. Please let us know if you require accommodations due to a disability to apply for this position.

Examples of this could include: providing a paper copy of the application, emailing the interview questions to you in advance, or reading the application to an applicant with a visual impairment. This is not an exhaustive list.

Please note a few things:

• If you need more time to complete any sections of the application, we recommend using a word processing document or a text file to enter your answers. The system times out after 30 minutes and does not retain your information. Having it in a word processing document will help in case you need to copy and paste the information back into the application. There is a 1000-character limit for responses to those questions.
• Uploading documents and qualifications can impact the formatting of your resume. We will not discount your application if Paylocity transcription alters the formatting.

Reach out to hr@boulderlibrary.org, and we will work with you to determine whether we can accommodate your request.