Summer Youth Library Assistant

This position, which is open to youth who are 16-18 years old and have not started college, provides an opportunity to gain insight into the field of librarianship and library work, help support a variety of library endeavors, and explore how to use their talents and perspectives to make an impact. The Youth Library Assistant will work directly with Youth Services staff to collaborate and facilitate our Summer Reading Program, support our Summer Teen Volunteer Program, assist with library programs ,and create content for library social media.

This position will be expected to work an average of 12-20 hours per week (up to a total of 150 hours for the summer), with afternoon, evening, and weekend hours, and to collaborate with their mentor team to establish their schedule. The position can begin as early as Monday, June 1, 2026, and will conclude by Friday, August 21, 2026. The first two weeks of the position will be limited training hours around school schedules.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Support for Summer Reading Program: staff the Children’s Desk and Summer Reading Program desk, assist with the Teen Volunteer Program, and serve as a mentor.
• Work collaboratively with Youth Services Library Assistant and Head of Youth Services to review Teen Volunteer schedules, manage summer reading program prize cart, and keep Summer Reading Desk organized.
• Assist with Teen Volunteer communications to inform of upcoming milestones in summer reading program, training notices, reminders, and communicate shift openings.
• Develop summer content for library social media to engage the community in events and services available during summer.
• Provide customer service to library patrons and work collaboratively with people of all ages from diverse backgrounds.
• Assist staff at outreach events and library programs.
• Complete reports, surveys, and other documentation as required.
• Establish and maintain good employee work habits, including regular punctual and predictable attendance, casual business attire, professional communication style, etc.
• Understand that this list is not exhaustive, and other duties may be assigned as needed.

Qualifications

Must be 16-18 years old and have not started college.

Knowledge and Abilities

• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, including oral, written, and listening skills
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team
• Ability to ask for and accept help or guidance when needed
• Basic digital literacy and technology skills, including a working knowledge of computers, Internet, Windows operating systems, Microsoft Office, and Google Workspace
• Ability to maintain confidentiality, patience, attentiveness, and empathy with others
• Ability to maintain and foster cooperative and courteous working relationships
• Willingness to try new skills, to accept new challenges and adapt to change
• Ability to acquire transportation to and from the library, as well as other locations in Monona, if needed
• Experience in Spanish language is beneficial, but not required

• Ability to use a computer
• Ability to remain in a stationary position for extended periods of time.
• Ability to move throughout the library building and through sites other than the library
• Ability to move heavy items and wheeled carts
• Ability to be comfortable working in person with a diverse range of individuals
• Ability to complete tasks in a loud and crowded environment at times
• Ability to work indoors at the library or outdoors at local sites other than the library