Youth Services Librarian Department Head, Middletown Public Library (Middletown, RI)
The Middletown Public Library is looking for a full-time Youth Services Librarian Department Head to join our team at one of the most exciting moments in the library's history.
As we prepare to move into a newly renovated library building (this December/January!) that is more than twice the size of our current facility, we are looking for an experienced, creative leader to help build the future of youth services in our community.
This is more than a department head position. It is an opportunity to create something new.
The successful candidate will help shape every aspect of youth services in our expanded library, including new children's and teen spaces, innovative programming, community partnerships, and service models designed to inspire curiosity, creativity, and lifelong learning. This position will also lead the continued growth of the department by hiring and mentoring the library's first dedicated Teen Librarian while supporting and developing an enthusiastic youth services team.
We believe libraries create community by creating meaningful experiences. Whether through an engaging storytime, a family literacy event, an immersive library-wide mystery, a teen after-hours program, a community celebration, or an innovative partnership with local schools and organizations, we are looking for someone who sees programming as an opportunity to bring people together and create lasting memories.
The Youth Services Librarian Department Head provides leadership for all aspects of youth services, including collections, programming, outreach, partnerships, supervision, strategic planning, and department development. Working collaboratively with staff across the library, this person will help build a welcoming department where creativity is encouraged, ideas are shared, and every team member is supported in doing their best work.
This job might be for you if:
-Your librarianship is rooted in building relationships and strengthening community.
-You are passionate about creating engaging programs and unforgettable experiences for children, teens, and families.
-You believe great youth services are built by developing both people and programs.
-You enjoy mentoring staff, encouraging creativity, and helping others grow professionally.
-You are energized by collaboration and enjoy working across departments to bring ambitious ideas to life.
-You are excited by the opportunity to build and lead a growing department during a period of significant expansion and change.
-You enjoy developing strong partnerships with schools, families, community organizations, and town departments.
-You believe every child and teen deserves a welcoming, inclusive library where they feel they belong.
-Your public service is rooted in Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Community.
Qualifications
Master's Degree in Library and Information Science from an ALA-accredited program required. Three or more years of progressively responsible youth services experience in a public library or similar setting strongly preferred. Supervisory experience or demonstrated leadership of projects, initiatives, or staff is strongly preferred.
Schedule is 35 hours per week and includes a mix of opening and closing shifts, as well as an every other Friday and every other Saturday schedule on an A/B week rotation. If and when the library is open on Sundays, the schedule will include one Sunday per month.
Salary is in accordance with negotiated pay scale – to start at $35 an hour and to increase to $36 an hour on January 1, 2027. This is a full-time position within the Middletown Public Library Employees Association / NEARI Union, and includes paid holidays, vacation, sick leave, and personal leave.
Full/Part Time
Full Time
Education
MLS/Masters
Salary
$35.00 / hourClosing Date
How to Apply
Applicants should apply online on the Town of Middletown website, where the full job description is also posted:
https://www.middletownri.com/472/Job-Opportunities
Securing this position will also be dependent on the results of a background check. The Town of Middletown is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled.
Posted
2026-08-03 | Quick link to this job