Children's Literacy Assistant

Boulder Public Library District•Boulder, CO

About The Position

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.

Requirements

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.

Nice To Haves

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.

Responsibilities

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)

Benefits

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.

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