Children's Services Associate

Position Summary

As a member of the Public Services Department, the Children's Services Associate provides welcoming, engaging library services for children ages 12 and younger and their families by developing collections, presenting innovative programs, and connecting young learners with resources that inspire curiosity, literacy, and lifelong learning. Through positive relationships, innovative programming, and equitable access to resources, this role advances the Henderson County Public Library's mission of being the welcoming heart of Henderson County, offering hospitality, community, possibilities, and learning for all.

Essential Responsibilities

• Plan, present, and evaluate engaging in-person, virtual, and passive programs that encourage early literacy, creativity, and lifelong learning for children and families, reflecting Learning for All.
• Provide readers' advisory, reference assistance, and technology support while connecting children and caregivers with library resources, collections, and digital services.
• Deliver Hospitality in Service by welcoming every patron with warmth, respect, kindness, and responsive customer service.
• Partner with the Community Engagement Manager to promote teen services through partnerships with schools, community organizations, and local agencies, strengthening community connections through Community through Stewardship.
• Develop attractive displays and promotional materials that encourage reading, discovery, and library engagement.
• Interpret library policies professionally and resolve patron concerns with patience, sound judgment, and consistency.
• Stay informed about trends in children's literature, programming, technology, and youth services to support Possibilities toward Innovation.
• Collaborate with colleagues across departments to support library programs, services, and community initiatives.
• Demonstrate Community through Stewardship by responsibly managing library resources, maintaining accurate records, and contributing to an efficient, welcoming library environment.
• Supervise volunteers and part-time staff as assigned and provide leadership during evenings and weekends when serving as the staff member in charge.
• Provide outstanding customer service by welcoming patrons and colleagues with warmth, respect, and kindness, reflecting our commitment to Hospitality in Service.

Qualifications

• Associate degree or equivalent combination of education and relevant experience required; bachelor's degree preferred.
• Public library, youth services, education, or customer service experience preferred.
• Working knowledge of computers, integrated library systems, and current library technologies.
• Knowledge of early childhood development, children's literature, story time practices, readers' advisory, and library reference services.
• Experience developing and presenting programs for children and families, including virtual programming, preferred.
• Strong organizational, communication, customer service, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively while demonstrating a commitment to the library's mission and core values.
• Kentucky Library Certification required or the ability to obtain and maintain certification as required by the Kentucky Board for the Certification of Librarians.

Work Schedule

Full-time, 40 hours per week. Schedule includes mornings, afternoons, evenings, weekends, and occasional special events.

Reports To

Public Services Manager and Executive Director.

NOTE: All employees of the Henderson County Public Library are required to maintain the capacity to: 1) provide professional, high-quality service to patrons and staff while promoting a welcoming, inclusive, and informed environment for all; 2) exhibit strong organizational skills when working both independently and collaboratively with a variety of people and situations; 3) demonstrate proficiency with computers, common office software, current operating systems, emailing, and internet navigation; 4) operate basic work equipment such as print/scan/fax/copy machines, cash registers, book carts, manual tools, audio/visual equipment, and multi-line communications systems, with sufficient mobility to lift and/or handle library materials weighing up to 25-50 pounds (with or without reasonable accommodations); 5) maintain the confidentiality of library users and records, and 6) work in a public library environment that may include the potential for exposure to possible contaminants including (but not limited to) noise, arts and crafts chemicals, ink on printed pages, dust and mold, animals, cleaning chemicals, as well as the spread of communicable disease. **Perform all other duties as assigned. Updated: August 2026

Pay: $14.20 - $18.58 per hour

Expected hours: 40.0 per week

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• Dental insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Flexible spending account
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Professional development assistance
• Retirement plan
• Vision insurance

Work Location: In person