Youth Services Librarian - Plainsboro Public Library
Job Description:
PLAINSBORO PUBLIC LIBRARY
Position Announcement
Youth Services Librarian
Full-Time · Youth Services Department · MLS Required
Plainsboro Public Library is seeking a passionate, experienced Youth Services Librarian to connect our community’s youngest patrons — from infants through elementary school age — with books, learning, and the joy of the library. If you love children’s literature, thrive in a fast-moving, community-centered environment, and want your work to matter, we want to meet you.
Plainsboro is a vibrant, demographically diverse community in central New Jersey — home to families from around the world, with a strong culture of learning and high expectations for its public institutions. Our library is in the midst of an ambitious Strategic Plan 2026–2028 focused on literacy leadership, community engagement, and space transformation. This position is central to that work.
What You’ll Do
Children’s Collection Development & Management
• Select, acquire, evaluate, and weed materials for the children’s collection across all formats — picture books, early readers, middle grade fiction and nonfiction, audiovisual materials, and digital resources — in alignment with the Library’s collection development policy
• Monitor children’s publishing trends and community reading interests to maintain a current, relevant, and culturally reflective collection that honors Plainsboro’s diverse population
• Develop themed displays and curated reading lists aligned with programming, seasons, literacy themes, and cultural celebrations
• Analyze circulation data and collection gaps to inform ordering priorities; coordinate with Technical Services on processing needs
Youth Programming
• Plan, develop, and facilitate a dynamic year-round program schedule for children from birth through elementary school age, including storytimes, STEAM activities, summer reading, and special events
• Design and deliver early literacy programming that supports families, caregivers, and young children, including multilingual storytimes in partnership with community volunteers
• Coordinate programming around cultural celebrations that reflect the diversity of Plainsboro’s community, including Lunar New Year, Diwali, and other observances
• Collaborate with Programming and other departments on all-ages and cross-generational events, including Makers Day and literacy series
• Recruit, train, and supervise junior volunteers and Pages in support of youth services operations
Patron Services & Community Outreach
• Provide warm, knowledgeable readers’ advisory and reference services to children and their caregivers, helping families discover books and resources that match their interests and reading levels
• Build and maintain relationships with local schools, daycares, and preschools to support library card drives, classroom visits, and early literacy partnerships
• Conduct outreach to Head Start, WIC, and other community organizations serving young families
• Support patron technology access and guidance for children and caregivers at service points
Strategic Plan Contributions
• Participate actively in the Literacy Task Force, contributing to programming that positions the Library as a community leader in early and family literacy
• Contribute to Transform Spaces Task Force work related to the children’s area, including the Interactive Literacy Corner and sensory space development
• Collaborate with Youth Services colleagues on cross-departmental coordination including school partnerships, summer reading, and family engagement initiatives
• Document program outcomes and contribute data for grant applications and the Library’s annual impact reporting
What We’re Looking For
Required
• Master of Library Science (MLS) from an ALA-accredited program
• Current New Jersey Professional Librarian Certificate (or eligibility to obtain)
• Demonstrated experience in youth services in a public library setting
• Deep knowledge of children’s literature and collection development across age ranges and formats
• Experience planning and facilitating programs for children from birth through elementary school age
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to connect authentically with children, caregivers, and community partners
• Availability to work a schedule that includes evenings and Sundays on a rotating basis
Preferred
• Experience with early literacy frameworks and family engagement programming
• Familiarity with digital literacy tools and resources for children
• Experience working with multilingual or multicultural communities
• Knowledge of grant writing or experience contributing program data to funding applications
• Multilingual ability is a plus, given Plainsboro’s diverse community
Why Plainsboro
We are a library that takes its community seriously. Plainsboro is one of New Jersey’s most diverse municipalities, and our library is committed to reflecting and serving that community with excellence. Our Strategic Plan 2026–2028 is not a document that sits on a shelf — it is actively shaping how we hire, program, invest in our spaces, and measure success.
• Salary range: $60,000–$68,000 based on experience and qualifications
• Comprehensive benefits package
• Supportive, collaborative team environment with opportunities for professional development
• A community that genuinely values its library and shows up for it
Our Commitment to Diversity
Plainsboro Public Library is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to building a team that reflects the rich diversity of the community we serve. We actively welcome applicants from all backgrounds, identities, and experiences. Multilingual candidates are especially encouraged to apply.
How to Apply
Please submit the following materials as a single email to:
jobs@plainsborolibrary.org
Subject Line: YS Librarian Application
Application Deadline: April 20, 2026
• A detailed cover letter describing your experience in youth services and your approach to children’s librarianship
• Current resume
• Three professional references
We look forward to hearing from you. Questions about the position may be directed to the Library Director at the email address above.
Plainsboro Public Library · 641 Plainsboro Road, Plainsboro, NJ 08536 · plainsborolibrary.org
Application link or email address: jobs@plainsborolibrary.org
Salary range or hourly wage: $60,000-$68,000
MLS required: Yes, an MLS is required.
Job focus: Youth Services
Work schedule: Full-Time