Internship Teen Scientific Writer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Salary: $33.90 - $43.28 Hourly
Location : Champaign, IL
Job Type: Full-Time
Job Number: 00198 - 7.2026
Department: Children's Services
Opening Date: 07/20/2026
Description
Under the supervision of the Children's Service Manager, develops programs and services for teens and preteens, ages 11-18. The Teen Librarian creates an environment that attracts and invites teens and children to use the library. Cultivates relationships with middle and high school teachers and librarians; presents programs of interest to teens; assists customers of all ages at public service desks with information and reference questions; assists and instructs customers with their use of library computers, personal electronic devices, and other technologies; and performs collection management duties focused on materials of interest to teens.
Schedule includes a mix of daytime, evening, and weekend hours.
Open until filled, with first review of applicants on August 10, 2026.
Examples of Duties

• Designs, implements, and evaluates public programming and community engagement activities for teens and those that work with teens
• Leads the daily Teen Lounge creative efforts, preparation, and provision of teen appropriate enrichment activities
• Assists with training of volunteers and staff
• Develops and maintains effective relationships with schools, community groups, agencies and non-profits that target teens in order to plan and deliver programs and services that meet local teen needs and interests
• Provides collection development for all formats of teen material collections
• Assists and advises customers with their use of library resources in all formats
• Assists with questions on software, makerspace tools, and other technology related needs to customers of all ages
• Maintains current awareness of developments in technology as they relate to libraries and library users, including knowledge of mobile and handheld devices
• Answers informational and reference questions for customers of all ages
• Merchandises books and other library materials to enhance their appeal and promote their use
• Contributes to the library's webpage, newsletter, and social media
• Participates in departmental and library committees
• Attends and participates in professional activities, conferences, and committees, including on-site and virtual professional development opportunities and training
• Assists with monitoring and correcting customer behavior to ensure a safe and welcoming environment
• Participates in departmental and library-wide training and activities, including technology and safety training
• Provides excellent internal and external customer service
• Other duties as assigned

Requirements

• Exceptional customer service skills and enthusiasm for working with teens
• Ability to identify and translate teen needs and interests into effective library services and programs
• Knowledge of current reading, viewing and listening interests of teens
• Effective interpersonal relationships with teens and the adults who work with teens
• Ability to work with library customers and staff in a consistently friendly, respectful, and efficient manner
• Excellent computer and technology skills, including use of the Internet, computers, mobile devices, and social media
• Ability to issue guidance and ensure compliance with the Library's Rules of Conduct and policies
• Ability to locate information and answer customer questions using bibliographic searching tools, print, and electronic reference materials
• Excellent written and oral communication skills
• Ability to work as part of a team within the department and the library as a whole, including leading and coordinating the work of others
• Ability to recognize and set priorities, and to use initiative and independent judgment in a variety of situations
• Knowledge of professional-level library practices, and an interest in keeping up with developments within the field
• Proficiency with workplace productivity software, including skills in Microsoft Office Suite
• Ability to maintain reliable attendance and regular schedule
• Flexibility to adapt to changing situations and to vary work schedules
• Ability to maintain a varied schedule, including day, evening, and weekend rotations
• Good vision and hearing to effectively engage with customers
• Manual dexterity to operate computer, phone, and maker space equipment
• Physical ability to lift library materials weighing up to 40 pounds, setup for events, and to push fully loaded carts of library materials
• Valid driver's license, acceptable driving history, and personal automobile for job-related transportation
• Satisfactory pre-employment background check

Acceptable Experience and Training

• Master of Library Science degree (MLS) from ALA-accredited institution required
• Customer service experience in a public library experience preferred
• Knowledge of Spanish and/or French is helpful
• Any equivalent combination of experience and training which provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities

Vacation Leave Accrual

• 4.3846 hours per bi-weekly pay period for the 1st year (114 hours, or three 38-hour weeks)
• 5.8462 hours per bi-weekly pay period for the 2nd through 7th years (152 hours, or four 38-hour weeks)
• 7.3077 hours per bi-weekly pay period for the 8th and succeeding years (190 hours, or five 38-hour weeks)

Sick Leave

• 98.8 hours per year, accruing at 3.8 hours per pay period.

Sick Leave can be used as soon as accrued, according to the guidelines in the Staff Handbook.
Holidays
The Library is closed on the following nine (9) days: New Year's Day, Martin Luther King, Jr., Day, Easter Sunday, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Eve Day, and Christmas Day. With the exception of Easter Sunday, all of these days are paid holidays. The Library will remain open for Juneteenth and staff members will receive a floating holiday.
Health Insurance
Health insurance is available for the employee, with 100% less a small cost share paid by employee of the premium paid by the Library. Dependent coverage is available; the Library pays 50% of the premium, and the employee pays the remainder. If selected, health insurance benefits are effective on the first day of employment. Open enrollment for health insurance is typically in February with a March 1 effective date.
Dental & Vision Insurance
Dental insurance and Vision insurance plans are available, with the employee responsible for the entire monthly premium. Details can be provided upon request. Please note dental coverage starts on the first of the month after 30 days of service. For example: If your start date is July 21, your coverage will start August 1. Open enrollment for Vision & Dental insurance is typically in December with a January 1 effective date.
Life Insurance
The Library pays for $12,000 of coverage. Optional Supplemental Life for employee and dependents is available; details are available from the Business Office.
Employee Assistance Program
The Library provides a confidential Employee Assistance Program. The cost of this service is paid entirely by the Library. Employees or their family members may arrange for counseling sessions on any area of concern, personal or professional.
Retirement
Library employees participate in IMRF (Illinois Municipal Retirement Fund) a defined benefit pension plan.
Employees contribute 4.5% of salary tax deferred, and are vested in the plan after ten years. The Library
provides an employer contribution that is calculated annually.
Deferred Compensation Plans
Library employees are offered the opportunity to invest in a 457 Deferred Compensation Retirement plan.
Flexible Spending
Employees may choose to set aside pre-tax payroll dollars to pay for annual allowable medical, child care,
and adoption expenses.
Details about the plans will be provided to new employees during their orientation.
01
Do you have or are you able to obtain a valid Illinois driver's license by the time of hire and a personal automobile for job-related transportation?

• Yes
• No

02
What is your highest level of education?

• Less than high school
• High school diploma or GED
• Some college
• College degree or higher

03
Do you have an ALA-accredited Master's Degree in Library Science?

• Yes
• No

04
Are you available to work a flexible schedule that includes daytime, evening and weekend hours?

• Yes
• No

05
How many years of experience do you have working with teens?

• 1-2 years
• 3-4 years
• 5 or more years
• None

06
Please tell us about your experience working with teens. (This answer box will allow you to enter 12 lines of text)
07
How many years o you have programming experience with teens?

• 1-2 years
• 3-4 years
• 5 or more years
• None

08
Please tell us what kind of programs you have prepared for teens. (The answer box will allow you to enter 12 lines of text.)
09
Please select the experience you have assisting/instructing others with technology, including a makerspace.

• 1-2 Years
• 3-5 Years
• 5+ Years
• None

10
Please tell us about your experience assisting and instructing others in technology, including a makerspace.
11
How many years of experience do you have working in a public library?

• 1-2 years
• 3-4 years
• 5 or more years
• None

12
If you have public library experience, please describe the kind of work that you did. (The answer box will allow you to enter 12 lines of text.)
13
Please indicate how many years of experience you have providing excellent customer service.

• 1-2 years
• 3-4 years
• 5 or more years
• None

14
Please tell us about your customer service experience. (The answer box will allow you to enter 12 lines of text.)
15
Please describe how your skills, experience, and interests prepare you to be the best candidate for this position at the Champaign Public Library. (The answer box will allow you to enter 12 lines of text.)
16
I understand that I am required to submit with this application the names and contact information of three professional references. If you have not included this information in your application profile, please return to your application and complete this requirement.

• I have included the names of three references in my application

Required Question