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Local Library Jobs in New York (NOW HIRING)

About Us Founded in 1931, JBI Library is a nonprofit organization that supports anyone who is blind ... and their local Jewish community-independently and with dignity. Position Summary The Head ...

Head Librarian

Manhattan, NY · On-site

$75K - $85K/yr

About Us Founded in 1931, JBI Library is a nonprofit organization that supports anyone who is blind ... and their local Jewish community-independently and with dignity. Position Summary The Head ...

Salary: $75,000-$85,000 About Us Founded in 1931, JBI Library is a nonprofit organization that ... local Jewish communityindependently and with dignity. Position Summary The Head Librarian is a ...

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Local Library information

See New York salary details

$33.9K

$71.3K

$112.1K

How much do local library jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 23, 2026, the average yearly pay for local library in New York is $71,324.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $56,300.00 and $82,100.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are local libraries?

Local libraries are community-based institutions that provide access to a wide range of books, digital resources, and other educational materials. They offer services such as lending books, providing internet access, hosting events, and supporting literacy and lifelong learning for people of all ages. Local libraries are typically funded by local government and are free or low-cost to use, making them an important resource for education and community engagement.

What is the difference between Local Library vs Public Librarian?

AspectLocal LibraryPublic Librarian
CredentialsLibrary degree or certificationLibrary degree or certification
Work EnvironmentCommunity libraries, schools, or private institutionsPublic libraries, community centers
Employer & IndustryLocal government, educational institutionsMunicipal government, public sector
Search & Comparison IntentUnderstanding library roles, services, or locationsCareer info, job roles, or qualifications in public libraries

While both roles involve working in libraries, a Local Library refers to the physical library location or institution, whereas a Public Librarian is a professional who manages library services in public libraries. The Public Librarian typically holds similar credentials but focuses on providing community services, programs, and information access.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Local Librarian, and why are they important?

To excel as a Local Librarian, you need a solid understanding of information management, cataloging, and library science, often backed by a degree in library science or a related field. Familiarity with integrated library systems (ILS), digital databases, and cataloging tools like MARC is typically required. Outstanding customer service, communication, and organizational skills help librarians engage with patrons and support diverse community needs. These combined skills ensure efficient resource management, improved access to information, and a welcoming environment for all library users.

What are some common challenges faced by staff working in a local library, and how can they be addressed?

Staff working in a local library often face challenges such as managing a diverse patron base, adapting to new technologies, and balancing multiple responsibilities like customer service, cataloging, and event coordination. Addressing these challenges involves strong communication skills, ongoing professional development, and collaboration with colleagues to share best practices. Many libraries also offer training sessions and encourage teamwork to create a supportive environment and ensure staff can effectively meet community needs.
What are the most commonly searched types of Library jobs in New York? The most popular types of Library jobs in New York are:
What cities in New York are hiring for Local Library jobs? Cities in New York with the most Local Library job openings:
Infographic showing various Local Library job openings in New York as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 87% Full Time, 10% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 95% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $71,324 per year, or $34.3 per hour.
Library Page - Teen Reading Ambassadors

Library Page - Teen Reading Ambassadors

The New York Public Library

New York, NY • On-site

$17/hr

Part-time

Posted 16 days ago


New York Public Library rating

7.1

Company rating: 7.1 out of 10

Based on 20 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz


Job description

Description
Overview
The New York Public Library is looking for teens in the 10th, 11th, or 12th grade who are interested in at least one of the following: 
  • Working with children 
  • Exploring a career in education, literacy, librarianship, and/or youth services
  • Exploring the world and work of libraries
The Teen Reading Ambassadors (TRA) position will be assigned to one of NYPL’s drop-in After School homework help and enrichment programs at local library branches in the Bronx, Manhattan, and Staten Island. Teen Reading Ambassadors will be provided with pre-work and ongoing training that will allow them to serve as high-quality academic tutors at their site, with a focus on developing literacy skills and a love of reading in children ages 6–12. Ambassadors will also have the opportunity to support the production of Portal, a literary magazine for younger children. 

Position hours are scheduled between September 25, 2026, and June 3, 2027. Those hours include:
  • Kick-off training on:
    • Saturday, October 3
    • Friday, October 9
  • Additional Training on Saturday, November 14
  • 32 weeks of work at your assigned library branch (starting the week of Oct. 5)
    • Up to 7 hours per week, working either Mon & Wed or Tues & Thurs for 3-3.5 hours each day after school
  • Special events and opportunities
Most hours will be scheduled starting around 3 PM on weekdays. A few weekend events will be scheduled. Teen Reading Ambassadors will not work during regularly scheduled NYC School breaks or holidays. A program calendar will be provided if the candidate is selected to go through the interview process. 

In the application, you will select the locations where you would be willing to work. You must be able to get to the locations you select by around 3 PM on weekdays (there are some exceptions, and we can discuss your schedule during the interview). We recommend that you map your commute from school to the location(s) you choose to know how long it will take you to get there while considering your school’s dismissal time. If you are hired, you will be assigned to one location. Branch locations will be confirmed during the interview process. 

Expected position locations include the following:

Bronx Branches
  • Allerton
  • Clason’s Point
  • Edenwald
  • Grand Concourse 
  • High Bridge 
  • Kingsbridge
  • Melrose
  • Morrisania
  • Morris Park
  • Mott Haven 
  • Parkchester
  • Tremont
  • Van Cortlandt
  • Wakefield
  • Westchester Square

Manhattan Branches: 
  • 115th Street
  • Bloomingdale 
  • Chatham Square
  • Columbus
  • Hamilton Grange
  • Harlem 
  • Inwood 
  • Macomb’s Bridge 
  • Riverside
  • Roosevelt Island
  • Seward Park
  • Washington Heights 

Staten Island Branches: 
  • Port Richmond 
  • Richmondtown
  • St. George Library Center 
  • Todt-Hill Westerleigh

Key Responsibilities
  • Support the set-up and clean-up of the After School program 
  • Help students with their homework
  • Serve as a literacy tutor to children ages 6–12
  • Develop and lead literacy-focused enrichment activities
  • Participate in trainings and meetings to develop best practices in tutoring, with a focus on literacy
  • Support programs conducted by the Children’s Librarian and other key staff 
  • Be role models for elementary school children and model exemplary behavior 
  • Collaborate and work with the Tutor(s) and/or other Teen Reading Ambassadors to create an enriching and fun environment for children
  • Optional: Support the production of the Teen Reading Ambassadors’ literary magazine, Portal

Required Education, Experience & Skills
Required Education & Experience
  • Current enrollment in 10th–12th grade in an NYC high school
  • Proper employment certificate for minors under 18 as required by NYS law
  • A resume is required for this position. You can find a guide to writing your resume here. 
Required Skills 
  • Demonstrated interest in and/or experience working with children
  • Interest in reading, writing, and/or libraries
  • Strong communication skills and ability to interact with a diverse group of people
  • Demonstrated reliability and punctuality
  • Ability to work as part of a team
  • Hardworking and willing to be flexible 
  • Able to communicate through email and other electronic formats in a timely manner
  • Demonstrated integrity
  • Basic computer skills, including email, internet, and word processing

More
Core Values
  • Be Helpful to patrons and colleagues
  • Be Resourceful in solving problems
  • Be Curious in all aspects of your work
  • Be Welcoming and Inclusive
Physical Duties
  • Limited physical effort is required
  • Light lifting required
  • Lifting up to 20 lbs. required
  • May require travel within NYC
Schedule
  • 6-7 hours per week; scheduled for 3-3.5 hours each day on either Monday & Wednesday or Tuesday & Thursday with additional orientation, training, and special opportunity hours to be scheduled

What New York Public Library employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom


New York Public Library logo

About New York Public Library

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

The New York Public Library is a free provider of education and information for the people of New York and beyond. With 92 locations--including research and branch libraries--throughout the Bronx, Manhattan, and Staten Island, the Library offers free materials, computer access, classes, exhibitions, programming and more to everyone from toddlers to scholars, and has seen record numbers of attendance and circulation in recent years. The New York Public Library serves more than 18 million patrons who come through its doors annually and millions more around the globe who use its resources at www.nypl.org.

Industry

Libraries and archives

Company size

1,001 - 5,000 Employees

Headquarters location

New York, NY, US

Year founded

1895