Public Library Assistant Jobs in Rhode Island (NOW HIRING)

Youth Services Specialist: Children’s & Teens

(PT - 19 hr/wk)

We are seeking an enthusiastic, creative, and community-minded Youth Services Specialist to help inspire curiosity and foster a love of learning for children, teens, and their families. As a member of Providence Public Library's Youth Services team, you will help create welcoming spaces where young people can explore, learn, and connect through innovative programs, meaningful relationships, and exceptional library services. The ideal candidate is passionate about youth development, enjoys working directly with children and teens, and thrives in a collaborative, fast-paced environment. This role offers the opportunity to support engaging educational programming, staff the Children's Room and Teen Loft, build relationships with families and community partners, and contribute to PPL's mission of creating extraordinary learning experiences that empower the next generation.

Key Purpose/Summary:

This position is part of PPL’s Youth Services Department that delivers programming and library services to children, teens, and their families. They also contribute to the design, planning, and implementation of the vision for a full range of high impact programs for youth in alignment with the overall strategic plan of PPL.

In addition to supporting Youth Services programming, they will help staff the Children’s Room, Teen Loft, and deliver library services.

Primary Duties & Responsibilities:

Library/Patron Services - 70% of time

• Provide direct assistance to patrons regarding use of library materials, resources, and services, including but not limited to:

  • Answer reference questions (in person, on the phone, and via email) using accurate and up to date resources,

  • Assist with material circulation as needed,

  • Assist library patrons with accessing and using statewide online and digital resources,

  • Catalog, cover, and shelve library materials, and

  • Register patrons with library cards (including school/organization groups).

• Support in weeding collection materials.

• Shelve books.

• Actively staff the Children’s Room and the Teen Loft and enforce Library and specific policies within the space as needed.

• Communicate and collaborate with library staff on areas related to service to youth and families and contribute to overall Youth Services Department goals.

• Participate in all staff and department meetings and committees as required.

Program Development, Management, and Delivery - 20% of time

• Support in the creation, design, and implementation of programs for children and teens based on connected learning principles with special emphasis on 21st Century and social emotional skill development.

• Support in the development and implementation of programs and services to meet the needs of patrons and the community.

• Create an inviting, fun, and safe environment for youth that inspires learning and creativity.

• Help facilitate workflow and successful delivery of ongoing, drop-in, and one-time-only programs.

• Assist with Youth Services data and outcomes collection and contribute to reports and analysis as needed.

• Mentor and coach youth and provide direct student support.

Community Outreach, Communications, and Marketing - 10% of time

• Visit schools, organizations, and agencies outside of the library as needed.

• Actively recruit Youth and Families to participate in programs and assist them with registration as needed.
  Additional Skills:

• Consummate team-player who will help identify, nurture, and achieve shared goals with PPL staff, partners, and Youth.

• Comfort with agile program development -- be willing to take risks and pilot projects, evaluate success and failures, and revise.

• Lifelong learner with a demonstrated commitment to continuous learning and supporting an institutional culture of learning. Actively seeks out and participates in yearly professional development opportunities.

• Ability to adapt to change and able to handle multiple competing projects, priorities, and tasks. The duties of this position may evolve over time based on varying funding sources, community needs, and other factors.

• Excellent verbal, written, and interpersonal communications, including the ability to exercise tact and diplomacy and comfort working in a multicultural environment.

• Working knowledge of the educational/cognitive, and social/emotional needs of youth; ability to translate those needs and interests into effective library programs and services.

• Knowledge of current trends in youth development.

• Detail-oriented organizer with experience tracking progression of programs and activities that require collaboration and cooperation of others from planning to implementation.

• Experience in data collection and reporting and strong computer and technology skills.

• Bilingual Spanish/English is a plus.

• Check email daily and respond to emails in a timely manner.

• Support and practice PPL’s stated values and demonstrate and share PPL’s commitment to being an all-inclusive organization.

• Other duties as agreed upon between the employee and their manager.

Education & Experience Required:

• Relevant experience in education, youth development or a library related field

• Google applications (Gmail, Meet, Drive, Docs, Sheets, Forms) and other various Google applications experience required.

• Knowledge of Zoom, Google Meet or other web-conferencing software or applications.

Additional Requirements:

• Willing to work a varied schedule that includes evening and weekend hours.

• Position Location – Office in Providence, RI with in-state off-site programming/meetings

• Physical requirements – ability to occasionally lift/move up to 25 lbs.

Job Posting Requirements

This position is: Part-time, non-exempt and is not part of the United Service & Allied Workers-Rhode Island Union

Hours: 19 scheduled hours per week.

Mondays and Wednesdays: 2:00-7:00pm

Tuesdays, Thursdays, Fridays: 2:00-5:00pm

Hourly Rate: $20.00/hour

Reporting to: Director of Youth Services

Benefits: Part time employees will accrue 1 hour of sick time for every 35 hours worked. Parking spot provided.

COVER LETTER IS REQUIRED

Please submit a cover letter and resume by August 7, 2026 via this link.

About the hiring process: Application will be open until the position is filled. The interview process includes: application submission review, in-person interview with the team and reference checks (approximately a 2 week process once after the application deadline).

Posting Date: July 21, 2026 – open until filled.

Equal Opportunity

In order to provide equal employment and advancement opportunities to all individuals, employment decisions at the Providence Public Library are based on merit, qualifications, and abilities. PPL is committed to a policy of non-discrimination and equal opportunity for all employees and qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, or medical or common conditions related to pregnancy or childbirth), sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, marital status, familial status, national origin, ancestry, age (40 and above), disability, veteran status, military service, application for military service, genetic information, receipt of free medical care, or any other characteristic protected under applicable law. PPL will make reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with known disabilities, in accordance with applicable law.