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Teen Reading Ambassador Jobs (NOW HIRING)

The New York Public Library

Support Teen Reading Ambassador Pages assigned to each location, * Work in small groups with students to provide them with academic tutoring to improve their understanding of math, reading, social ...

YMCA

Volunteer - Winston YMCA

Jacksonville, FL · On-site

Sports coaching Special events Greeting members at our Welcome centers Assisting youth with reading skills. Mentoring Teens Fund Raising Advisory Board Age 50 & Better Ambassadors: * Assist with MIA ...

YMCA

Volunteer - Nocatee YMCA

Ponte Vedra Beach, FL · On-site

Sports coaching Special events Greeting members at our Welcome centers Assisting youth with reading skills. Mentoring Teens Fund Raising Advisory Board Age 50 & Better Ambassadors: * Assist with MIA ...

YMCA

Volunteer - Brooks YMCA

Jacksonville, FL · On-site

Sports coaching Special events Greeting members at our Welcome centers Assisting youth with reading skills. Mentoring Teens Fund Raising Advisory Board Age 50 & Better Ambassadors: * Assist with MIA ...

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How much do teen reading ambassador jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 30, 2026, the average hourly pay for teen reading ambassador in the United States is $17.65, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.42 and $19.47 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some common challenges Teen Reading Ambassadors face when engaging peers in reading programs?

Teen Reading Ambassadors often encounter challenges such as overcoming peers' lack of interest in reading, finding creative ways to promote books, and balancing their ambassador responsibilities with schoolwork. Successful ambassadors typically collaborate with librarians and fellow ambassadors to plan engaging events and use social media or peer networks to reach a wider audience. Building confidence in public speaking and adapting to diverse reading preferences among peers are also important aspects of the role.

What does a teen reading ambassador do?

A teen reading ambassador promotes reading and literacy among peers by organizing events, recommending books, and encouraging a love of reading. They often work in libraries, schools, or community programs and may develop communication and leadership skills while engaging with young readers.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Teen Reading Ambassador, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Teen Reading Ambassador, you need a passion for literature, strong reading comprehension, and the ability to engage peers, often supported by participation in library or literacy programs. Familiarity with library systems, digital reading platforms, and social media tools is commonly required to promote reading events and initiatives. Excellent communication, leadership, and teamwork skills help ambassadors inspire others and collaborate with library staff. These abilities are crucial for fostering a love of reading among youth and building a vibrant, literate community.

What are Teen Reading Ambassadors?

Teen Reading Ambassadors are young volunteers, typically high school students, who promote reading and literacy within their communities. They often work with libraries, schools, or local organizations to organize events, recommend books, and encourage their peers to read more. By serving as role models, Teen Reading Ambassadors help foster a culture of reading and support literacy initiatives among youth. Their responsibilities may also include leading book clubs, assisting with library programs, and creating book-related content for social media. This role provides valuable leadership experience and helps develop communication and organizational skills.

What is the difference between Teen Reading Ambassador vs Teen Literacy Coordinator?

AspectTeen Reading AmbassadorTeen Literacy Coordinator
Required CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; some roles may prefer related experienceHigh school diploma; often requires experience in literacy programs or education
Work EnvironmentCommunity events, schools, libraries, youth programsEducational institutions, community centers, nonprofit organizations
Employer & Industry UsageLibraries, nonprofits, youth organizationsSchools, educational nonprofits, government agencies
Common Search & Comparison IntentUnderstanding roles promoting youth literacy and reading engagementManaging literacy programs and coordinating reading initiatives for youth

The Teen Reading Ambassador focuses on promoting reading among teens through outreach and engagement, often in community settings. The Teen Literacy Coordinator typically manages literacy programs, overseeing activities and coordinating efforts to improve youth literacy. While both roles support teen literacy, the Ambassador emphasizes advocacy and peer engagement, whereas the Coordinator handles program management and implementation.

What does a reading ambassador do?

A Teen Reading Ambassador promotes reading and literacy among peers by organizing events, sharing book recommendations, and encouraging a love of reading. They often work in libraries, schools, or community programs and may develop communication and leadership skills during their service.

Can you work in a library as a teenager?

Teen Reading Ambassadors and other teen library positions are often available for teenagers, typically starting at age 14 or 15, depending on local laws and library policies. These roles usually involve assisting with programs, shelving books, and engaging with the community, often requiring a minimum age and sometimes a work permit or parental consent. Availability varies by library, so checking specific local library employment policies is recommended.

What is the role of a student ambassador?

A Teen Reading Ambassador is a student who promotes reading and literacy within their community, often by organizing events, encouraging peers to read, and representing the program at school or community activities. They typically develop communication and leadership skills while engaging with books and literacy initiatives.
What cities are hiring for Teen Reading Ambassador jobs? Cities with the most Teen Reading Ambassador job openings:
What states have the most Teen Reading Ambassador jobs? States with the most job openings for Teen Reading Ambassador jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Teen Reading Ambassador jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Teen Reading Ambassador jobs are:
Teen Reading Ambassador jobs near you
Infographic showing various Teen Reading Ambassador job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 33% Full Time, and 67% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $36,722 per year, or $17.7 per hour.

Library Page - Teen Reading Ambassadors

The New York Public Library

New York, NY

$17/hr

Part-time

Posted 23 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

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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

View All New York Public Library Jobs