Libraries Without Borders Us

ABOUT LIBRARIES WITHOUT BORDERS US

Libraries Without Borders US (LWB US) is the American branch of the international nonprofit, Bibliothèque Sans Frontières. Since 2014, we've partnered with public libraries and community organizations to ensure everyone, regardless of who they are or where they live, has access to a library: a safe place to learn, create, and connect to vital resources.

Rooted in the belief that access to information is a fundamental right, we work alongside institutions and excluded communities to remove barriers, reimagine what—and where—a library can be, and co-create solutions that are grounded in community leadership.

Today, we pursue this mission through two interconnected pathways:

• Community Programs that directly serve people who have been systematically excluded—economically disadvantaged communities, racial and ethnic minorities, indigenous populations, refugees, and immigrants—by expanding access to literacy, learning, and cultural memory.
• Institutional Partnerships that help libraries and community organizations strengthen their capacity to equitably serve all populations through training, technical assistance, and shared learning.

Our approach remains deeply collaborative and rooted in the values that have guided us from the start:

• Community-led: We center the voices and needs of those we serve.
• Place-based: We meet people where they are; in libraries, schools, laundromats, and trusted community spaces.
• Evidence-informed: We use data to design, adapt, and scale what works.
• Justice-oriented: We build community agency through access to knowledge and information.

About LIFT (Libraries Inspiring Families Together)

LIFT is a new early literacy initiative that provides families with children ages 0–5 with culturally relevant literacy kits, caregiver resources, hands-on activities, and local library connections. LIFT brings books, literacy resources, and library connections directly to families who are systematically excluded from traditional early literacy programs, reaching them through the community organizations they already trust. As part of this initiative, LWB US engages local BIPOC artists as literacy ambassadors—bringing art, culture, and storytelling directly to community spaces.

Position Overview

Libraries Without Borders US  is seeking a Richmond-Based Music Educator to support the development and delivery of community-centered early literacy programming as part of our collaboration with Richmond Public Library for the LIFT Initiative. The Music Educator will collaborate with LWB US staff and community partners to design and facilitate culturally grounded storytelling-based music workshops for families with young children.

Ideal candidates are practicing musicians—players of all instruments and genres are welcome to apply—who are passionate about early childhood learning, community engagement, and culturally relevant storytelling.

Key Responsibilities

• Design and implement storytelling workshops for caregivers and children ages 0–5.
• Develop curriculum or activities that reflect your musical practice and resonate with the cultural identities and experiences of local communities.
• Collaborate with LWB US and community partner staff to align programming with LIFT’s learning goals and community-driven framework.
• Engage families in interactive, accessible activities that promote storytelling, creativity, and early literacy development.
• Participate in training, planning meetings, and reflection sessions as needed.
• Support documentation of programming through attendance sheets, short reflections, and feedback.

Compensation: $50 per/hour 

Qualifications

Required

• Demonstrated music practice (of any instrument or genre).
• Experience working with children and/or families, especially in early childhood or community settings.
• Willingness to undergo a vulnerable sector background check
• Commitment to culturally responsive and community-led programming.
• Strong communication and facilitation skills.
• Ability to work independently, collaboratively, and reliably in diverse community environments.
• Based in Richmond, or within commuting distance. 

Preferred

• Bilingual or multi-lingual.
• Experience designing curriculum or lesson plans.
• Experience working with BIPOC communities, immigrants, refugees, or other families historically excluded from early learning resources.

Application Requirements

Applicants must submit:

• Resume or CV: Outlining music background and teaching experience.
• OPTIONAL cover Letter: Describing interest in the position, musical practice, and relevant experience.

How to Apply

Submit all application materials to jobs@librarieswithoutborders.us with the subject line: “Teaching Artist – LIFT Application”.

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis.

Don’t meet every requirement? That’s okay — if you’re excited about this role, we encourage you to apply. We are committed to building a diverse and inclusive team and welcome candidates of all backgrounds and experiences.