Youth Services Assistant

The Youth Services Assistant supports the planning, promotion, and implementation of library services for children, teens, and their families. This dynamic and customer-focused position includes assisting patrons, preparing and leading programs, maintaining collections, and creating a welcoming library environment for young people. This position reports to the Youth Services Coordinator.

Basic Responsibilities Include:

  • Assist with locating materials, using the catalog, basic technology, and library resources
  • Assist with planning, preparation, and delivery of youth programs and materials (e.g., storytimes, crafts, teen events, summer reading)
  • Assist with weeding and inventory projects
  • Create eye-catching book displays and bulletin boards
  • Help maintain calendars, promotional materials, and youth service records
  • Help with setup and cleanup of program spaces
  • Input attendance and program statistics
  • Occasionally lead storytimes or other programs
  • Opens and closes the building according to schedule
  • Performs basic circulation tasks
  • Promote library programs, services, and reading initiatives
  • Shelve, organize, and maintain library materials
  • Support outreach efforts to schools, childcare centers, and community events
  • Strives to present a welcoming environment for the public
  • Other duties and projects as assigned

Qualifications:

  • A high school diploma or G.E.D.
  • Must be 18 years of age or older
  • Experience working with children, teens, or families in a professional or volunteer setting preferred
  • Familiarity with children’s and teen literature preferred

 

Knowledge, Skill, and Ability:

  • A willingness to learn and take direction
  • Ability to move quickly among duties
  • Ability to relate well to co-workers and the public, both adults and children
  • Ability to work independently with attention to detail and accuracy
  • Ability to work with staff and patrons in a positive manner
  • Accountability to be present and on time for scheduled hours
  • Basic knowledge of standard current technology (software, applications, platforms, devices) and ability to adapt to evolving technological environments
  • Creative, flexible, and enthusiastic about working with youth
  • Excellent communication skills, both written and oral
  • Excellent customer service skills
  • Keyboard and filing skills
  • Use computer and read video display screens

 

Physical Demands:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk or hear. The employee frequently is required to stand; walk; use hands to finger, handle or feel; and reach with hands and arms.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move objects up to 20 pounds.

Work Environment:

This position operates mainly in an office setting and routinely uses standard office equipment. There will be some work outdoors assisting with programs and events.

Position Type/Expected Hours of Work:

This is a part-time non-exempt position. Days and hours of work can vary and will include some evenings and weekends.

 

Salary:

This position starts at $15/hour 

Benefits – KPERS, paid holidays, flexible schedule

 

Other Duties:

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time without notice and may include other duties as assigned.

The McPherson Public Library provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type. 

Revised July 2025

Mckenzie Murphy, Director

This job description should not be interpreted as all-inclusive. It is intended to identify the essential functions and requirements of this position. This person may be requested to perform job-related responsibilities and tasks other than those stated in this job description. It also does not constitute an employment agreement between the employer and employee and is subject to change by the employer as the needs of the employer and requirements of the job change.