The temporary summer assistant role is a 10-week, 20-hours per week temporary position. The position pays $16.93 per hour.
The Summer Assistant will contribute to the success of the Summer Reading Program through making connections with families, and planning and delivering programming. The Summer Assistant will work with the Youth Librarians to increase community engagement for all ages of youth (early learners, children, and teens).
Schedule 1 (Bluford Branch): 3050 Prospect Avenue, KCMO, 64128
Tuesday - Thursday, and Saturday: 12 pm - 5 pm.
Schedule 2 (North-East Branch) : 6000 Wilson Avenue, KCMO, 64123.
Monday - Thursday: 12 pm - 5 pm.
Schedule 3 (Trails West Branch): 11401 East 23rd St S, Independence, MO, 64052.
Monday - Thursday: 10 am - 3 pm.
Schedule 4 (Waldo Branch): 201 E 75th St, KCMO, 64114.
Tuesday: 2 - 8 pm.
Wednesday: 9 am - 3:30 pm.
Thursday: 12 pm - 8 pm.
Job Duties (Essential Functions)
- Encourage children, teens, and families to participate in the summer reading program. This includes, but is not limited to, in-person engagement, registering through an online platform, and redeeming prizes in the library, in the community, and online.
- Assist branch staff in entering data into the online summer reading platform and maintaining accurate records.
- Engage children, teens, and families in conversations about their reading and summer learning activities. Recommend titles based on youth reading interests and abilities.
- Assist with distribution of free meals to youth.
- Facilitate storytime with the youth services staff by preparing activities; setting up for and cleaning up after programs; and engaging children during programs.
- Coordinate with the youth services staff to help plan, set up, and provide engaging programming for children and teens.
- Perform other duties specific to youth programming, including, but not limited to, assisting with outreach visits, special events, celebrations, programs, or social media.
- Capture pictures and videos from summer events.
- Ability to meet and serve the public, working effectively with patrons.
- Ability to maintain cooperative working relationships with colleagues and the public.
- Basic computer skills with a willingness to learn and keep current with emerging technologies.
- Willingness to be photographed and recorded for Library social media posts.
- Ability to work outdoors in variable summer weather conditions for up to four consecutive hours.
- Ability to speak and understand English is required. Additional consideration may be given to individuals that are fluent in any non-English languages spoken in the Kansas City area including Somali, Swahili, Spanish, Arabic, French, Dari, Pashto, and Vietnamese.
- Ability to lift up to 35 pounds.
Preferred Qualifications
- Previous experience working/volunteering with children and teens.
- Community outreach and engagement.
- Interest in STEAM, outdoor, and/or maker/craft activities.
- Passionate about the community where the Branch Library is located.
Work Environment
Work is performed at a Library Branch. Workspace is shared with co-workers and patrons from a diverse socio-economic community
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 with or without notice.
The employee must be able to perform the essential functions and job requirements of the position satisfactorily. If requested, reasonable accommodations may be made to enable employees with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the job, absent undue hardship.
How to Apply
For your application to be considered, please apply for this position through our web application system. Kansas City Public Library is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.