Library Page, Teen Reading Ambassadors - Mott Haven Library
Department: Branch Libraries
Employment Type: Part Time
Location: Mott Haven Library
Reporting To: Arielle Saber
Compensation: $16.00 / hour
Description
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 branch libraries 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 16, 2023, and June 12, 2024. Those hours include:
- Kickoff training on:
- Saturday, September 28
- Saturday, October 5
- 32 weeks of work at your assigned library branch (starting the week of Oct. 7th)
- 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 after 3 PM on weekdays. A few weekend events will be scheduled. Teen Reading Ambassadors will not work during regularly scheduled DOE breaks or holidays. A program calendar will be provided during the interview process.
Key Responsibilities
- Support the set-up and cleanup of 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 Lead Tutor, other Tutors, 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