The New York Public Library

Library Page, Teen Reading Ambassadors - Morris Park Library Job at The New York

The New York Public Library, New York, NY, US

Job Description

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

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