Library Page, Teen Reading Ambassadors - Countee Cullen Library

Department: Branch Libraries

Location: Countee Cullen Library

Compensation: $16.50 / 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 through June 12, 2024. Those hours include:

• Up to 7 hours per week, working either Mon & Wed or Tues & Thurs for 3-3.5 hours each day after school


• Program orientation and trainings


• 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