Civic Literacy Librarian

The Oak Park Public Library seeks a full-time Civic Literacy Librarian to join its Adult Services team.

About the Oak Park Public Library

The Oak Park Public Library strategically prioritizes equity, anti-racism, engagement, learning, and stewardship. We serve a diverse population at our three locations and out in the Oak Park community. Our vision is to empower every voice in our community, and our mission is to share the information, services, and opportunities that fulfill Oak Park’s aspirations.

Position Summary

In establishing this position, our goal is to embrace the notion that public libraries are critical to a functioning democracy and that libraries are places where people of diverse backgrounds can come together to be actively engaged in the future of their communities.

Under the direction of the Manager of Adult Services, the person selected for this position will advance the library’s vision, mission, and strategic direction by:

• Executing day-to-day experiences related to civic literacy


• Leading or participating in project teams based on areas of expertise and knowledge


• Providing direct service to patrons at service points located throughout the system


• Supporting library initiatives and projects


• Contributing to projects across all service areas

Bilingualism in English and Spanish (or another language relevant to Oak Park’s community) is a plus; while not required, fluency in another language will enable you to provide exceptional customer service and build relationships with more of our community members. 

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Civic Literacy:

• Establish and nurture relationships with local government departments, educational institutions, and community organizations to support and expand civic engagement efforts


• Organize and facilitate workshops, seminars, and programs that promote civic knowledge and participation, media literacy, and civic education


• Coordinate joint events and programs that address community-specific civic issues


• Serve as contact and organizer for all tax-related information and forms at the library

Community Engagement:

• Identifies and cultivates regional or local community relationships that advance the library's mission, vision, and strategic priorities, particularly related to areas of civic engagement (League of Women Voters, and other partners)


• Provides programs and services at community locations outside of the library


• Works with the Book Bike and Book Bike Librarian

Programming:

• Designs, facilitates, presents, and evaluates programs, particularly around civic education and media literacy


• Collaborates with fellow library staff and community-based organizations on civic-related programs 


• Completes evaluation and analysis of programs

Service Points:

• Coordinates and/or provides professional consultations or instruction to internal and external stakeholders; directs facilitation or mediation of in-person, telephone, or email customer interactions, including regular shifts at service desks at any library location

• Manages customer complaints and resolves conflicts


• Assists in the planning, development, and evaluation of new services 


• Provides technology troubleshooting support to the Library’s internal and external customers


• Adheres to library policies and proactively enforces the library’s A Library for Everyone policy


• Provides information on library and community news and events


• Provide voter registration at the Main Library location 

Home Delivery Program:

• Serve as part of the Home Delivery team, providing backup support to the Home Delivery Program


• May drive materials to cardholders with a personal vehicle weekly

Required Qualifications

• Understands, supports, and advances the vision, mission, and strategic priorities of the library


• Familiar with ILS and related library software, including print and PC management systems, RFID, and self-checkout technology


• Analytical and problem-solving skills with excellent attention to detail


• Technical competence and a willingness to learn and grow in technical understanding


• Verbal and written communication skills, including presentation skills


• Ability to express oneself clearly and effectively to internal and external stakeholders


• Service-oriented and committed to providing exceptional service to our patrons, staff, and community


• Excellent interpersonal and project management skills


• Demonstrated proven ability to exercise good judgment and independent thinking


• High level of professionalism and integrity with the capacity to maintain confidentiality


• Ability and willingness to work a flexible schedule, including evenings and weekends

Education and Experience

• Master’s degree in library and information science from an ALA-accredited institution


• Experience working in a public library

Preferred

• Experience designing and executing programs


• Experience providing reference and reader’s advisory services


• Experience delivering customer service at library service desks


• Valid driver’s license to drive in Illinois


• Bilingual skills in a language relevant to Oak Park’s community

A combination of education, professional, and lived experiences that demonstrate the ability to meet the position’s requirements successfully may be considered.

Details

This position is full-time, 40 hours per week. 

As part of the comprehensive compensation package, full-time library staff members receive generous benefits, including:

• 90% premium coverage for PPO and HMO medical insurance across all tiers


• Enrollment in the Illinois Municipal Retirement Fund (IMRF), a premier defined benefit (pension) plan for Illinois municipal government employees


• 20 paid vacation days annually


• 12 paid health leave days annually


• 5 paid personal days annually


• 13 paid holidays annually


• 8 weeks of paid parental leave


• Tuition assistance for continuing education


• Paid learning opportunities, such as webinars and conferences


• Paid dues for professional association membership


• Remote work stipend (if applicable)


• $150 Lifestyle Spending Account to enhance your physical, financial, and emotional well-being

Starting salary range: $56,000 to $64,000. Offers are made within this range based on competencies, experience, and internal equity. 

Please apply by Sunday, August 10, to be considered for this position.

The Oak Park Public Library is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to creating and supporting an environment of anti-racism, diversity, equity, and inclusion for the benefit of our staff, collections, programs and services, patrons, and community. Members of traditionally marginalized groups and those committed to working in a diverse cultural environment are encouraged to apply.