The New York Public Library is hiring: Library Page, Teen Reading Ambassadors -

Library Page, Teen Reading Ambassadors - Morris Park Library

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

Description

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. Trainees 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.

Schedule

• Position hours are scheduled between September 16, 2025, and June 18, 2026. Those hours include:
• Kickoff training on:
• Saturday, September 27
• Friday, October 3
• Additional Training on Saturday, November 1
• 33 weeks of work at your assigned library branch (starting the week of Oct. 6)
• Up to 7 hours per week, working either Mon & Wed or Tue & Thurs for 3–3.5 hours each day after school
• Special events and opportunities

Most hours will be scheduled starting around 3 PM on weekdays. A few weekend events will be scheduled. A program calendar will be provided if the candidate is selected to go through the interview process.

You must be able to get to the location by 3 PM on weekdays (there are some exceptions, and we can discuss your schedule during the interview). We recommend that you map your commute from school to the location(s) you choose to know how long it will take you to get there.

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

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
• Moving and transporting 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

Note: This job description represents the types and levels of responsibilities that will be required of the position and shall not be construed as a declaration of all of the specific duties and responsibilities for the role. Employees may be directed to perform job-related tasks other than those specifically presented in this description as needed.

The New York Public Library Salary Statement

At the Library, we believe that pay transparency and pay equity are important to ensure we source the best candidates and keep the best employees. The Library reserves the right to consider all relevant factors when setting compensation.

Union Salaries are determined by collective bargaining agreement(s).