Harris County is hiring: Librarian I - Children's Programming (High Meadows Bran

Harris County Public Library (HCPL) - History

The Harris County Public Library (HCPL) system, established in 1921, began as a collection of small libraries located in stores, post offices, and private homes. Over the years, it has grown into a robust network comprising 26 branch libraries, two technology service centers, and two partner locations that provide collection and circulation services. HCPL serves the communities of unincorporated Harris County and cities without independent library systems.

In 2024, HCPL received the prestigious National Medal for Museum and Library Service, the highest honor awarded to libraries in the United States. The award recognizes institutions that deliver exceptional service to their communities and was given for innovative initiatives such as HCPL Connected, Enhanced+ Library Cards, and the Mobile Outreach Librarian program.

HCPL is also recognized as one of the best places to work, offering a supportive and inclusive environment that fosters innovation, collaboration, and professional growth. Its dedication to employee well‑being, diversity, and community impact makes HCPL more than just a workplace—it’s where individuals can grow, inspire, and contribute to meaningful change.

What you will do at Harris County Public Library

This position is responsible for identifying and interpreting user needs; planning and implementing a variety of children’s programs to encourage library usage and foster community relations; providing exceptional customer service, reference, and reader’s advisory; and assisting Library patrons in the use of library services, facilities, and equipment. Leads Innovation and Maker Space Lab activities for children and exemplifies the high standards and expectations for the library system in its daily operations and services.

Duties & Responsibilities

• Plan, coordinate, and promote children’s services and programs, including summer reading and other special events
• Identify information needs in the community and provide services to meet these needs
• Take responsibility for Innovation Lab and Maker Space activities
• Handle marketing, including social media outreach
• Provide reader’s advisory and reference services
• Develop a highly visible public relations program for children’s services in the community
• Develop an engaging and attractive children’s library collection through awareness of current literature
• Attend staff meetings, activities, and professional conferences, and actively serve on committees
• Apply knowledge of current trends in children’s services and programs
• Perform other duties as assigned

Equal Opportunity Employer – Harris County is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Employment is contingent upon passing a background check.

Education & Experience

• Master Degree in Library Science from an ALA‑accredited university
  • Consideration will be given to individuals currently pursuing a master’s degree and will be completing the degree within the next four (4) months
  • Proof of completion of the degree will be required for permanent status
• One (1) year of full‑time customer service experience showing empathy, good communication, and problem‑solving
• One (1) year of full‑time experience designing, planning, and making educational activities for children in a learning or leadership environment

Or

• Bachelor's degree in any field from an accredited college or university
• Two (2) years of full‑time customer service experience demonstrating empathy, communication, and problem‑solving
• Two (2) years of full‑time experience designing, planning, and making educational activities for children in a learning or leadership environment

Or

• Associate’s degree in any field or 60 hours of secondary education credits from an accredited college or university
• Four (4) years of full‑time customer service experience showing empathy, communication, and problem‑solving
• Four (4) years of full‑time experience designing, planning, and making educational activities for children in a learning or leadership environment

Or

• High school diploma or G.E.D. equivalent
• Six (6) years of full‑time customer service experience demonstrating empathy, communication, and problem‑solving
• Six (6) years of full‑time experience designing, planning, and making educational activities for children in a learning or leadership environment

Additional Requirements

• Unofficial copies of transcripts required with the application
• Available and reliable transportation for work‑related duties

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Proficient in MS Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook)
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships and foster teamwork in a diverse environment
• Ability to work well with the public and staff members
• Proficient with social media (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, etc.)
• Proficient with the Internet and Office 365
• Must use personal mobile device for the Multifactor Authentication process

NOTE

Qualifying education, experience, knowledge, and skills must be documented on the job application. You may attach a resume to the application as supporting documentation, but only information stated on the application will be used for consideration. “See Resume” will not be accepted for qualifications.

Experience: Working with Children’s Groups (Preferred)

• Experience working with children’s groups (preferred)

Language: Bilingual (Preferred)

• Bilingual (preferred)

Position Type and Typical Hours of Work

• Full-Time | Regular
• Typical shifts are Day, Evening, Nights, Weekends, etc.
• May require attending meetings, after‑hours events, and off‑site meetings

Salary

• $24.91 per hour
• Paid biweekly

Work Environment and Physical Demands

• Typical office environment with overhead lighting and long periods of screen time
• Daily use of a computer, keyboard, copier, scanner, printer, calculator, and phone (desk and cell)
• Daily use of Microsoft Office Suite, Outlook, Word, Excel, and GPS
• Work may be performed outdoors and may expose personnel to inclement weather or varying temperatures
• Available and reliable transportation required
• Sitting for long periods; light physical activity including walking, standing, stooping, bending, reaching, lifting, and carrying
• Ability to lift, carry, and exert up to 25 pounds; occasionally up to 40 pounds

Reporting Relationships

• Reports To: Branch Manager and Assistant Branch Manager
• Supervises: None

Work Location

• High Meadows Branch Library – 4500 Aldine Mail Route, Houston, TX 77039

Employment is contingent upon passing a background check. Due to a high volume of applications, positions may close prior to the advertised closing date or at the discretion of the Hiring Department.