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Wilmington Friends School is hiring: Lower School Librarian & Technology Special

Wilmington Friends School, Wilmington, DE, United States


3/27/2026 Lower School Librarian & Technology Specialist Wilmington, Delaware • Full-Time, 10-Month Employee • Start: August 17, 2026

Wilmington Friends School is an independent Preschool through 12th grade Quaker college preparatory day school located in Wilmington, Delaware, enrolling approximately 700 students. Grounded in Quaker values of integrity, community, equality, and stewardship, WFS nurtures the academic, social‑emotional, and spiritual growth of every student. Our newly renovated lower school offers an exciting opportunity to capture the momentum of a beautifully updated library space and the hearts of young readers. Strategic plan initiatives that plan to grow learning beyond the classroom and school walls provide a unique opportunity to lend vision and direction to the future of Wilmington Friends.

Position Overview
The Lower School Librarian is a full‑time teaching position at the center of our Preschool through 5th grade community. This educator leads a vibrant library program that cultivates a lifelong love of reading, nurtures curiosity, and develops the research and information literacy skills students need to thrive as learners and citizens. Working closely with an assistant librarian and parent volunteers, this librarian partners deeply with homebase teachers to weave library learning and classroom life together. Technology is an important tool in this work — used purposefully to support research, deepen information literacy, and bring hands‑on, creative learning experiences into the library and classroom. We are seeking a multi‑faced educator who loves books and young readers, brings creativity and enthusiasm to their teaching, and sees the library as a dynamic hub for the whole school community.

Key Responsibilities
Library Program Leadership

Oversee all aspects of the lower school library, including collection development, circulation systems, physical space, and overall program vision

Collaborate with an assistant librarian and parent volunteers to create a welcoming, well‑organized, and high‑functioning library

Cultivate a culture of reading and literary enthusiasm through read‑alouds, book talks, author studies, genre exploration, and independent reading initiatives

Teach library and research skills to Kindergarten through 5th grade students, with lessons that are engaging, hands‑on, and developmentally appropriate

Curate and maintain a diverse, representative, and current collection that reflects the full range of our school community

Manage the library budget thoughtfully, including materials acquisition and resource subscriptions

Technology Integration & Information Literacy

Teach information literacy skills — evaluating sources, navigating databases, understanding how information is created and shared — in partnership with homebase teachers

Guide students in responsible and ethical digital citizenship, including online safety, privacy, and thoughtful use of digital tools

Collaborate with homebase teachers to integrate technology meaningfully into research and inquiry units, and potentially combine makerspace‑style activities with research projects and curriculum

Maintain and supervise use of 3‑D printers, virtual reality technology, and other tools within the library and collaborative spaces and units

Support teachers in discovering and using library‑connected technology resources effectively

Collaboration & Community

Partner closely with homebase teachers to design and co‑teach integrated library units that connect to classroom themes and the school curriculum

Build warm, trusting relationships with students across all grade levels, from preschool through 5th grade

Plan, organize, and lead library programming, such as author visits and reading initiatives that benefit the school community and promote a love of literature and learning

Contribute to lower school curriculum conversations and planning

Support diversity, equity, and inclusion through intentional collection curation, inclusive lesson design, and culturally responsive practice

Requirements

Genuine love of children's and young adult literature and a talent for connecting young readers with the right books

Experience working with elementary‑age students in a school or library setting

Ability to teach information literacy and research skills in ways that are age‑appropriate and engaging

Comfort integrating technology as a tool for learning — particularly in support of research, information literacy, and creative projects

Understanding of digital citizenship and online safety for elementary students

Collaborative spirit and the ability to work closely and creatively with classroom teachers

Strong organizational and communication skills

Culturally competent, with experience engaging with and learning from people of diverse backgrounds and identities

Bachelor's degree in Library Science or Library & Information Science or related field

Preferred

Master’s degree

School library or SLMS certification, or willingness to pursue certification

Experience managing a library collection, budget, and circulation system (e.g., Destiny, Follett)

Experience designing or facilitating makerspace, project‑based, or hands‑on creative learning experiences

Experience in an independent school or Quaker school setting

Candidates with diverse backgrounds, candidates committed to working on diversity, equity and inclusion in education, and members of the Religious Society of Friends (Quakers) are particularly encouraged to apply.

If interested, please send a cover letter, resume, and list of three references addressed to Chris Loeffler, Head of Lower School, to Linda Beard (lbeard@wilmingtonfriends.org) by April 17, 2025. We will be conducting initial interviews as materials are received.

It is Wilmington Friends School’s policy to provide equal employment opportunity to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, sex (including pregnancy), religion, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, first responder status, or other protected status in accordance with applicable federal and state laws. It is the intent and resolve of Wilmington Friends School to comply with the letter and the spirit of the law in the implementation of all facets of equal opportunity. This equal opportunity policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment including, but not limited to, hiring, placement, training, promotion, compensation, termination, and retirement.

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