Intern Childrens Library

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

The Boston Athenaeum seeks a personable reliable and creative intern to support the Youth Services Librarian in the Childrens Library. The intern will assist with maintaining the childrens and teen collections creating engaging displays and leading programs for children and families.

As part of the Reader Services Department the Childrens Library is primarily staffed by the Youth Services Librarian and this intern. The ideal candidate will be organized independent and enthusiastic about library services for children and teens. They should enjoy engaging with families and young readers and feel comfortable working both collaboratively and on independent tasks.

This position begins in fall 2025.

Hours: Approximately 15 hours per week including Saturdays. Mondays and/or evenings preferred. Exact schedule will be determined based on the interns availability.

Compensation:$16.65/hr

RESPONSIBILITIES

Shelve and maintain the physical order of books in the childrens and teen collections.

Assist with collection development including evaluating materials and identifying potential additions.

Create engaging book displays that highlight seasonal themes literary genres or notable authors.

Work with the Youth Services Librarian to plan and lead programs for children of all ages including story times for ages 6 and younger as well as book groups and special events for older children.

Provide occasional readers advisory for children and families.

Work collaboratively with the Youth Services Librarian while also managing independent tasks.

Perform other duties as assigned to support the Childrens Library.

QUALIFICATIONS & REQUIREMENTS

Current enrollment in an ALA accredited library science graduate program.

Strong interest in youth services.

Knowledge of childrens and teen literature.

Ability to work independently on tasks like shelving and display creation.

Comfortable speaking in front of groups for story time and programs.

Commitment to fostering a workplace culture of teamwork and inclusion.

Ability to lift and move up to 25 pounds and push book carts between locations.

Must pass a background check including criminal history personal references and employment verification.

TO APPLY: Please submit a Cover Letter and Resume

The Boston Athenum is an equal opportunity employer. We encourage individuals of diverse backgrounds to apply and are committed to hiring individuals who value a diverse and inclusive work environment. The Boston Athenum is also committed to providing access equal opportunityand reasonable accommodation for individuals with disabilities in employment. To request a reasonable accommodation please contact the Human Resources Manager Nora Conley ator

ABOUT THE BOSTON ATHENAEUM

Founded in 1807 as a fountain at which all who choose may gratify their thirst for knowledge the Boston Athenum has evolved into a beloved subscription library specializing in history biography literature and art. 5000 Households maintain active memberships in the Athenum and enjoy a range of services from individualized reference assistance to superb childrens programming from discussion groups to curated selections of digital and print resources. Tourists and scholars from around the world consult the quartermillion rare items in the collection which includes George Washingtons personal library; an important collection of early American portraits; rich holdings related to the Civil War and documenting New Englands build environment; and the Athenums own historical archives attesting to the institutions role in American arts and letters. Each year the Athenum offers hundreds of cultural programs including lectures concerts performances exhibitions and tastingswithin its exquisite National Historic Landmark structure widely regarded as one of the most beautiful libraries in the world.