Library Page - Teen Reading Ambassadors

The New York Public Library -
New York State

Apply Now

Job Details

Part-time
$17 an hour
11 days ago

Qualifications

Computer operation
Word processing
Working with students
Productivity software
Experience working with elementary school students
Working with youth

Full Job Description

Overview

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

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 library branches in the Bronx, Manhattan, and Staten Island. Teen Reading Ambassadors 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.

Position hours are scheduled between September 25, 2026, and June 3, 2027. Those hours include:

Kick-off training on:
- Saturday, October 3
- Friday, October 9
Additional Training on Saturday, November 14
32 weeks of work at your assigned library branch (starting the week of Oct. 5)
- Up to 7 hours per week, working either Mon & Wed or Tues & 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. Teen Reading Ambassadors will not work during regularly scheduled NYC School breaks or holidays. A program calendar will be provided if the candidate is selected to go through the interview process.

In the application, you will select the locations where you would be willing to work. You must be able to get to the locations you select by around 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 while considering your school’s dismissal time. If you are hired, you will be assigned to one location. Branch locations will be confirmed during the interview process.

Expected position locations include the following:

Bronx Branches

Allerton
Clason’s Point
Edenwald
Grand Concourse
High Bridge
Kingsbridge
Melrose
Morrisania
Morris Park
Mott Haven
Parkchester
Tremont
Van Cortlandt
Wakefield
Westchester Square

Manhattan Branches:

115th Street
Bloomingdale
Chatham Square
Columbus
Hamilton Grange
Harlem
Inwood
Macomb’s Bridge
Riverside
Roosevelt Island
Seward Park
Washington Heights

Staten Island Branches:

Port Richmond
Richmondtown
St. George Library Center
Todt-Hill Westerleigh

Key Responsibilities

Support the set-up and clean-up of the 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 Tutor(s) 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. You can find a guide to writing your resume here.

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
Lifting 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

About The New York Public Library

The New York Public Library is a free provider of education and information for the people of New York and beyond. With 92 locations—including research and branch libraries—throughout the Bronx, Manhattan, and Staten Island, the Library offers free materials, computer access, classes, exhibitions, programming and more to everyone from toddlers to scholars, and has seen record numbers of attendance and circulation in recent years. The New York Public Library serves more than 18 million patrons who come through its doors annually and millions more around the globe who use its resources at www.nypl.org.

Apply Now

Job Seeker Tools

Employer Tools

Browse

Stay Connected