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:
- Community engagement
- Engaging their peers in library programs & services
- Exploring the world and work of libraries
The Teen Center Ambassadors (TCA) position will be assigned to one of NYPL’s local branch libraries in the Bronx, Manhattan, or Staten Island, where they will create dynamic library events and resources for teen audiences at the library and encourage their peers to become more involved with their library.
This will include hosting branch-based programs and events for teens, creating dynamic book displays, contributing a teen perspective to branch operations, and making the Teen Center as welcoming, inclusive, and empowering as possible.
Ambassadors will be provided with training and have the opportunity to attend special events, such as career panels, guest speakers, and library field trips.
Position hours are scheduled between November 2, 2026, and June 18, 2027. Those hours include:
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Human Resources Orientation (week of November 2) — 1.5 hours
- Orientation Camp — November 7
- Branch Placement (November 9 — June 18)
- Mid-Winter Recess Camp (Week of February 14) - 8 hours
- Spring Recess Camp (Week of April 25) — 14 hours
- Special events and opportunities — up to 20 hours
Most hours will be scheduled after 3 PM on weekdays. A few weekend events will be scheduled. A program calendar will be provided during the interview process.
In the application, you will select up to 3 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 locations you choose to know how long it will take you to get there. If you are hired, you will be assigned to one location. Position locations include the following:
Bronx Branches
- Baychester Library
- Bronx Library Center
- Grand Concourse Library
- Hunts Point Library
- Melrose Library
- Wakefield Library
Manhattan Branches:
- Bloomingdale Library
- Chatham Square Library
- Inwood Library
- Macomb’s Bridge Library
- Riverside Library
- Stavros Niarchos Foundation Library (SNFL)
Staten Island Branches:
- Port Richmond Library
- St. George Library Center
- West New Brighton Library
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Plan and implement weekly programs for teens in partnership with Young Adult branch staff
- Create and maintain branch displays and self-directed programming area for teens
- Contribute to branch and system-wide social media and blogs to share a teen perspective on library services and other issues
- Participate in trainings and meetings on topics such as library resources, communication and marketing strategies, community engagement, cultural history, and more
- Support programs conducted by the Young Adult Librarian and other key staff
Required Education & Experience
- Current enrollment in 10th–12th grade in a 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 and and/or experience in peer-to-peer work
- Interest in libraries and librarianship
- Experience with social media including knowledge of current trends
- Strong written and communication skills
- Commitment to inclusion, diversity, and creating a safe and welcoming environment for teens
- 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
- Strong computer skills, including email, internet, and word processing; preference for the Google Suite
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
- May require travel within NYC
Physical Required?
Schedule
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Up to 8 hours per week; most hours scheduled after 3pm on weekdays
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. Job duties may change if Library priorities change. Employees may be directed to perform job-related tasks other than those specifically presented in this description as needed.
At the Library, we believe that pay transparency and pay equity are important to ensuring we source the best candidates and keep the best employees. When making a determination as to the appropriate salary for a candidate, we consider a variety of factors such, including, but not limited to, the position requirements, the skills, prior experience, and educational background required or preferred for the job, the scope and impact of the role within the organization, internal peer equity, and the candidate's specific training, experience, education level, and skills. No single factor is conclusive; the Library reserves the right to consider any and all relevant factors and make a decision consistent with its policies.
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.
