Champaign Public Library
Salary:
$82,774.00 - $105,685.00 Annually Location :
Champaign, IL Job Type:
Full-Time Job Number:
00181 - 9.2025 Department:
Children's Services Opening Date:
09/12/2025
Description Under the general supervision of the Library Director, the Children's Manager manages the Children's Services Department, setting the course for the library's service to children and teens, birth through 12th grade. The Children's Services Manager is responsible for creating a welcoming climate for children, teens, and families and developing engaging programs and collections that foster early reading skills, a love of reading, and educational success. With assistance from the Deputy Director, the Manager supervises Children's Services staff members, helps plan and present programs, advocates for children and teens, and their needs, develops methods to expand library service to and reach children and teens outside of the library, and cultivates partnerships with educators and service providers. Serves as a member of the Management Team.
Open until filled, with first review of applicants on September 29, 2025. Examples of Duties
Oversees all areas of Children's Services including supervision of children's librarians, the teen librarian, the Mother Goose library associate, children's associates, and teen programming pages Provides and models excellent customer service to all users of the library Identifies community needs and works with staff to establish programs and services to meet these needs Develops and maintains effective relationships with schools, community groups, and agencies involved with service to children and teens, including participation on committees Oversees planning, scheduling, promotion, and evaluation of children's and teen programs Conducts programs for children, teens, parents and caregivers Supervises the development of children's and teen collections, including online resources Maintains up-to-date knowledge of educational trends, services and technology for children and teens Assists with questions on software, makerspace tools, and other technology related needs to customers of all ages Keeps informed about new practices and use of technology in libraries Contributes to the library's website, e-newsletter, and social media Assists with strategic planning processes and the design and implementation of annual objectives Participates as a member in the work and activities of professional associations Contributions to the library profession through local and/or national professional associations Participates in departmental and library-wide training and activities, including technology and safety training Provides excellent internal and external customer service Other duties as assigned Requirements
Ability to create a welcoming, happy, engaging atmosphere for children, teens, and those who accompany them Ability to provide a high level of personalized service to library users of all ages; children and teens in particular Ability to plan, implement, and evaluate effective library services for children, teens, parents, caregivers and educators Ability to issue guidance and ensure compliance with the Library's Rules of Conduct and policies Excellent computer and technology skills, including use of computers, mobile devices, and social media Proficiency with workplace productivity software, including skills in Microsoft Office Suite Excellent interpersonal skills and friendly, helpful manner for modeling customer service expectations Knowledge and expertise in the areas of child development, adolescent development, reading development and early childhood education Knowledge of professional-level library practices and ability to keep up with developments in the field Proven leadership and management skills that foster teamwork, effective communication and high morale Evidence of past community involvement Excellent speaking and writing skills Good vision and hearing to effectively engage with customers Manual dexterity to operate computer. phone, and makerspace equipment Physical ability to lift library materials weighing up to 40 pounds and to push fully loaded carts of library materials Valid driver's license, acceptable driving history, and personal automobile for job-related transportation Satisfactory pre-employment background check Acceptable Experience and Training
Master of Library Science degree (MLS) from ALA-accredited institution required One year of supervisory experience required Experience with youth programs required Two years of public library experience preferred Extensive experience with automated library catalog and circulation software required Knowledge of Spanish and/or French is helpful Any equivalent combination of experience and training which provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities
Vacation Leave Accrual
4.3846 hours per bi-weekly pay period for the 1st year (114 hours, or three 38-hour weeks) 5.8462 hours per bi-weekly pay period for the 2nd through 7th years (152 hours, or four 38-hour weeks) 7.3077 hours per bi-weekly pay period for the 8th and succeeding years (190 hours, or five 38-hour weeks) Sick Leave
98.8 hours per year, accruing at 3.8 hours per pay period. Sick Leave can be used as soon as accrued, according to the guidelines in the Staff Handbook.
Holidays The Library is closed on the following nine (9) days: New Year's Day, Martin Luther King, Jr., Day, Easter Sunday, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Eve Day, and Christmas Day. With the exception of Easter Sunday, all of these days are paid holidays. The Library will remain open for Juneteenth and staff members will receive a floating holiday.
Health Insurance Health insurance is available for the employee, with 100% less a small cost share paid by employee of the premium paid by the Library. Dependent coverage is available; the Library pays 50% of the premium, and the employee pays the remainder. If selected, health insurance benefits are effective on the first day of employment. Open enrollment for health insurance is typically in February with a March 1 effective date.
Dental & Vision Insurance Dental insurance and Vision insurance plans are available, with the employee responsible for the entire monthly premium. Details can be provided upon request.
Please note dental coverage starts on the first of the month after 30 days of service.
For example: If your start date is July 21, your coverage will start August 1. Open enrollment for Vision & Dental insurance is typically in December with a January 1 effective date.
Life Insurance The Library pays for $12,000 of coverage. Optional Supplemental Life for employee and dependents is available; details are available from the Business Office.
Employee Assistance Program The Library provides a confidential Employee Assistance Program. The cost of this service is paid entirely by the Library. Employees or their family members may arrange for counseling sessions on any area of concern, personal or professional.
Retirement Library employees participate in IMRF (Illinois Municipal Retirement Fund) a defined benefit pension plan. Employees contribute 4.5% of salary tax deferred, and are vested in the plan after ten years. The Library provides an employer contribution that is calculated annually.
Deferred Compensation P
lans Library employees are offered the opportunity to invest in a 457 Deferred Compensation Retirement plan.
Flexible Spending Employees may choose to set aside pre-tax payroll dollars to pay for annual allowable medical, child care, and adoption expenses. Details about the plans will be provided to new employees during their orientation. 01
Do you have or are you able to obtain a valid Illinois driver's license by the time of hire and a personal automobile for job-related transportation?
Yes No
02
What is your highest level of education?
Less than high school High school diploma or GED Some college College degree or higher
03
Do you have an ALA-accredited Master's Degree in Library Science?
Yes No
04
Are you available to work a flexible schedule that includes daytime, evening and weekend hours?
Yes No
05
How many years of experience do you have working with children or teens?
1-2 years 3-4 years 5 or more years None
06
Please tell us about your experience working with children and teens. (This answer box will allow you to enter 12 lines of text) 07
Do you have programming experience with children or teens? Check all that apply.
Ages 0 - 2 Ages 3 - 5 Ages K - 5 Teens
08
Please tell us what kind of programs you have prepared for children and teens. (The answer box will allow you to enter 12 lines of text.) 09
Select the choice that best matches your level of experience supervising employees.
1-2 years 3-5 years 5+ years None
10
Describe your experience supervising staff or volunteers in a youth services environment. Please include examples of how you provided guidance, delegated responsibilities, supported professional development, and addressed challenges. (The answer box will allow you to enter 12 lines of text.) 11
How many full-time direct reports do you currently supervise? 12
How many years of experience do you have working in a public library?
1-2 years 3-4 years 5 or more years None
13
If you have public library experience, please describe the kind of work that you did. (The answer box will allow you to enter 12 lines of text.) 14
Please indicate how many years of experience you have providing excellent customer service.
1-2 years 3-4 years 5 or more years None
15
Please tell us about your customer service experience. (The answer box will allow you to enter 12 lines of text.) 16
Please describe how your skills, experience, and interests prepare you to be the best candidate for this position at the Champaign Public Library. (The answer box will allow you to enter 12 lines of text.) 17
I understand that I am required to submit with this application the names and contact information of three professional references. If you have not included this information in your application profile, please return to your application and complete this requirement.
I have included the names of three references in my application
Required Question
$82,774.00 - $105,685.00 Annually Location :
Champaign, IL Job Type:
Full-Time Job Number:
00181 - 9.2025 Department:
Children's Services Opening Date:
09/12/2025
Description Under the general supervision of the Library Director, the Children's Manager manages the Children's Services Department, setting the course for the library's service to children and teens, birth through 12th grade. The Children's Services Manager is responsible for creating a welcoming climate for children, teens, and families and developing engaging programs and collections that foster early reading skills, a love of reading, and educational success. With assistance from the Deputy Director, the Manager supervises Children's Services staff members, helps plan and present programs, advocates for children and teens, and their needs, develops methods to expand library service to and reach children and teens outside of the library, and cultivates partnerships with educators and service providers. Serves as a member of the Management Team.
Open until filled, with first review of applicants on September 29, 2025. Examples of Duties
Oversees all areas of Children's Services including supervision of children's librarians, the teen librarian, the Mother Goose library associate, children's associates, and teen programming pages Provides and models excellent customer service to all users of the library Identifies community needs and works with staff to establish programs and services to meet these needs Develops and maintains effective relationships with schools, community groups, and agencies involved with service to children and teens, including participation on committees Oversees planning, scheduling, promotion, and evaluation of children's and teen programs Conducts programs for children, teens, parents and caregivers Supervises the development of children's and teen collections, including online resources Maintains up-to-date knowledge of educational trends, services and technology for children and teens Assists with questions on software, makerspace tools, and other technology related needs to customers of all ages Keeps informed about new practices and use of technology in libraries Contributes to the library's website, e-newsletter, and social media Assists with strategic planning processes and the design and implementation of annual objectives Participates as a member in the work and activities of professional associations Contributions to the library profession through local and/or national professional associations Participates in departmental and library-wide training and activities, including technology and safety training Provides excellent internal and external customer service Other duties as assigned Requirements
Ability to create a welcoming, happy, engaging atmosphere for children, teens, and those who accompany them Ability to provide a high level of personalized service to library users of all ages; children and teens in particular Ability to plan, implement, and evaluate effective library services for children, teens, parents, caregivers and educators Ability to issue guidance and ensure compliance with the Library's Rules of Conduct and policies Excellent computer and technology skills, including use of computers, mobile devices, and social media Proficiency with workplace productivity software, including skills in Microsoft Office Suite Excellent interpersonal skills and friendly, helpful manner for modeling customer service expectations Knowledge and expertise in the areas of child development, adolescent development, reading development and early childhood education Knowledge of professional-level library practices and ability to keep up with developments in the field Proven leadership and management skills that foster teamwork, effective communication and high morale Evidence of past community involvement Excellent speaking and writing skills Good vision and hearing to effectively engage with customers Manual dexterity to operate computer. phone, and makerspace equipment Physical ability to lift library materials weighing up to 40 pounds and to push fully loaded carts of library materials Valid driver's license, acceptable driving history, and personal automobile for job-related transportation Satisfactory pre-employment background check Acceptable Experience and Training
Master of Library Science degree (MLS) from ALA-accredited institution required One year of supervisory experience required Experience with youth programs required Two years of public library experience preferred Extensive experience with automated library catalog and circulation software required Knowledge of Spanish and/or French is helpful Any equivalent combination of experience and training which provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities
Vacation Leave Accrual
4.3846 hours per bi-weekly pay period for the 1st year (114 hours, or three 38-hour weeks) 5.8462 hours per bi-weekly pay period for the 2nd through 7th years (152 hours, or four 38-hour weeks) 7.3077 hours per bi-weekly pay period for the 8th and succeeding years (190 hours, or five 38-hour weeks) Sick Leave
98.8 hours per year, accruing at 3.8 hours per pay period. Sick Leave can be used as soon as accrued, according to the guidelines in the Staff Handbook.
Holidays The Library is closed on the following nine (9) days: New Year's Day, Martin Luther King, Jr., Day, Easter Sunday, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Eve Day, and Christmas Day. With the exception of Easter Sunday, all of these days are paid holidays. The Library will remain open for Juneteenth and staff members will receive a floating holiday.
Health Insurance Health insurance is available for the employee, with 100% less a small cost share paid by employee of the premium paid by the Library. Dependent coverage is available; the Library pays 50% of the premium, and the employee pays the remainder. If selected, health insurance benefits are effective on the first day of employment. Open enrollment for health insurance is typically in February with a March 1 effective date.
Dental & Vision Insurance Dental insurance and Vision insurance plans are available, with the employee responsible for the entire monthly premium. Details can be provided upon request.
Please note dental coverage starts on the first of the month after 30 days of service.
For example: If your start date is July 21, your coverage will start August 1. Open enrollment for Vision & Dental insurance is typically in December with a January 1 effective date.
Life Insurance The Library pays for $12,000 of coverage. Optional Supplemental Life for employee and dependents is available; details are available from the Business Office.
Employee Assistance Program The Library provides a confidential Employee Assistance Program. The cost of this service is paid entirely by the Library. Employees or their family members may arrange for counseling sessions on any area of concern, personal or professional.
Retirement Library employees participate in IMRF (Illinois Municipal Retirement Fund) a defined benefit pension plan. Employees contribute 4.5% of salary tax deferred, and are vested in the plan after ten years. The Library provides an employer contribution that is calculated annually.
Deferred Compensation P
lans Library employees are offered the opportunity to invest in a 457 Deferred Compensation Retirement plan.
Flexible Spending Employees may choose to set aside pre-tax payroll dollars to pay for annual allowable medical, child care, and adoption expenses. Details about the plans will be provided to new employees during their orientation. 01
Do you have or are you able to obtain a valid Illinois driver's license by the time of hire and a personal automobile for job-related transportation?
Yes No
02
What is your highest level of education?
Less than high school High school diploma or GED Some college College degree or higher
03
Do you have an ALA-accredited Master's Degree in Library Science?
Yes No
04
Are you available to work a flexible schedule that includes daytime, evening and weekend hours?
Yes No
05
How many years of experience do you have working with children or teens?
1-2 years 3-4 years 5 or more years None
06
Please tell us about your experience working with children and teens. (This answer box will allow you to enter 12 lines of text) 07
Do you have programming experience with children or teens? Check all that apply.
Ages 0 - 2 Ages 3 - 5 Ages K - 5 Teens
08
Please tell us what kind of programs you have prepared for children and teens. (The answer box will allow you to enter 12 lines of text.) 09
Select the choice that best matches your level of experience supervising employees.
1-2 years 3-5 years 5+ years None
10
Describe your experience supervising staff or volunteers in a youth services environment. Please include examples of how you provided guidance, delegated responsibilities, supported professional development, and addressed challenges. (The answer box will allow you to enter 12 lines of text.) 11
How many full-time direct reports do you currently supervise? 12
How many years of experience do you have working in a public library?
1-2 years 3-4 years 5 or more years None
13
If you have public library experience, please describe the kind of work that you did. (The answer box will allow you to enter 12 lines of text.) 14
Please indicate how many years of experience you have providing excellent customer service.
1-2 years 3-4 years 5 or more years None
15
Please tell us about your customer service experience. (The answer box will allow you to enter 12 lines of text.) 16
Please describe how your skills, experience, and interests prepare you to be the best candidate for this position at the Champaign Public Library. (The answer box will allow you to enter 12 lines of text.) 17
I understand that I am required to submit with this application the names and contact information of three professional references. If you have not included this information in your application profile, please return to your application and complete this requirement.
I have included the names of three references in my application
Required Question