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 branch libraries 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 16, 2025, and June 18, 2026. Those hours include:

Kickoff training on:
- Saturday, September 27
- Friday, October 3
Additional Training on Saturday, November 1
33 weeks of work at your assigned library branch (starting the week of Oct. 6)
- 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. 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

Manhattan Branches:

Staten Island Branches:

Key Responsibilities

Support the set-up and cleanup of 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 Lead Tutor, other Tutors, 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

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
Moving and transporting 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

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. Employees may be directed to perform job-related tasks other than those specifically presented in this description as needed.

The New York Public Library Salary Statement

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 candidates 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.

Union Salaries are determined by collective bargaining agreement(s).

The New York Public Library (NYPL)

Library Page Teen Reading Ambassadors Branch Services & Programs

The New York Public Library (NYPL)

Key Responsibilities

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