Librarian
The job of running the library at Monica Ros School involves fostering a love of reading, focusing on strengthening children’s literacy skills, developing imagination, and a bit of whimsy as well. The librarian at Monica Ros will deal heavily in fairies, dragons, unicorns, yetis and mermaids across all ages.
Additionally, keeping the collection current with nonfiction, Caldecott winners, new volumes in beloved series, and new titles in general is critical. Over the course of a week, a librarian will welcome each class in the school, from Green Room through third grade and run a session at each level that includes a read aloud and time to browse books and check out titles. For many decades in the Monica Ros library program, children have been able to check out two titles each week during their visit. Considering the rhythms of the school year and incorporating topically appropriate information into the read aloud sessions is key.
The Monica Ros Library exists in the newest building on the Monica Ros campus. After being housed for many years in Meyer Hall as the Andrea Gleysteen Library, it opened in the fall of 2020 in its current location. It is designed as a cozy, welcoming place to relax, and students and staff alike treasure their time spent at the library. Monica Ros is proud that its library was one of the only ones open in person to children in Ventura County for the entire 2020-2021 school year, its first year of operation in the new space. Circulation hovers around 200 books checked out per week; books in the collection date back to Monica Ros’s founding days. Its librarians over the years have curated a varied and deep collection that is a true gem for the families and children at the school. Most Monica Ros graduates depart reading at grade level through a fifth grade level. They have a strong sense of the power of the written word, and the strength of the School’s library program is a critical part of their journey.
About Us
Monica Ros School has been providing a magical beginning to Ojai children’s education for more than 80 years. Our mission is to expand a child’s natural passion for learning in a setting that celebrates Ojai’s natural beauty. Our curriculum builds a child’s confidence both in the classroom and out in the world, inspiring a lifetime of discovery.
Responsibilities
Classroom sessions with all students Green Room through 3rd Grade weekly
Checking in returned books
Keeping the Accessit Digital system current
Making sure the book displays around the library itself are full of age appropriate books for upcoming visitors
Printing overdue notices and distributing them to classrooms
Keeping library current on new acquisitions, covering books and processing them to add to the collection as needed
Updating Accessit with the school roster and preparing to open the library for the year in August.
Required Skills
Deep organizational skills and an eye for detail
A passion for children’s literature
A collaborative spirit
A good sense of humor and a willingness to consider the critical importance of a range of issues, from what to do when books are forgotten (pinky swear to bring them tomorrow! It’s okay!) to the pressing nature of the next book in a series and its availability to finding just the
right title on the right day.
Excellent English language skills with excellent interpersonal, written, and verbal communication.
Proficiency in Spanish (or other languages) is a plus though not required.
Covid-19 vaccinations and boosters as required by the school together with agreement to adhere as a condition of employment to all of the school's Covid-19 risk mitigation policies and protocols (if offered the position)
Current Driver’s License
Clean DOJ digital fingerprinting background check (if offered the position)
Proof of negative TB test (if offered the position)
CPR and First Aid Certification (if offered the position)
Functional Requirement
Ability to observe, review and analyze reports and documents;
Hearing and speaking to effectively communicate and exchange information;
Sitting and standing for extended periods of time; Some climbing of small ladders;
Bending, kneeling and reaching to retrieve and file books and materials;
Dexterity of hands and fingers to file and operate office technology and equipment; and Lifting boxes weighing up to 30 pounds.
Compensation Range
This position is non-exempt. Hourly Rate between $20-$25 hourly for approximately 15 hours hours of work weekly. School holidays and several weeks in summer when the school is not in session are unpaid. Starting salary commensurate with experience. Employees of Monica Ros experience a culture of open communication, mutual support, and professional development to meet each team-member’s goals. We believe in an inclusive workplace where each team-member and family feels a deep sense of belonging. MRS is an equal employment opportunity employer.
How to Apply
Joining our team as the Librarian at Monica Ros School provides a unique opportunity to contribute to the success of an outstanding educational institution. If you are a highly motivated and detail-oriented professional with a passion to create a magical educational experience for young students, we invite you to apply.
Please submit your resume, a cover letter, and references to Assistant Head of School Brad Hall at bhall@monicaros.org. We will review applications on a rolling basis until the position is filled.
