LIBRARY TEEN OUTREACH INTERN

Recruitment #2506-3352-001

Introduction

The City of Milwaukee is proud to employ a diverse workforce committed to providing exemplary service to its residents. If you have a passion for being a part of an inclusive team of public servants, please consider the following opportunity.

Part-time employees may work a maximum of 1019 hours per year.  The number of hours worked will depend on the needs of the Milwaukee Public Library (MPL).

Purpose

Teen Outreach Interns assist in implementing the library’s “Connected Learning for Teens” initiative, fulfilling the mission and vision of the Milwaukee Public Library. Interns serve as faces and voices for the MPL, spearheading teen projects and developing new programs for teens in the Milwaukee community. They consult on space design and redesign, mentor their peers, and host engaging events, all while developing critical career skills.

We are seeking innovative and dedicated students who wish to help others read, learn, and connect. If this is you, submit your application today!

Essential Functions

Lead Specialty Projects

  • Develop and implement projects designed to engage teens in all that MPL has to offer, including building citywide programs targeted to teens, spearheading major teen initiatives, hosting events and drop-in programs for teens, and consulting on new models for teen services at the library.

Build & Facilitate Spaces for Connected Learning at the Library

  • Help facilitate daily Open Making Time in MPL Makerspaces.
  • Work closely with patrons to help them engage with equipment, programming, and instruction in the Makerspaces.
  • Assist with grant writing, tours, and presentations to support the continued growth of MPL Makerspaces.
  • In collaboration with other teens in the community, consult on the design for new teen spaces and services.
  • Create placemaking art for Makerspaces. Help to engage families and educators in using library resources.

Spearhead Teen Promotion

  • Help promote library events and programs for teens.
  • Serve as a liaison to peers, using social media and other effective strategies to engage teens in MPL programs and resources.

Professional Development

  • Learn how gaining experience as a library intern supports one’s future plans. Help peers connect the dots between internships and their future by hosting college and career readiness programs.
  • Work closely with colleagues in the internship program, MPL staff, and community members to achieve the mission and serve the community. Provide advice on multiple library projects that target teens and their related markets.
  • Coached by MPL staff, document activities, measure progress, and report on accomplishments.

We welcome qualified individuals with disabilities who are interested in employment and will make reasonable accommodations during the hiring process in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) of 1990, as amended by the Americans with Disabilities Act Amendments Act (ADAAA) of 2008.

Conditions of Employment

  • The work schedule is an average of 10 hours a week during the school year, which includes regular after-school and weekend hours.
  • Teen Outreach Interns will be asked to report to either the Mitchell Street Branch (906 W Historic Mitchell St, Milwaukee, WI 53204), the Good Hope Branch (7717 Good Hope Rd, Milwaukee, WI 53223), the Martin Luther King Branch (310 W. Locust St), or the Washington Park Branch (2121 N. Sherman Blvd. Milwaukee, WI 53208) regularly.
  • Some flexibility relative to hours and location may be required based on program needs.

Minimum Requirements

  1. Currently enrolled in high school. NOTE: Although there is no minimum GPA requirement, a current high school grade report must be included with your application.
  2. Must be at least 16 years old at time of application July 18, 2025; and may not be more than 18 years old on the starting date of the internship September 1, 2025.
  3. Must have reliable transportation to and from work.

Desirable Qualifications

  • Able Leadership experience in school and other relevant activities.
  • Genuine interest in helping peers to develop 21st-century literacies.

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities & Other Characteristics

Technical

  • Ability to learn technology fundamentals, including the Adobe Creative Suite.
  • Ability to learn communications and marketing principles, particularly social media.
  • Basic project management skills.
  • Planning, organizational, and time management skills.

Communication and Professionalism

  • Ability to read work-related documents in English.
  • Ability to express oneself well in writing.
  • Ability to speak clearly and confidently.
  • Ability to develop rapport with peers, parents, and community partners.
  • Ability to work well both independently and in a team.
  • Commitment to positively representing the MPL.
  • Ability to serve as an effective steward of City resources.

Current Salary

The current starting salary (Pay Range 9MN) is $15.92 per hour, and the resident incentive salary range for City of Milwaukee residents is $16.40 per hour.

Selection Process

  • INITIAL FILING DATE: Receipt of applications may be discontinued at any time after July 18, 2025 without prior notice. However, recruitment may continue until the City's needs have been met.
  • SELECTION PROCESS: The Milwaukee Public Library reserves the right to call only the most qualified candidates to interviews. Interviews may include written exercises. Interviews are tentatively scheduled to take place from August 1 through August 15, 2025, at the Mitchell Street Branch, located at 906 West Historic Mitchell Street, Milwaukee, WI 53204 (dates subject to change).
  • BACKGROUND CHECK: Successful applicants will be required to pass a background check.
  • APPLY ONLINE AT: https://mpl.org/for_youth/teens/teen_interns.php

  • Applications and high school grade reports should be submitted no later than 11:59 PM on July 18, 2025.
  • Further information may be obtained in person at any MPL branch or by calling (414) 286-3076

Conclusion

The City of Milwaukee values and encourages diversity and is an equal opportunity employer.