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Canmore Public Library does not use services like Upwork or any other online hiring resource to recruit freelancers.  All of Canmore Public Library’s recruiting and hiring takes place directly through Canmore Public Library.

Work at the Canmore Library this summer!

The Canmore Public Library is seeking two post-secondary students to prepare and run our annual summer reading game

This opportunity takes place in the beautiful Rocky Mountains of Canmore, Alberta and runs from early May to the end of August. The Summer reading Game is a program designed to keep children reading during the summer. The program’s purpose is to promote literacy and community connections.  

The successful candidate for this position is a highly motivated independent individual who has an interest in literacy, non-profit organizations, and community resiliency.  A proficient level of computer skills is desirable. The candidate must be outgoing and enthusiastic about working with children and the public in general. 

The starting salary is $18.72 / hr. It includes full time hours 9am-5pm Tuesday - Saturday from May 7 to August 24, 2024. Please apply directly via email to Audra Hiller at ahiller@canmorelibrary.ab.ca with your cover letter and resume before April 12th, 2024.

More about the CPL Summer Literacy Programmer Position

Candidate profile
The ideal candidate is a post-secondary student with an interest in literacy, non-profit organizations, and community resiliency. A proficient level of computer skills is desirable. The candidate must be outgoing and enthusiastic about working with children and the public in general.

Description of Tasks
Summer Literacy Programmers are responsible for selecting a theme for the summer reading game, adapting the game to fit the theme, designing, and preparing all registration and publicity materials, creating, and managing weekly story times, craft activities and outdoor activities, including scavenger hunts, STEM activities, and one-on-one tutoring. They reach out to local businesses for donations for prizes which benefits the game participants as well as the local business community. Also expected is accurate data collection, statistics recording, measuring participant progress, as well as general library tasks such as shelving and circulation. The programmer's primary responsibility is the Summer Reading Game however they will also be trained in library core operations such as circulation and shelving. This promotes a deeper understanding of all the moving parts in the library so the programmers can create and develop activities that work alongside library daily operations in a seamless and complementary fashion. They learn some operational library skills and can assist with these tasks when needed.

Work Plan
Summer staff have from the beginning of May to the end of June to plan, prepare and promote the SRG. This includes visiting schools, purchasing supplies and materials, and canvasing the community for donations for prizes. The game officially begins on July 1, with all programs and activities in full swing. The last week is reserved for tidying up, gathering feedback, and evaluating performance.

Orientation and training
Our Summer Programmers work closely under the Assistant Librarian, who is available for guidance, questions and support. We have monthly All-Staff meetings, as well as weekly meeting to ensure goals are being met and time frames are being adhered to. Summer Programmers are invited to our annual one day library conference where they are able to meet and network with other library employees and Summer Programmers, as well as attend sessions on storytelling, program delivery and personal development. We have a robust Health and Safety policy and we take care to ensure that all staff are certified in first-aid and understand their rights and obligations under the Health and Safety Code.

Supervision
Training consists of a combination of on-line recorded sessions for library circulation software, job-shadowing for Storytimes and activities, as well as hands-on training for other library tasks. Summer Programmers work closely with the Assistant Librarian who acts primarily as a mentor and a guide.

Volunteer Opportunities

Thank you for your interest in Volunteering for the Library. We currently have no volunteer opportunities available, but feel free to fill out the Volunteer Application Form and we will keep your application on file.

Library Volunteers will also need to complete COVID-19 waiver form. Find the printable PDF below.