LIBRARY TEEN OUTREACH INTERN

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

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

Teen 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 within our 4 library makerspaces and developing new programs for teens in the Milwaukee community. They consult on programs, mentor their peers, and host engaging events, all while developing critical career skills in the process.

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

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 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 get the word out about library events and programs for teens.
• Serve as a liaison to peers, using social media and other effective strategies to promote MPL’s teen programs and resources.

Professional Development

• Learn how gaining experience as a library intern supports one’s future plans. Help peers to connect the dots between internships and their future by hosting college and career readiness programs.
• Participate in monthly professional development to build job and technical skills which will support their success in their future plans
• Work closely with colleagues in the internship program, MPL staff, and community members to achieve the mission and serve the community. Advise on multiple library projects that relate to teens and target markets.
• Coached by MPL staff, document activities, measure progress, and report on accomplishments.

Lead Specialty Projects

• Develop and implement a personal project to gain new skills and deepen your knowledge of the makerspace, which you will then be able to share with your peers.

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.

• The work schedule is an average of 10 hours a week during the school year, which includes regular after school and occasional 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) on a regular basis.
• Some flexibility relative to hours and location may be required based on program needs.

1. Currently enrolled in high school. NOTE: There is no minimum GPA requirement, but a current high school grade report must be included with your application.
2. Must be at least 16 years old at time of application close (July 31, 2026); and may not be more than 18 years old on the starting date of the internship (September 1, 2026).
3. Must have reliable transportation to and from work.

• Leadership experience in school and other relevant activities.
• Genuine interest in helping peers to develop future ready skills.

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.

The current starting salary (Pay Range 9MN) is $15.92 per hour, and the resident incentive salary range for City of Milwaukee residents is $16.55 per hour.

• INITIAL FILING DATE: Receipt of applications may be discontinued at any time after July 31, 2026 without prior notice. However, recruitment may continue until the needs of the City 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 10, through August 26, 2026, at one of the four makerspaces of your choice (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 31, 2026.
• Further information may be obtained in person at any MPL branch or by calling (414) 286-8403

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