Part-Time Usher

We offer thousands of free programs every day for people from all walks of life—immigrants learning a new language, aspiring entrepreneurs launching their dreams, children discovering the world, people of all ages exploring arts and culture. And we give patrons millions of opportunities to enjoy one of life’s greatest satisfactions: the discovery of a good book.

Now’s your chance to join the best team in Brooklyn!

Brooklyn Public Library (BPL) is among the borough’s most democratic civic institutions, serving a diverse community of patrons throughout Brooklyn. Established in 1896, BPL is one of the nation’s largest public library systems and a recognized leader in cultural offerings, literacy, out-of-school-time services, workforce development programs, and digital literacy.

As part of this cultural commons, BPL Presents, the arts and culture department of the library, offers programming including talks, music performances, art exhibitions and various workshops for adults and children free of charge at Central Library on Grand Army Plaza, as well as at the Center for Brooklyn History (CBH) in downtown Brooklyn and the new Library for Arts and Culture at 10 Lafayette Avenue.

As representatives of BPL Presents and BPL generally, ushers are responsible for welcoming patrons, visiting artists, donors and anyone they may encounter to BPL; fostering a positive audience experience of events; providing directions to and/or seating guests as necessary; and generally contributing to the successful production before, during and post-events.

Ushers report to BPL Presents administration, and during performances to the BPL staff member managing the performance/special event. While all interested applicants are encouraged, we especially welcome applications from working artists and writers across all genres.

This is a part-time position. The salary for this position is $17.00 an hour, for up to a 19-hour workweek.

Responsibilities

• Know and understand Dweck Center, CBH and Library for Arts and Culture policies and procedures (e.g., seating, food and beverage, behavior, restrooms, emergency exits/evacuation procedures)

• Pre-performance/event:

  • Attend occasional ushers’ meeting to discuss event details

  • Assist with event set up (onstage and green room catering, book signing tables and lines, stand-by line and other setups as required)

  • Print program notes, prepare and fold programs, inserts and other event giveaways; distribute programs and fliers to audience members

  • Check-in registered patrons and manage stand-by line while assisting with the overall capacity/headcount

  • Greet patrons, answer wayfinding questions, and provide general information about BPL Presents programming and BPL as needed

  • Assist with coat check as needed

  • Assist patrons with seating and problem solve any seating-related issues

• During performance/event:

  • Conduct late seating as required

  • Monitor physical surroundings throughout the Dweck auditorium and report any potential disturbances to BPL Presents staff and/or Public Safety

  • Run Q&A mics at events and provide additional in-house assistance as required

• Post-performance/event:

  • Manage book signing lines and direct patrons to book sales tables, exits, bathrooms, and provide other wayfinding details as needed

  • Assist with green room/reception area cleanup

  • Clear the event space

Qualifications

• H.S. diploma or equivalent, some college preferred

• Minimum age to work is 18 years old

• Must be available to work nights and weekends, willing to stand for long periods of time and stoop, kneel or crouch to talk or hear

• Working artists and writers across all genres are welcome, prior ushering, theater and/or customer service experience a plus

• Punctual, responsive to patrons, and committed to positive audience engagement

• Ability to interact peaceably with a wide and varied public audience, guest speakers and performers, and all library staff

• Attention to detail with an ability to follow directions, multitask and problem solve

• Light physical demands with some lifting and/or carrying of objects weighing up to a maximum of 30 lbs

We seek professionals dedicated to providing excellent customer service, developing fruitful partnerships in the community, and implementing programs aligned with our mission and vision. You will be immersed in a motivating and challenging environment where innovation is key to the organization. If you are looking to be a part of a stimulating workplace that is highly regarded by its culturally diverse community, BPL is the place to be.

Brooklyn Public Library is an equal opportunity employer.