Part-time Usher

Overview:
Brooklyn Public Library (BPL) is one of the nation’s largest library systems and among New York City’s most democratic institutions. As a leader in developing modern 21st-century libraries, we provide resources to support personal advancement, foster civic literacy, and strengthen the fabric of community among the more than 2.7 million individuals who call Brooklyn home. BPL provide nearly 60,000 free programs a year with writers, thinkers, artists, and educators—from around the corner and around the world. And we give patrons millions of opportunities to enjoy one of life’s greatest satisfactions: the joy of a good book.

BPL’s Central Library, with its breathtaking façade, sweeping grand lobby and vast contemporary and historical collections, is a Brooklyn icon. As the main library in the system, Central Library’s outdoor plaza, grand lobby, and Dr. S. Stevan Dweck Cultural Center—a state-of-the-art, 189-seat auditorium—serve as the main venues for BPL’s arts and culture programming, special events, and private event rentals. Ushers are part of a dynamic team that primarily represent the front of house operations at the Dweck Cultural Center, but also work at event spaces throughout Central and other library sites as needed.

Ushers are responsible for providing: exemplary customer service to patrons, visiting artists, donors and anyone they may encounter; fostering a positive audience experience; providing general wayfinding, seating and evacuation assistance in case of emergencies; and contributing to the successful production of events (before, during and post-performance).

**Responsibilities**:

- Know and understand Dweck Center policies and procedures (e.g., seating, food and beverage, behavior, emergency exits/evacuation procedures).
- ** Pre-performance/event**:

- Attend ushers’ meeting to discuss event details.
- Assist with event setup (onstage beverage 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 the Dweck Cultural Center and other available facilities at Central Library.
- 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 diffuseincidences that may interrupt performances.
- Run Q&A mics at events and provide additional in-house assistance asrequired.
- ** 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 cleanup.
- Conduct walk through of the Dweck Center and take any found items to the Public Safety console.

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 oftime and stoop, kneel or crouch to talk or hear.
- Working artists and writers across all genres are welcome, prior ushering, theater and/orcustomer service experience a plus.
- Interest Punctual, personable, and committed to positive audience engagement.
- Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.
- Attention to detail with an ability to follow directions, multitask and problem solve.
- Adhere to dress code policy.
- Light physical demands with some lifting and/or carrying of objects weighing up to amaximum of 30 lbs.

This a part-time position at $16/hour. Schedules vary from week-to-week depending on the program schedules in the Dweck Cultural Center and Central Library. Applicants must be able to work a flexible schedule including afternoons, nights, and some weekends. Availability for some daytime work on weekdays is a plus. Weekly work is not guaranteed, hours capped at no more than 19 per week.