Jobs & Opportunities
Library Intern (Unpaid)
The Center for Fiction seeks currently enrolled library school students for an onsite internship for Fall 2023 in Downtown Brooklyn.
Overview: The Center for Fiction, founded in 1820 as the Mercantile Library, is the only organization in the United States devoted solely to the vital art of fiction. The mission of The Center is to encourage people to read and value fiction and to support and celebrate its creation and enjoyment. In February 2019, we opened the doors to our new building in Downtown Brooklyn, creating a home for NYC’s literary community. Our library collection has been in existence since our founding and continues to be a thriving part of our nonprofit. We are a membership library with a collection of literary fiction, mystery and suspense novels, and nonfiction titles about fiction. Our library interns gain experience in many facets of library work and a glimpse into a nonprofit organization with a special collection. This internship for current MLS students and will appeal to those interested in a collections focused internship.
Description Details: Reports directly to the Head Librarian and the Assistant Librarian and assists in the maintenance of the library’s collection. Length of internship can be for one or two semesters. Tasks will include:
- Catalog materials (both original and copy)
- Perform circulation tasks including check out, check in, run library and patron reports, process holds
- Assist in weeding of onsite collection, including evaluation of materials and research of authors
- Communicate with Center for Fiction members regarding library matters
Perform reference and reader’s advisory - Represent the Library at Book Buzz events throughout the year
Skills: Attention to detail, knowledge of and/or curiosity about special library collections, excellent verbal and written communication, able to juggle priorities, able to work independently on assigned tasks and work collaboratively with others, proficiency in Google apps, basic Zoom experience.
Compensation: This is an unpaid internship but can be used for credit in an MLS degree program. Interns receive complimentary membership to the Center and discounts on writing workshops, reading groups and events.
Interested applicants should attach a resume and include a brief letter of introduction in the body of the email to [email protected].
Fall Event Photography Internship (Unpaid Internship)
To apply, please submit 3-5 photo samples, résumé, and a brief cover letter describing your interest and experience at https://tinyurl.com/cffphoto23 by August 28th at 12:00 PM.
The Center for Fiction is the only nonprofit literary organization in the U.S. solely dedicated to celebrating fiction. In February 2019, we opened the doors to our new building in Downtown Brooklyn, creating a home for NYC’s literary community. We’re known for our special literary events, including our innovative panels, performances, lectures, and conversations, and we need interns to help them run smoothly. We are seeking a student photographer who is passionate about the literary world and who wants to participate as a team to ensure the programs here are captured for archival and promotional purposes.
This is a great opportunity to practice literary citizenship, learn more about the literary world, and to get hands-on experience with live event photography. This position reports to the Senior Director of Public Programming and collaborates with the Event Production Coordinator, Marketing Manager, and other members of the Center for Fiction team.
Familiarity with core image concepts are a must. Complete grasp and balance of aperture, ISO, WB, depth-of-focus and more are expected. As most photos are used the day after our event, images are taken in JPEG format and not subject to post-production. Prior experience working with Nikon DSLR cameras is preferred. Enthusiasm for literary events needed!
Duties include:
- Assisting staff and production interns with the setup and breakdown of the auditorium (moving chairs, music stands, etc.)
- Photographing guests before, during, and after events as well as shots of the audience and signing lines
- Uploading the best photos to a drive for the marketing team and archiving the rest after each event.
- Proper care, use, and storage of CFF equipment.
This is a non-paying internship, but benefits include:
- An opportunity to meet and interact with great writers, editors, performers, artists, and other professionals
- Free Center for Fiction Membership (complete with all membership perks and discounts)
- One free CFF boot camp writing workshop with a highly regarded professional author
- A letter of recommendation after meeting goals and expectations for the season
- We are also willing to work with your school if there is an opportunity to do the internship for credit.
- Photography credits on our website and other materials
Learning Objectives:
- Through hands on experience, develop skills in live event photography
- By working closely with a leading literary organization and interacting with authors, editors, publishers, and
- more, gain a deep understanding of multiple sides of the literary world
- Through watching a variety of high-quality conversations with authors, learn various perspectives on the craft of writing
The internship runs from September 1st to December 5th. Most public events are Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday evenings, with occasional other events. Interns should expect to work around 10 hours per week.
Baristas & Bartenders (Part-Time, In-Person)
As part of The Center, we run a Café & Bar nestled between our Bookstore and our event space. During the day the Café serves as a lively community space where writers work, kids read books, and friends catch up. In the evening we serve drinks and snacks to patrons attending our events and classes, as well as to our neighbors at large.
Job Description: The Center for Fiction is looking to hire a dynamic human to barista and bartend at the The Center’s bustling Bookstore, Café & Bar, and event space. The Café features a selection of locally baked pastries, small bites, as well as a menu of craft cocktails and natural wine. This is a fun work environment and our main requirements include an interest in hospitality as well as literature, a passion for customer service, and a willingness to develop and learn new skills. Barista experience and Food Handler’s License are strongly preferred. Come make coffee and cocktails, all the while surrounded by books!
Job Requirements:
- Passion for coffee
- Reliable, organized, and detail-oriented
- Strong customer service orientation
- A desire to learn and grow with the cafe
- Interest in craft and product knowledge
- Strong passion for literature
- Able to lift 50lbs
- Comfortable standing for periods at a time
Perks: This position will have access to The Center’s lending library, admission to onsite events, and staff discounts on books, classes, and more. 401k participation is available upon eligibility.
Location: In-Person, New York City-based position, $15+ (based on experience) an hour, plus tips
How to Apply: Please send a cover letter and resume to [email protected] with “2023 Barista/Bartender” in the subject line. Please, no calls.
Rolling Deadline: Applications will be reviewed as received.
The Center for Fiction is committed to building a diverse and culturally vibrant team. As an Equal Opportunity Employer we respect and value diversity and inclusion, and engage employees without regard to race, religion, creed, color, national origin, sex, age, disability, marital status, familial status, military status, domestic violence status, sexual orientation, predisposing genetic characteristics, or any other factor protected by applicable federal, state or local laws.