Library Director – Richmond Free Library (Richmond, Vermont)

Richmond Free Library is a vital and valued institution in our community and we are looking for an experienced and passionate Library Director who will continue to build strong relationships, create vibrant programs and curate a collection that meet the needs of a diverse group of patrons. The Library Director will work closely with the Trustees to keep the library financially sound, develop and implement Strategic Plans, and foster a welcoming environment for all.

Our Library: Richmond Free Library is a public, municipal library, funded by the voters as part of the Town budget and governed by an elected Board of Trustees. Our library serves the 4,167 citizens of Richmond and the 1,301 residents of Bolton and is part of Vermont’s Home Card system. The library is housed in a circa 1879 repurposed church owned by the Town of Richmond in the heart of our walkable downtown. The Library also houses a community meeting space which is used for programming, town government and nonprofit organizations and is rented to the public.

Key Responsibilities:

Oversees all library operations and activities.
Hires and manages staff, including training, scheduling and evaluation.
Develops and manages the collection to serve all members of our diverse community.
Explores and interprets community needs to inform programming for all ages.
Oversees and updates library communications to the community, including through the website and social media.
Develops an annual budget, in collaboration with the Board of Trustees, and tracks and administers Library finances.
Maintains the integrity of library databases and generates reports using that data.
Attends monthly meetings and communicates regularly with the Board of Trustees on operational, fiscal, staffing, and facilities issues and carries out policies as adopted by the Board.
Works with municipal administration as a department head and adheres to Town policies (including personnel and purchasing), unless excepted by Library Trustees.
Oversees building maintenance, security and space rentals.
Collaborates with the Friends of Richmond Free Library, peer libraries and other organizations to develop and fund programming and to follow best practices .
Works with the Town of Richmond and Vermont Department of Libraries for contracted services, grant funding and to data reporting.

Supervisory Responsibilities: The Library Director currently supervises a staff of 5 full- and part-time employees.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

A strong commitment to meeting the needs of all citizens in our diverse community.
Experience in public library administration, including staff supervision.
Well organized and able to multi-task and provide quality customer service.
Positive and effective communications skills with staff, patrons, Town officials, Board of Trustees, and other constituencies.
Understanding of state and federal statutes regulating public libraries.
Strong proficiency in library technology and information systems.
Ability to understand and analyze new technologies to enhance library services.

Educational/Professional Requirements:

A Masters in Library Science from an ALA-accredited program and 3+ years of relevant library experience is strongly recommended. A BA or BS degree in a related field plus a Vermont Certificate of Public Librarianship and 3+ years of relevant experience is a minimum requirement.

Hours and Compensation: This is a 32 hour/week position and the annual salary range is $54,900-$59,900, commensurate with experience and qualifications. Competitive benefits include health insurance, paid vacation, VMERS retirement plan and disability.

For more information, go to https://www.richmondfreelibraryvt.org and click on “We’re Hiring”

To apply: Please submit a cover letter and resume to RichmondVTLibrarySearch@gmail.com The application deadline is August 15, 2024.

– Posted 7/28/24

Library Director – Troy Public Library (Troy, NY)

The Board of Trustees of the Troy Public Library is seeking a community-minded, forward-thinking individual to serve in the position of Library Director. The position combines an exciting mix of opportunities and challenges for an engaged and energetic library professional. The Director will be an experienced, effective leader with a commitment to providing our community with the very best of public library services.

Position
The Library Director is responsible for directing, planning, organizing, and coordinating all aspects of public library services and the work of the library and the staff.

Within the library organization, the Director develops and recommends policies to the Board of Trustees and implements policies as they are adopted. The Director also works with the Board to ensure that the Library's historic structures meet the current needs of our community. The Director maintains a strong working relationship and excellent lines of communication with the Board. In collaboration with the Library’s Department Heads, the Director manages a staff of 30 employees. The Director administers personnel policies and oversees annual performance reviews of staff members.

In the community, the Library Director pursues public relations opportunities and represents the library to governmental agencies and community groups. The Director participates in professional organizations, systems meetings, and continuing education workshops and other professional development. The Director works collaboratively with the Friends of the Troy Public Library.

The starting salary for this position is $90,000 – $100,000, based on the qualifications and experience of the selected candidate.

This full-time position features a comprehensive benefits package, which includes participation in the New York State Retirement System. Please note that this is a Director 1 civil service position under the Troy Civil Service Commission. Appointment to this position will be provisional, with permanent appointment contingent upon passing the Troy Civil Service Exam.

About the Troy Public Library and the City of Troy
Troy Public Library is a NYS Special District Library with a budget of approximately $1.7m and has enjoyed a recent trend of increased funding support. The library is governed by a seven member publicly elected Board of Trustees. The Troy Public Library serves its growing population of just over 50,000 from two locations. The Main Library is housed in a 127-year-old, purpose-built structure that is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The Library’s Lansingburgh Branch is also in a historic structure.

Troy is home to a diverse community with renowned entertainment venues and a bustling cultural scene. The region has access to many recreational activities with easy access to areas for hiking, biking, skiing, swimming and more. Its proximity to major cities such as New York City, Boston, and Montreal make Troy a very attractive place to live and work.

Minimum Requirements
Minimum Qualifications: A) Possession of a Master’s Degree in Library Science (MLS) or a Master’s Degree of Library and Information Science (MLIS) from a school accredited by the American Library Association AND B) Eligibility for a NYS Public Librarian’s professional certificate at time of application. AND C) Five (5) years of progressively more responsible experience in a public library.

How to Apply
Interested candidates should submit a resume, concise cover letter, and three professional references to the Search Committee at tpldirectorapplications@gmail.com. The search deadline has been extended to August 9th, 2024. Applications received after this date may be considered but will not be given priority.

– Posted 7/24/24

Temporary Assistant Librarian – Essex Free Library (Essex, VT)

The Essex Free Library in Essex, VT is receiving applications for temporary employment for an Assistant Librarian.

The qualified candidate will have interest, experience, and familiarity with literature, excellent patron service skills, and proficient technology skills. Some college experience and some prior library experience is desired. The salary for this role is $17-$19 per hour depending on qualifications and experience of the candidate.

This role is Temporary and is anticipated to last for approximately 18 weeks. The chosen candidate will work Monday through Friday from 9am to 5pm and every other Saturday from 9am to 2pm. On weeks when they are working on Saturday, their Monday hours would be 9am to 12pm. Each week’s total is approximately 40 hours. There may be an opportunity for the chosen candidate to join the library’s substitute pool at the end of this assignment.

Applications can be submitted online at https://essexvt.bamboohr.com/careers/133, or interested candidates can pick up a paper application at 81 Main St, Essex Junction, VT 05452. This position is open until filled.

The Town of Essex is an equal opportunity employer.

– Posted 7/18/24

Youth Services Librarian – Jeudevine Memorial Library (Hardwick, VT)

The Youth Services Librarian is responsible for all aspects of library service relevant to patrons from birth through young adulthood and their families. This work includes year-round programming, community outreach, assisting with collection development and maintenance, and seeking ways to promote library services to young people and families. Additionally, the youth
librarian assists in the library’s day-to-day operations as needed.

The Jeudevine is a municipal library. This is a part-time professional position for the town of Hardwick.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Creates, plans, and presents diverse and creative programs for children, their caregivers, and teens, including story time, craft programs, the summer reading program, and after-school and homeschool programs; facilitates the Teen Advisory Board
Plans and provides outreach services for area schools, preschools, daycares, caregivers and community organizations.
Assists in the selection and maintenance of the birth through Young Adult collections.
Responsible for creating promotional materials for all youth-related programming, including posters, social media, press releases and the library’s website.
Keeps informed of trends in children’s literature, library services and issues affecting children.
Represents library services for young people outside the library at relevant community events and meetings.
Responsible for creating a welcoming and spirited space in the youth area of the library.
Ability to perform all daily operations of the circulation desk when needed.
Prepares narrative report ahead of monthly board of trustees meetings.
Assists with grant-writing opportunities to support youth materials and programs.
Collaborates with staff, patrons, and others to celebrate everything the library offers as a hub for learning and community.

WORK ENVIRONMENT
Primary functions require sufficient physical ability and mobility to work in an office setting, stand or sit for prolonged periods, occasionally stoop, bend, kneel, crouch, reach, and twist, lift, carry, push, and pull light to moderate amounts of weight, operate office equipment requiring repetitive hand movement and fine coordination, including use of a computer keyboard, and verbally communicate to exchange information. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable people with disabilities to perform the essential functions of this job.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

Ability to work well under stress and maintain a welcoming attitude is essential.
Computer literacy.
Must possess creativity, motivation, flexibility, excellent written and verbal communication skills, imagination, and enthusiasm.
Considerable knowledge of children’s literature and literacy development for children from birth through young adulthood and willingness to continue learning through in-person workshops and webinars.
Previous experience and demonstrated ability to work with children, teens, and families.
Able to work independently and as part of a team with staff, patrons, community members and organizations.
Capacity to manage time and effectively perform time-sensitive tasks.
Demonstrate a working knowledge of library principles and practices.
Flexibility to work occasional evenings and Saturdays, substitute for other staff and attend meetings as needed.
Capacity to lead the successful creation, facilitation, and evaluation of programs and carry out work unsupervised with personal initiative.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE
A BA or BS degree in a related field, or an equivalent combination of education and experience, along with a Vermont Certificate of Public Librarianship or a willingness to acquire one, is required. MLS from an ALA-accredited program is preferred. Prior work experience with children, teens, and/or families is required. Library experience is preferred.

HOURS AND COMPENSATION
20-hour work week is generally split over three days: Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, or Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday. Part-time employees receive some paid holiday, personal, sick, and vacation hours. $19.65/hour.

How To Apply: Please send a cover letter, resume, and contacts for three references to the library director, Diane Grenkow, at jeudevinelibrary@hardwickvt.gov with the subject line Youth
Services Librarian. The deadline for applications is July 14, 2024.

– Posted 7/2/24

Director – Sutton Free Library (Sutton, NH)

The Sutton Free Library (SFL) seeks a Director (30-40 hours a week) who will be engaged, enthusiastic, and passionate about supporting the Library and the residents of Sutton.

The Sutton Free Library (SFL) is a small rural library serving a town of approximately 2,000 residents. Many programs and services are relatively new to the community as an aggressive revitalization of the library is underway. The SFL Director reports to the SFL Board of Trustees and may serve more than half of their allotted work hours as a solo staff member. Staff members wear numerous and varied hats in this patron-focused environment. A strong command of technology is highly valued while appreciation for classic library processes is essential.

Key Responsibilities:

Oversees daily library operations, including hiring and management of staff.
Communicates regularly and consistently with the SFL Board of Trustees and the Town of Sutton.
Oversees and updates library communications to the community, including through the website and social media.
Envisions and interprets community needs to inform materials selection and programming.
Develops and recommends an annual budget, in collaboration with the Board of Trustees, and tracks and administers expenditures.
Advises the Library Board on operational, fiscal, staffing, and facilities issues.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

Well organized and able to multi-task and provide quality customer service.
Positive and effective communications skills with library patrons, the Town of Sutton, Board of Trustees, and other constituencies.
Experience in public library administration.
Understanding of state and federal statues regulating public libraries.
Strong proficiency in computers, library technology, internet, and social media. Experience with the Apollo or other OPAC systems is preferred.

Educational/Professional Requirements:

A bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university.
Three to five years of relevant library work experience.

Essential Functions:

Ability to stand for extended periods; reach overhead; use hands, fingers; bend, stoop, and kneel.
Ability to lift and carry materials weighing up to 50 pounds; operate a wheeled book cart weighing up to 140 pounds.

Compensation: Minimum salary is $42,000, commensurate with experience and qualifications. Competitive benefits package including health, vacation, short-term and long-term disability.
Employees of the SFL are also eligible for a generous leave policy.

To apply: Please submit a cover letter and resume to SuttonLibrarySearch@gmail.com. Applications will be reviewed as they are submitted and the position will remain open until filled.

– Posted 6/24/24

Library Director – Richards Free Library (Newport, NH)

The Richards Free Library is seeking an innovative, creative, tech savvy, and forward-thinking leader with proven management skills in a public library to serve as Library Director. The library is a 501(c)3 non-profit entity and the building at 58 N. Main St has been on the national registry of historic buildings since 1984.

The library employs 9 staff members including three full-time positions, with a total full time equivalent of 5.5. The Friends of the Richards Free Library are an active group, volunteering at the library once a month and organizing two large annual fundraisers: a membership drive, and a book sale. The Board of Trustees consists of 1 town elected trustee and 8 self-appointed trustees.

The 2024 Operating Budget of $495,200 includes:

$366,000 from the town
$98,000 from grants, fees, and donations
$24,500 from the Rollins Fund- an endowment specifically for building maintenance
$5,500 from the Holden Yeoman’s Fund- an endowment specifically for the Hale Award
$1,200 from the Harwick Fund- an endowment specifically for children’s books

The library enjoys wide community support. With 2400 registered patrons, the library is always busy. Some of our regular programming includes: weekly story time, summer story time at the local farmer’s market, an average of three teen afterschool programs each week, a knitting group, a poetry group, a writers’ group, two book clubs for adults, two book clubs for teens, and two book clubs for kids.

The library hosts three large annual events: Bookport: a Local Author Celebration in March, the Library Book Festival during Apple Pie Craft Fair in August, and the Hale Award honoring an author with a connection to New England in the fall. The Library Director works with the staff to organize Bookport; works with the Friends, staff and trustees to organize the Book Festival; and works with the trustees, staff, and Hale board of Judges to organize the Hale Award. Of course, we also host a Summer Reading Program with reading challenges and events for children, teens, and adults, with an average of 125 participants each year.

Newport, New Hampshire (population 6300) is located in the Dartmouth/Lake Sunapee region of New Hampshire. The community boasts a vibrant recreation department with a new facility planned to open in early 2025, an active Opera House Association, and The Library Arts Center located in the Library’s carriage house. The Richards Free Library acts as Fiscal Agent for the Library Arts Center.

A Master’s Degree in Library Science from an ALA accredited school with five years of professional library work and three years of administrative and supervisory responsibility at a public library is required.

The pay range is $60,000 -$70,000 dependent upon qualifications and experience. For a detailed job description, visit richardsfreelib.org.

Apply with cover letter, resume, and three references to directorsearch@newport.lib.nh.us by July 12, 2024.

LIBRARY DIRECTOR

JOB DESCRIPTION

Responsible for administrative, supervisory and management duties according to library policies.
Works closely with board of trustees, attends and reports at all board meetings, and provides orientation for new board members.
Attends bi-weekly town department head meetings.
Develops library collections, services and programs.
Prepares annual budget with trustees and presents at town budget hearings.
Works with Assistant Director and Youth Services Librarian to find, apply for, and report on grant opportunities.
Responsible for payroll for library and arts center including filing with the IRS and NH Employment Security.
Handles personnel matters including hiring, promoting and firing with the trustees.
Acts as library’s public relations representative in the community.
Responsible for material, equipment and service expenditures.
Exercises leadership in the further development of library services in community, region and state.
Develops professional skills through continuing education.
Participates in state, regional and national library organizations.
Assumes other duties as needed.

JOB REQUIREMENTS

Be physically able to perform the essential functions of the job with or without reasonable accommodation
Knowledge of a variety of hardware and software as well as Internet services
Ability to use computers and to utilize computer databases
Effective written and oral communication skills
Comfort with presenting to groups and teaching classes
Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with co-workers, staff of other libraries, and the public
Ability to conduct oneself with tact and courtesy

– Posted 6/21/24

Head Librarian/Director – Highgate Library & Community Center (Highgate, VT)

HIGHGATE LIBRARY AND COMMUNITY CENTER is seeking HEAD LIBRARIAN/DIRECTOR who will plan, manage, and direct the operations, programs, services, and personnel of the Highgate Library and Community Center. This person will manage employees and volunteers, manage library collections, and maintain responsibility of administrative work. A successful candidate will have knowledge of grant funding opportunities and have a history of successful grant writing.

Duties would include, but not be limited to, directing operations of library programs, providing support to the Trustees, working with Trustees to set short and long-term goals for the library, and working towards their execution, oversee personnel administration, and advocating on behalf of the library and community center.

The candidate must be an effective manager, have strong communication skills, excellent interpersonal skills, and be knowledgeable of the workings of libraries. Should possess a Certificate of Public Librarianship or a degree in Library Sciences or be willing to work towards accreditation. Prefer 5 years of library experience, with at least 2 years in a supervisory capacity. Shall have excellent public speaking, written, and oral communication skills. Will recognize the tremendous opportunity underway in Highgate and work to build partnerships, market the operations of the library and community center, while being responsive to community needs.

Pay range is $42,000-$52,000 and is commensurate with skills and experience.

Please submit resume, cover letter, and references. Cover letter should include interest in the position, relevant qualifications, and experience. Please submit by Friday, June 28, 2024 to: Highgate Town Offices, PO Box 189, Highgate VT 05459 c/o Rebecca Manning or via email to rmanning@highgatevt.org.

– Posted 6/13/24

Librarian – Howard and Alba Leahy Library (Barre, VT)

Job Title: Librarian
State Equivalent Pay Grade: 24
FLSA Status: Full-time, Exempt
Supervisor: Director of Collections and Access
Last Revised: June 3, 2024

General Description
The Librarian is responsible for administration of the Howard and Alba Leahy Library, including its facilities, collections, staff, and projects. The Librarian has primary curatorial responsibility for the printed, manuscript, broadside, photograph, audio, and film/video collections. The Librarian reports to the Director of Collections & Access and works directly with the Collections Manager to develop, strategize, and manage projects related to the collections work of the Vermont Historical Society.

Primary Responsibilities

Ensure ongoing and expanding access to Library collections through cataloging, digitization, exhibits, and statewide outreach
Establish all library procedures and supervise the Access Librarian, library assistant(s), and library volunteers. With the Director of Collections and Access, set library policies.
Help develop and manage library budget.
Coordinate the purchase, donation, acceptance, and acknowledgement of all incoming library materials, and seek out new materials to fill collections gaps as appropriate
Maintain connections with universities, and independent researchers to promote ongoing research into the library collections of the VHS
Provide physical access to, and security of, the library collections, including monitoring environmental controls, collections housing, collections furniture, and collections handling.
Set all conservation and bookbinding priorities as well as processing said work.
Present Vermont history and the collections of the Leahy Library of the VHS through periodic public speaking, publishing, and providing content for VHS outreach
Assist development staff in the identification of funding opportunities to support collections & access, including the submission of requests for funding, membership support opportunities, and individual donor planning and solicitation. Serve as project director on grant-funded initiatives as appropriate.
Along with the Access Librarian, library assistant(s), and volunteers, provide reference services.
Represent VHS in various professional groups and public organizations.
Other duties as assigned.

Relationships

The Librarian reports to the Director of Collections and Access and supervises the Access Librarian, library assistant(s), and library volunteers. The Librarian is a critical position within the Vermont Historical Society and works closely and collaboratively with all staff.

Environmental Factors

Duties are performed in a standard office setting, based in Barre, Vermont.
Certain duties will require heavy workloads and tight deadlines
Moderate travel requirements may occur, for which a valid driver’s license is required.
Occasional weekend and evening work will be required.
Must be able to lift and move 40 lbs.

Required Qualifications

Master’s degree from an ALA-accredited program
5 years experience in special collections or archives
Excellent interpersonal, oral, and written communication skills.
Ability to juggle competing demands on time.
Familiarity with cataloging and metadata technical standards such as MARC21, Dublin Core, DACS rules, Library of Congress Subject Headings
Experience working with Integrated Library Systems

Desirable Qualifications

Demonstrated interest in U.S. history
Knowledge of, and strong interest in, Vermont history.
Experience in management, creation, and quality control for digital databases
Demonstrated ability to adapt historic library practices to modern patron needs.

– Posted 6/7/24

Director – Pawlet Public Library (Pawlet, VT)

The Pawlet Public Library Board of Trustees is seeking to fill our part-time librarian position. The Pawlet Public Library is known as the heart of the Pawlet community. Since its inception, the library has been a cultural and informational hub for Pawlet residents and members of the surrounding communities.

The Pawlet Public Library’s mission is to provide a leadership role in unifying the community through shared resources and meaningful experiences for all generations. The successful candidate will be kind, enthusiastically welcoming and fastidious in ensuring our collection and all activities align with our mission.

The primary responsibilities of the director are to:

Develop creative programming that engages adults and children,
Build the library’s collections,
Create a library volunteer program with training,
Seek grants for programming and capital projects,
Collaborate with library staff and board of trustees in a meaningful way,
Assist the board in fundraising and policy creation, and
Manage the budget and oversee the day-to-day operations of library.

Our ideal candidate will be organized, creative, inclusive, and patient. The person will be an excellent communicator, proficient writer, and be self-driven to create and implement programs and events. Successful grant writing and fundraising experience are necessary. Candidates without a Library Science degree must be willing to complete the no-fee Certificate of Public Librarianship program directed by the Vermont Department of Libraries.

This part time position is 24 hours per week on-site, somewhat flexible, with two weeks paid vacation, some holidays, and the option of participating in a retirement plan after one year. The rate of pay for Fiscal Year 2024-2025 is $24.25 per hour.

Please send a letter of interest, resume, & contact information for 3 references to: Pawlet Public Library- Director Search, P.O. Box 98, Pawlet, VT, 05761, or by email to PawletPub@gmail.com. Applications received before 6/14/24 will be considered. Direct inquiries for position responsibilities & requirements to Harley Cudney, Chair, Board of Trustees at 802-356-9309 or by email to harley.cudney@comcast.net.

– Posted 6/7/24

Family Engagement Manager – Thomas Memorial Library (Cape Elizabeth, ME)

The Thomas Memorial Library is seeking a creative, enthusiastic, and collaborative individual to fill the position of Family Engagement Manager. This professional-level position oversees library service to youth of all ages, from birth through the teen years, supervising a department of one part-time and two full-time employees. The ideal candidate is someone who genuinely enjoys working with children, teens, and families, and values collaboration, communication, and positivity in all aspects of their relationships.

See the full job description online, or download a copy.

– Posted 6/5/24