Bethel Library Director

Library Jobline; Northern (KY); Hybrid; USD 35,000 - 43,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Personal leave

Healthcare stipend

Job summary

The Bethel Library seeks a dynamic Library Director to lead community services and library operations, promoting programming and outreach in Bethel, Maine. This role acts as the public face of the library and oversees staff, budgeting, and fundraising efforts.

Requires MLS preferred or related degree with 3+ years in a public library, plus strong communication, teamwork, and technology skills. The position offers personal leave and healthcare stipends as part of benefits.

Qualifications

• MLS preferred, or a related bachelor's with 3+ years library experience.
• Excellent interpersonal, communication, and writing skills.
• Demonstrated collaborative leadership with budgeting, organization, personnel, and public relations.
• Commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and sustainability in library operations.
• Ability to develop the library's collection, including selection/withdrawal of materials.
• Strong proficiency with computer and library technology and social media.
• Ability to multi-task with a focus on customer service.

Responsibilities

• Plan and promote programs and events for a wide range of community members.
• Assist the treasurer in drafting the annual budget for Board approval.
• Oversee library collection and operations and approve expenditures.
• Supervise staff and stay current on professional developments.
• Work with trustees on fundraising and grants for library operations.
• Assist the public with use of library technology (Wi‑Fi, computers, cloudLibrary, printing).
• Attend Board meetings as a non‑voting member and report changes to operations.
• Prepare reports for the Maine State Library and local towns.

Skills

Interpersonal skills

Communication

Team leadership

Budgeting

Multitasking

Customer service

Social media

Technology literacy

Writing skills

Education

MLS preferred

Bachelor's degree in related field

3+ years public library experience

Tools

Library software

CloudLibrary

Word processing

Job description

Job Announcement: Bethel Library Director

The Bethel Library is seeking an outgoing and energetic individual to fill the position of Library Director. Bethel is located in western Maine in the foothills of the White Mountains. The Bethel Library Association is a private 501(c) 3 organization founded in 1879. It is overseen by a Board of Trustees and serves a combined population of about 4,000 people from the towns and townships of Bethel, Albany, Gilead, Greenwood, Mason, and Newry, as well as all students in the local school district.

The Library Director serves as the public face of the Bethel Library, both in the library, during programs, and at professional meetings and events. This position requires a commitment to community outreach and dedication to providing exemplary customer-centered services to the community.

Essential Functions

• Plan and promote programs and events that appeal to a wide range of community members.
• Recommend policies, including those related to staffing, and assist the treasurer in drafting the annual budget for the Board of Trustees approval.
• Oversee all aspects of the library collection and operations, and approve expenditures as aligned with the budget.
• Supervise the staff and remain current on professional developments, including attending statewide library meetings and events.
• Work with the trustees on fundraising, and expanding funding from grants, in support of library operations.
• Assist the public with knowledge and use of the library’s technology, including Wi‑Fi, computers, cloudLibrary, and printing.
• Attend all Board of Trustees meetings as a non‑voting member and Board committee meetings as necessary. Keep the Board informed of proposed changes in library operations, such as staffing or library hours.
• Prepare reports for the Maine State Library, the local towns served by the library, and the Board of Trustees.

Benefits & Additional Compensation Info

Hours and Compensation

The Bethel Library Director is a30-hour a week position with a starting salary of $39,000. The position includes 20 days of paid personal leave and a $100 per month stipend to be used toward the cost of healthcare.

The Community

Requirements

• An MLS is preferred, or a college degree in a related field with three‑years experience in a public library.
• Excellent interpersonal, communication, and writing skills.
• Demonstrated collaborative team‑oriented leadership and management experience, to include budgeting, organization, personnel, and public relations.
• The Bethel Library is deeply committed to diversity, equity, inclusion, and sustainability, and the library director will play a central role in ensuring that the library remains a welcoming and accessible resource for everyone who live in and visit our community.
• The ability to develop the library's collection, including the selection and withdrawal of books, periodicals, audio‑visual, and electronic materials.
• A strong proficiency with computer and library technology and software, and social media.
• The ability to multi‑task with a focus on customer service.

Physical Requirements

Work requires standing, sitting, and walking. Must be able to lift and move 25 pounds, with or without assistance, and reach above one's head. Work requires fine motor skills. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with some limitations to perform the essential functions of the job.

HR Info

The position will remain open until filled. The anticipated start date is late October 2026.