Library Director

Lake Bluff Library; Lake Bluff (IL); On-site; USD 107,000 - 118,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Paid vacation

Sick leave

Health insurance

Illinois Municipal Retirement Fund

Job summary

Lake Bluff Public Library in Lake Bluff, Illinois, seeks an Executive Director to lead the community’s library services, staff, and strategic initiatives. The role requires strong leadership, fiscal stewardship, and collaboration with a dedicated Board of Trustees.

The successful candidate will oversee a $1.5 million budget, guide priority projects such as asbestos abatement and the staff pay scale, and promote outstanding public library service for Lake Bluff residents.

Qualifications

• Master’s Degree in Library Science from an ALA-accredited program.
• 7 years of related work experience.
• 5 years of supervisory experience.

Responsibilities

• Lead priority projects including asbestos abatement, strategic plan completion, and implementing staff pay scale.
• Collaborate with the Board and stakeholders to ensure long-term financial stability and aging building needs.

Education

Master’s Degree in Library Science (ALA-accredited)

Job description

Position: Executive Director of the Lake Bluff Public Library
Location: Lake Bluff, Illinois
Salary: $107,000 - 118,000.00, based on qualifications and experiences
Application Deadline: Friday, October 23, 2026, at 5:00 P.M.

Introduction

The Board of Trustees of the Lake Bluff Public Library are looking for a confident, dedicated leader to be their next Director. The village Library is governed by an elected board of seven trustees and serves just over 5,800 people in the northern suburbs of Chicago. A $1.5 million budget supports 21 staff members providing excellent library services. The library itself is located in downtown Lake Bluff, facilitating its role as a community cornerstone.

Duties

The new director will inherit several high-priority projects including continuing a grant-funded asbestos abatement project; completing the Library’s strategic plan; and fully implementing the Library’s staff pay scale. An ability to plan sustainably is a critical skill as the Library undertakes important initiatives in the medium and long term as well.

About the Library

The Library is governed by a 7-member elected Board of Trustees. The Board has a deep sense of service and love of the Library. The upcoming consolidated elections in April will bring change to the Board’s current composition, but dedication to the Library will remain a trustee priority. The staff has seen some recent turnover but also has several long-tenured folks with tremendous institutional knowledge.

The Library hosts the Lake Bluff History Museum and the Director serves in the intergovernmental committee with the Village and Museum.

About the Community

Lake Bluff is a special, close knit community located along Lake Michigan that prides itself on connection and support. The Library is located downtown, nestled among locally-owned restaurants and shops. Ravine Park, Sunrise Beach, Mawman Park and the Lake Bluff Village Green provide ample opportunities for outdoor activities. Regional transit provides easy access to Chicago while the North Shore Bike Path connects nearby communities.

Qualifications and How to Apply

The successful candidate must possess the discipline to manage competing priorities; the emotional intelligence to support staff and develop their careers; and the communication skills necessary to keep different stakeholders invested in the Library’s vision. The new director will work with the Board to establish a path towards long term financial stability to address both community needs and the capital requirements of an aging building.

Minimum qualifications for the position include a Master’s Degree in Library Science from an ALA-accredited program, with 7 years of related work and 5 years of supervisory experience.

This is a full-time, exempt position with a salary range of $107,000-$118,000, based on qualifications and experiences. The Library also offers a competitive benefits package including paid vacation time and sick leave, health insurance, and participation in the Illinois Municipal Retirement Fund.