Library Director

Library Jobline; Northern (KY); Hybrid; USD 30,000 - 44,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Health plan premium contribution

Paid federal holidays

Paid time off after 90 days

Job summary

The Willett Free Library in Rhode Island seeks a dynamic Library Director to lead daily operations, guide services, and ensure welcoming public service for a small community. The Director will oversee budget, collections, personnel, and outreach, reporting to the Board of Trustees.

Ideal candidates hold an MLIS and have 3–5 years of public library management experience with strong communication, budgeting, and community-building skills.

Qualifications

• Master of Library and Information Science (MLIS) from an ALA-accredited program is required.
• Three to five years of professional public library management experience is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Provide leadership in communication, technology, creativity, innovation, flexibility, marketing, and building management.
• Direct, plan, staff, budget, and evaluate library operations.
• Work independently and collaboratively with staff, peers, Board members, Town departments, volunteers, and community partners.
• Foster a safe, supportive, inclusive, and service-oriented workplace culture that recognizes achievement and encourages teamwork.
• Advise and report to the Board of trustees, providing guidance on current and emerging issues affecting the library.
• Cultivate relationships with community members and volunteers to support diverse cultural and educational programming.
• Clearly articulate the vision, role, and value of the library, emphasizing its importance to patrons and the public.
• Use demographic data and community feedback to ensure the library is meeting community needs.
• Assess staff strengths and development needs, and support continuous learning so employees are prepared for their responsibilities.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Public relations

Customer service

Budgeting

Building management

Community outreach

Education

MLIS degree (ALA-accredited)

3-5 years public library management experience

Job description

The Board of Trustees of the Willett Free Library seeks an energetic, community-focused, and skilled librarian to serve as Library Director. The Director will lead library operations while ensuring effective, efficient, and welcoming public service for a community of approximately 1,920 residents.

This is a part time position, currently Monday - Friday from 1-6pm. Salary is hourly and commensurate with experience.

APPLICATION DEADLINE: September 11, 2026. Earlier applications will be given priority.

About us: the Willett Free Library is the smallest independent library in the smallest state! We are a cozy, welcoming library that serves a wonderful community. We were established in 1885 as a 'Circle for Mutual Improvement,' and we continue that legacy of lifelong learning by providing books, facilitating access to educational materials, and offering many enriching programs (over 700 times in the last calendar year!)

Working under the direction of the Board of Trustees, the Library Director must serve as both a collaborative team leader and an engaged team member. The successful candidate will demonstrate excellent leadership, communication, public relations, and customer service skills, along with the ability to exercise independent judgment and initiative within the general policy framework established by the Board.

The Library Director is responsible for the overall administration and management of the library, including budget implementation, collection development, personnel management, building and grounds maintenance, services, programs, and community outreach. The ideal candidate will communicate effectively, demonstrate strong technology skills, and remain flexible as library services and community needs evolve.

The Director will also serve as an ex-officio member of the Board of Trustees to support consistent communication and informed decision-making.

QUALIFICATIONS: A Master of Library and Information Science (MLIS) degree from an American Library Association-accredited graduate program is required. Three-five years of professional public library management experience is preferred.

Key Skills and Responsibilities:

• Provide leadership in communication, technology, creativity, innovation, flexibility, marketing, and building management.
• Direct, plan, organize, staff, coordinate, budget, and evaluate library operations.
• Work independently and collaboratively with staff, peers, Board members, Town departments, volunteers, and community partners.
• Foster a safe, supportive, inclusive, and service-oriented workplace culture that recognizes achievement and encourages teamwork.
• Advise and report to the Board of trustees, providing guidance on current and emerging issues affecting the library.
• Cultivate relationships with community members and volunteers to support diverse cultural and educational programming.
• Clearly articulate the vision, role, and value of the library, emphasizing its importance to patrons and the public.
• Use demographic data and community feedback to ensure the library is meeting community needs.
• Assess staff strengths and development needs, and support continuous learning so employees are prepared for their responsibilities.

Benefits & Additional Compensation Info

This position comes with a contribution towards the employee's health plan premium via Health Source Rhode Island, paid federal holidays, and ten days of paid time off per year (after 90 days of employment).