Library Director, Witherle Memorial Library, Castine, Maine (CLOSED)
Posted April 14, 2021
Description:
Our 17th century town has a 21st century library, and our new Library Director will be the face and the voice of our
mission.
This leadership opportunity in Castine, Maine will tap talents, acumen, flexibility, and resourcefulness. Working
with our Board of Trustees and local organizations, you will create new avenues of collaboration and outreach.
You’ll champion a welcoming vibe in our library, empower your staff, demonstrate the library’s value to the
community, and bring innovative best practices to library management. We are an involved and vested community, proud of our history and historical town treasures. In Castine, you will find encouraging support as the library continues to strengthen its role as a center for lifelong learning, exploration, and connection. Sounds interesting? We encourage accomplished “librarian managers,” those who lead by example, to consider this opportunity. What we know for sure? No two days will ever be the same, you will drive progress — and you will make a difference.
PRIMARY AREAS OF RESPONSIBILITY AND CONTRIBUTION
The Library Director is responsible for implementing and promoting the vision of the Witherle Memorial Library
and for providing leadership, knowledge, and judgment across these areas: 1) Planning and vision setting, 2)
Leadership and governance, 3) Library culture and values, 4) Community involvement, 5) Staff management, 6)
Fiscal planning and management, and 7) Resource and facilities management. Please see the full job description on
the library’s website at www.witherle.lib.me.us
OUR COMMUNITY
Welcome to Castine, Maine — a Downeast community just 2.5 hours north and east of Portland, rich in history, arts
and culture, and the most beautiful harbor on the east coast (a quote from many sailors). Please visit
http://castine.me.us. Steeped in history, architecturally preserved, rich in culture, adorned by elms and surrounded
by the sea, a visit to Castine Maine will invigorate your spirit and energize your soul. Known for its scenic
landscapes and maritime tradition, Castine is also the proud home of the celebrated Maine Maritime
Academy. Come to Castine, Maine – Under the Elms and By the Sea!
OUR LIBRARY
With an operating budget of $232,000 and staff of 4, Witherle Memorial Library serves our diverse community of
806 residents and is, indeed, a Castine town treasure. Please visit www.witherle.lib.me.us.
The history of Witherle Memorial Library begins with the forming of a social library in 1801 (a private collection of
books accessible only by paid subscription). The town of Castine took over this organization in 1827, and in 1855, became the first community in Maine to establish a library for a municipality. In 1901, the library moved its books
to the town hall until the completion of a new building in 1913. The land and the foundation for this new building
were donated by George and Mary Witherle, local ship chandlers – and it is from them that the Witherle Memorial
Library received its name. The library is part of the historic district listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Today, the library contains over 14,000 volumes that circulate 20,000 times a year to almost 1359 registered
borrowers. With fully automated circulation, our collections include a wide variety of printed and digital sources.
ATTRIBUTES AND QUALIFICATIONS
• An inspiring sense of excitement and spirit that fuels the approach to library management and organizational
leadership
• Passionate commitment to community and unwavering belief in the role that public libraries play in our
communities
• Hands-on knowledge of the principles and practices of 21st-century library management
• Proactive, problem-solving mindset; a collaborative, flexible style; and a drive to innovate
• Demonstrated skill in communication, team-building, organization, financial management, and resource and
collection development
• Knowledge of compliance and state statutes relating to the operation of a municipal library
• At least three years of relevant experience, including administrative, management, and supervisory roles
• MLIS degree from an ALA-accredited college or university
Full-time
Education:
MLS/MLIS
Salary: $55,000
Closing Date: When the position is filled.
Open until filled; review of applications begins March 1.
How to apply:
Applicants should go to our website for information on what to submit. https://witherle.lib.me.us/library-director/.
Please include your last name in the title of each attached file. Please, no phone calls.
Position start date is September 30.
The selected candidate must successfully pass a background check. All references will be thoroughly vetted.