Library Director, Griswold Memorial Library, (Colrain, MA)

Posted July 1, 2025

Description

The Library Director oversees all aspects of the Griswold Memorial Library’s operations and services, ensuring they align with the mission, vision, and evolving needs of the Colrain community. This role includes professional, administrative, and supervisory responsibilities, from budget and staff management to strategic planning, public service delivery, and facility oversight. The Director works closely with the Board of Trustees, town officials, and local partners to ensure the library remains a vital and welcoming community resource.

Responsibilities

Library Management & Administration

Oversees daily operations, cultivating a welcoming, inclusive environment.
Manages the library’s budget and prepares reports for the Board of Trustees, Town Administrator/Select Board, MBLC, and other stakeholders.
Supervises and trains staff and volunteers, promoting professional development.
Ensures compliance with MBLC standards and certification requirements. Maintains administrative records and usage statistics.
Attends all Trustee meetings, advises on policies, and implements board-approved initiatives. Monitors the library building and reports maintenance needs.
Upholds patron privacy and equitable access.
Provides direct service as needed (circulation, reference, tech help).

Programs, Outreach & Community Engagement

Coordinates a diverse range of programs for all ages and interests. Maintains and promotes the library’s digital and physical presence, including social media and newsletters (e.g., Wowbrary).
Collaborates with Trustees, Friends, local/state officials, and community groups.
Represents the library at town events and public meetings.
Promotes civic engagement and community inclusion in all services.

Collection Development & Technology

Manages acquisitions, weeding, cataloging, and inventory.
Oversees circulation and patron support.
Maintains library software systems and public tech access.
Tracks and promotes new materials.
Preserves and promotes local history and genealogy collections.
Offers tech support and guidance to patrons and staff.

Strategic Leadership & Development

Leads the library’s strategic planning and public engagement.
Participates in capital project planning. Seeks grants, donations, and alternative funding. Keeps current on library trends, technologies, and policies.

Qualifications

Education and Experience: Bachelor’s Degree required; Master of Library and Information Science (MLIS) and at least 3–5 years of progressively responsible experience in library or public service roles, including at least 1 year in a supervisory capacity, preferred. Must hold a certificate of Subprofessional Librarianship issued by the MA Board of Library Commissioners upon appointment (or must obtain within six months) and complete the Four Basic Library Techniques courses within five years of appointment.

Knowledge: Comprehensive technical and practical knowledge of materials, methods and techniques relative to the efficient delivery of public library services. Knowledge of the laws, rules, and regulations relating to building projects including design selection, contract bidding, awards and management. Through knowledge of library financing, budgeting, and administration.

Ability: Ability to plan, assign, and supervise the work of employees engaged in a variety of library functions. Ability to establish and maintain effective and harmonious working relationships with staff, town officials and departments, state/federal agencies and the general public. Ability to communicate effectively in written and oral form, one on-one and in small and large group settings. Ability to prepare budgets, financial reports and grants. Ability to work independently and collaboratively.

Skill: Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, library software systems and various other types of software and hardware required.

Hours and Compensation

Hours: 28 hours per week, beginning September 1, 2025. Attendance at evening meetings and occasional weekends is required.

Compensation: $42,000 gross annual salary

Benefits: This position comes with the standard benefits available to all Town employees, including paid vacation, sick and personal leave time, as well as access to the Town’s group insurance program (health, dental, visual, life).

How to Apply

Please send a cover letter and resume via email to [email protected]
Questions? Please email [email protected]