Holyoke Public Library Director, Holyoke Public Library, (Holyoke, MA)

Posted October 21, 2025

Description

The Board of Directors of the Holyoke Public Library Corporation seeks a collaborative, visionary, and mission-oriented leader to serve as our next Library Director. This is an opportunity to lead a cherished community resource with roots in Holyoke dating back to 1870.

The Library Director works under the direction of the Board of Directors of the Holyoke Public Library Corporation and in collaboration with the City of Holyoke to lead the library’s operations, staff, and manage its budget. The Library Director will oversee the daily operations of the Holyoke Public Library by coordinating the management, training, and development of all library employees (16 full-time and 3 part-time city employees and 1 part-time private employee) as well as a robust and dedicated group of community volunteers. The Library Director will understand their responsibilities regarding conflicts of interest and behave in a manner consistent with municipal, state, and federal law as well as library policy.

Responsibilities

Assist and guide staff in designing, implementing, and promoting a wide range of library activities and programs.
Advise, consult, and confer with the Library Board of Directors, other state and local officials, residents, and community groups regarding library services and operations.
Implement the policies of the Holyoke Public Library Corporation.
Assist in developing Library collections.
Lead in preparing the library’s strategic plan.
Serve as liaison to various stakeholders, such as the Holyoke Public Schools, as well as other civic and community organizations.
Serve with various library organizations such as the Central and Western Massachusetts Automated Resource Sharing Library Network (CWMARS), the Massachusetts Library System (MLS), and the Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners (MBLC).
Prepare annual reports to the Commonwealth of Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners to ensure certification and the receipt of state aid.
Attend monthly Library Board meetings and prepare a monthly director’s report.
Prepare materials for the annual meeting, attend City Council Meetings, and collaborate with the Mayor of Holyoke on the portion of the annual budget funded by the City.
Manage departmental functions, including the preparation of payroll and payables, as well as collaborating with the City’s human resources department on personnel mattersand hiring.
Prepare grant applications and seek alternative funding as needed.
Manage the library building and grounds to ensure proper maintenance and improvements. Prepare the annual budget and annual Capital Maintenance Plan for the library.
Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Required

Master of Library Science or Master of Library Information Science required.
Three to five years of related experience serving in a library management position.
Experience using and integrating new and emerging technology.
Certificate of Librarianship issued by the Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners.

Preferred

Knowledge and/or experience working in/managing public libraries.
Bilingual in Spanish and English and bicultural competency with demonstrated work experience with individuals and organizations from diverse Latino cultures.
Our Preferred Qualifications are a guideline, not a checklist. Candidates are encouraged to apply regardless of proficiency in these areas.

Hours and Compensation

The position is full-time and requires in-person presence on-site. The anticipated starting salary range is $64,544 to $78,267, based on experience and qualifications. As a City employee, the Library Director will receive a full benefits package including competitive vacation, sick, personal, and other leave benefits, along with membership in the City of Holyoke Retirement pension system. In addition to core benefits, employees have the option to enroll in a variety of voluntary benefits, such as comprehensive health, dental, flex spending, optional vision and life insurance and short term disability.

How to Apply

To apply for the position, please submit a cover letter discussing your qualifications, experience, and reason for applying, along with a comprehensive resume via email to: [email protected]. Include the subject line: “HPL Director Position”.

Deadline for submission is Saturday, November 15, 2025.. The position will remain open until it is filled.