Programming and Training Librarian, Springfield City Library, (Springfield, MA)

Posted February 26, 2026

Description

Join the Springfield City Library leadership team and make an impact in downtown Springfield, Massachusetts! Leverage your existing programming skills and develop leadership experience by overseeing programming at the Library’s main location and serving as the Team Lead for adult programming across the nine-branch system. As a champion of lifelong learning, you’ll also assess and coordinate professional development activities among all library staff. You’ll be part of a team of ten librarians and maintain community connections by providing library services including reference, collection development, instruction, electronic resource use, reader’s advisory, outreach, and programming. The annual salary is $60,353.28, and the closing date is Thursday, March 5, 2026, at 11:59 pm Eastern time. Please upload a cover letter when you apply.

This full-time position is based at our historic Central Library, a lovely century-old building with a large Community Room and a computer lab for programming and performances. Our neighborhood includes the Springfield Museums, many apartment blocks, and Downtown Springfield. See inside the Central Library. Springfield is a city of about 156,000 people located in western Massachusetts on the banks of the Connecticut River and spreading eastward. The “City of Homes” offers a mixed housing stock, from expansive Victorians to friendly apartment blocks. Its flat landscape of 33 square miles is home to the 730 acre Forest Park and the Basketball Hall of Fame. Springfield City Library is community-centered and has a Central Library and 8 branches. We are Welcoming, Trusted, Connected, and Innovative. Review our mission and strategic priorities here. Come help us achieve this vision!

Learn about Springfield when you check out these videos showing some of the highlights of our beautiful city. Our city is also adorned with over 80 artistically created murals, including two on library branches. We are home to an AHL professional hockey team, a symphony orchestra, four Smithsonian-affiliated museums plus numerous independent and college galleries, and many other activities to get involved in.

We’re looking for candidates with a Bachelor’s degree and the completion of an American Library Association-accredited Masters of Library Science. You’ll need an excellent customer service orientation; and a “turned outward” approach to community engagement is ideal. Bilingual abilities desirable (English and Spanish, Russian, Vietnamese, Arabic, Somali, Dari, or other community language). The City of Springfield has a residency requirement and allows new hires up to two years to establish residency. Other desirable qualifications include: Two or more years of experience in a library environment. Thorough knowledge of the principles and practices of public library functions; advanced knowledge of library services for adults. Specialized knowledge of reading interests of adults. Ability to demonstrate vision, strategic thinking, collaboration and inclusive leadership skills, flexibility and adaptability, and a willingness to embrace and drive change. Excellent interpersonal skills; strong communication skills that accommodate a diverse population of users and learners. Creative problem solving skills. Knowledge of emerging technologies.

Questions are welcome via email or LinkedIn, but all applications must be filed on the City of Springfield’s website.

Responsibilities

Responsible for coordinating all aspects of adult programming for the Central Library and for coordinating professional development for all library staff, as well as providing library services including reference, collection development, instruction, electronic resource use, reader’s advisory, outreach, and programming. Work is performed in accordance with accepted practices and procedures in the field of library sciences related to reference and resource material with considerable latitude for the exercise of independent professional judgment under the general direction of the Manager of Adult and Youth Information Services who reviews work through observation, reports, and conferences. Supervision may be exercised over other employees.

Oversees the development, planning, and coordination of adult programs at the Central Library.
Assists the Adult and Youth Information Services Manager with oversight of system-wide adult programming and participates in delivery, promotion, and evaluation of system-wide adult programs.
Participates in the planning of system-wide library programs, such as Summer Reading Club.
Serves as Team Leader of the Adult Literacy & Lifelong Learning programming and outreach team.
Oversees the planning, supervising, coordinating, reporting, and leading of training sessions and development opportunities for system-wide library staff. May collaborate with co-workers or arrange for outside trainers to achieve this function.
Researches, writes, and implements grants.
Provides reference and instructional services to the general public, branches, and regional libraries.
As required, functions as Senior-in-Charge of desk activities and provides assistance to other librarians; determines priorities of service, interprets reference policies, and determines final disposition of questions received during the shift.
Manages collection development for target areas. Selects new materials, deselects older materials, analyzes and plans for the collection, and reports work done.
Provides back-up support to the Digital Services Librarian with maintaining the library’s website.
Performs other similar duties as responsibility and necessity dictate or requested by supervisor.
Assists with maintaining the Library department website.
May coordinate departmental volunteer efforts. Work may include delegation, planning, training, overseeing and reporting, etc.

Qualifications

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

Thorough knowledge of the principles and practices of public library functions; advanced knowledge of library services for adults.
Specialized knowledge of reading interests of adults.
Ability to demonstrate vision, strategic thinking, collaboration and inclusive leadership skills, flexibility and adaptability, and a willingness to embrace and drive change.
Excellent interpersonal skills; strong communication skills that accommodate a diverse population of users and learners.
Creative problem solving skills.
Knowledge of emerging technologies.

Education and Experience

Bachelor’s degree and completion of an American Library Association accredited Master of Library Science.
Three years of experience in a library environment.

Hours and Compensation

Schedule: This is a full-time position

Salary: $60,353.28 annually

How to Apply

Visit the following web address to see the full listing and apply: https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/springfieldma/jobs/5242783/programming-training-librarian

Closing Date: Please apply by Thursday, March 5th