Library Director

City of Holyoke Personnel Department

JOB POSTING – October 20, 2025

DEADLINE- Until filled

Job Title: Library Director Department: Holyoke Public Library

Reports to: The Mayor and The Board of Directors of the Holyoke Public Library Corporation

Job Summary:

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 understand their responsibilities regarding conflicts of interest and behave in a manner consistent with municipal, state, and federal law as well as library policy.

Supervisory Responsibilities:

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.

Duties/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 matters and 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.

Job Environment:

The Holyoke Public Library is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We celebrate justice, equity, and diversity, and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. All employment is decided on the basis of qualifications, merit, and business need.

The mission of the Holyoke Public Library is to provide the citizens of Holyoke with the tools and opportunities to improve themselves and their quality of life while promoting literacy, th enjoyment of reading and life-long learning through the provision of equal access to library materials, services, facilities, technology, up-to-date resources and programs to meet the educational, informational, social, cultural, and recreational needs for residents of all ages and abilities in the City of Holyoke and surrounding areas.

We strive to serve all members of our community and we believe that a diverse and inclusive workforce is essential to fulfilling that goal. We encourage applications from candidates of all ethnic backgrounds, religions, national origins, genders, sexual orientations, gender identities, abilities, and ages. We see diversity as an asset that enriches our services and strengthens our connections to the community.

The Library Director will be a visible champion for the library's commitment to difference. A key responsibility will be to lead the ongoing work of fostering an inclusive and equitable environment for staff and patrons alike. The ideal candidate will have demonstrated experience leading initiatives that support and expand diversity, equity, and inclusion in library collections, services, and staffing.

The Holyoke Public Library also endorses the American Libraries Association’s (ALA) Freedom to Read statement, which states that in order to preserve a free and democratic society as well as a creative culture, libraries must make available the widest diversity of views and expressions, including those that are unorthodox, unpopular, or considered dangerous by the majority.

Education, Certification, Licensure and Experience:

• 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 Qualifications

• 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.)

Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) status: Exempt (Salary)

Employment status & Hours: Regular Full-time employment, 35 hours per week, Monday-Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Salary/Pay rate: $ 64,544.00 (minimum) up to $ 91, 991.00 (maximum) per hour (Grade 11 , SCHA)

Employee Benefits: Health, Dental, Life Insurance, Optional Vision and Flexible Spending Account (FSA) (SOME Unions Short-term Disability)

How to Apply: Please apply on really.com

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $64,544.00 - $91,991.00 per year

Benefits:

• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance

Work Location: In person

Salary : $64,544 - $91,991