Our current director will retire on July 1st after a distinguished 35-year career in public libraries. The Kimball Library Board of Trustees is accepting applications for the position of Library Director.
Beautiful, modern, and beloved, the Kimball Library is situated near Dow Common along with other municipal facilities. Atkinson, a scenic community of stone walls, open spaces, and approximately 7,300 residents, is located on the Massachusetts border. Retaining its rural character while embracing modern public services, it is a town that values community, connection, and involvement and boasts convenient access to the Boston area, the coast, and points north.
This is an exciting opportunity for an experienced, innovative, and community-oriented leader. The Director manages all phases of library operations, ensuring it continues to thrive as the informational and civic heart of Atkinson. Last year, the Library had more than 45,000 visits!
Position Overview
The Library Director is the chief executive of the Kimball Library. The role combines leadership, management, and vision to ensure the Library provides outstanding service to the community. The Director oversees daily operations, manages staff and resources, coordinates the development and maintenance of all collections, and ensures that the library remains responsive to the evolving needs of the community. The Director reports to the Board of Trustees.
Key Responsibilities
Leadership & Administration
• Directs all aspects of library operations to deliver high-quality, efficient service.
• Regularly evaluates library policies, services, and programs in light of trends in librarianship and community needs.
• Develops, presents and manages the annual municipal budget.
• Maintains current knowledge of state and federal laws and regulations affecting public libraries.
• Monitors relevant national, regional, and local trends, including technology, affecting the Library and update the staff and the Board as needed.
• Prepares all statistical and narrative reports as required, including the annual town, state and federal reports, and a monthly report for the Library Board of Trustees.
Community Engagement
• Builds strong partnerships with the Friends of the Library, schools, local government, cultural organizations, and community groups.
• Acts as the public face of the Library, advocating for its role as a center for learning, enjoyment, creativity, and civic engagement.
• Represents the Library at meetings of Town Department Heads, Selectboard, Budget Committee, and others when necessary or invited.
Staff & Human Resources
• Fosters a collaborative, communicative, and positive workplace.
• Recruit, hire, train, and evaluate staff, recommending new hires to the Board for approval.
• Delegates, assigns and adjusts duties to ensure effective operations.
• Invests in professional growth through ongoing training and development opportunities.
• Advocates for competitive wages and benefits.
About the Library:
In addition to the director, there are currently 3 full-time staff, 8 part-time staff, and volunteers. The Library, open 55 hours a week over 6 days, is governed by an elected board of trustees, and benefits from an active friends group.
Minimum requirements (training, skills, education, experience):
The ideal candidate will have earned a master's degree in library science from an American Library Association accredited school, have 7-10 years of progressive positions in senior management, be a collaborative leader with a patron-driven commitment to outstanding library service and possess excellent communication skills. In addition, a thorough understanding of the operations and functions of public libraries, proven expertise in selection, managing collections, personnel, facilities, and developing budgets are required. The successful candidate will be a creative, energetic individual with a growth mindset and clear vision of the current and future value of the public library in our community.
Benefits:
Competitive Paid Time Off
Insurance: Health, life, and short-term disability
Pension: New Hampshire Retirement System
Hiring Wage Range:
Salary: $82,000 - $92,000 with competitive benefits based on experience and qualifications
How to submit an application/resume:
To apply submit the following materials to chair@kimballlibrary.com:
• Cover letter: Please share your vision for the future of public libraries and how you would work to realize that vision.
• Resume
• Three professional references to be contacted only with prior notice.
U.R.L. (Link) to online job description/application):
https://kimballlibrary.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/Job-Description-Director.pdf
Closing date for submissions:
9/15/2026
Beautiful, modern, and beloved, the Kimball Library is situated near Dow Common along with other municipal facilities. Atkinson, a scenic community of stone walls, open spaces, and approximately 7,300 residents, is located on the Massachusetts border. Retaining its rural character while embracing modern public services, it is a town that values community, connection, and involvement and boasts convenient access to the Boston area, the coast, and points north.
This is an exciting opportunity for an experienced, innovative, and community-oriented leader. The Director manages all phases of library operations, ensuring it continues to thrive as the informational and civic heart of Atkinson. Last year, the Library had more than 45,000 visits!
Position Overview
The Library Director is the chief executive of the Kimball Library. The role combines leadership, management, and vision to ensure the Library provides outstanding service to the community. The Director oversees daily operations, manages staff and resources, coordinates the development and maintenance of all collections, and ensures that the library remains responsive to the evolving needs of the community. The Director reports to the Board of Trustees.
Key Responsibilities
Leadership & Administration
• Directs all aspects of library operations to deliver high-quality, efficient service.
• Regularly evaluates library policies, services, and programs in light of trends in librarianship and community needs.
• Develops, presents and manages the annual municipal budget.
• Maintains current knowledge of state and federal laws and regulations affecting public libraries.
• Monitors relevant national, regional, and local trends, including technology, affecting the Library and update the staff and the Board as needed.
• Prepares all statistical and narrative reports as required, including the annual town, state and federal reports, and a monthly report for the Library Board of Trustees.
Community Engagement
• Builds strong partnerships with the Friends of the Library, schools, local government, cultural organizations, and community groups.
• Acts as the public face of the Library, advocating for its role as a center for learning, enjoyment, creativity, and civic engagement.
• Represents the Library at meetings of Town Department Heads, Selectboard, Budget Committee, and others when necessary or invited.
Staff & Human Resources
• Fosters a collaborative, communicative, and positive workplace.
• Recruit, hire, train, and evaluate staff, recommending new hires to the Board for approval.
• Delegates, assigns and adjusts duties to ensure effective operations.
• Invests in professional growth through ongoing training and development opportunities.
• Advocates for competitive wages and benefits.
About the Library:
In addition to the director, there are currently 3 full-time staff, 8 part-time staff, and volunteers. The Library, open 55 hours a week over 6 days, is governed by an elected board of trustees, and benefits from an active friends group.
Minimum requirements (training, skills, education, experience):
The ideal candidate will have earned a master's degree in library science from an American Library Association accredited school, have 7-10 years of progressive positions in senior management, be a collaborative leader with a patron-driven commitment to outstanding library service and possess excellent communication skills. In addition, a thorough understanding of the operations and functions of public libraries, proven expertise in selection, managing collections, personnel, facilities, and developing budgets are required. The successful candidate will be a creative, energetic individual with a growth mindset and clear vision of the current and future value of the public library in our community.
Benefits:
Competitive Paid Time Off
Insurance: Health, life, and short-term disability
Pension: New Hampshire Retirement System
Hiring Wage Range:
Salary: $82,000 - $92,000 with competitive benefits based on experience and qualifications
How to submit an application/resume:
To apply submit the following materials to chair@kimballlibrary.com:
• Cover letter: Please share your vision for the future of public libraries and how you would work to realize that vision.
• Resume
• Three professional references to be contacted only with prior notice.
U.R.L. (Link) to online job description/application):
https://kimballlibrary.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/Job-Description-Director.pdf
Closing date for submissions:
9/15/2026
