Job Announcement: Bethel Library Director
Position Description
The Bethel Library is seeking an outgoing and energetic individual to fill the position of Library Director. Bethel is located in western Maine in the foothills of the White Mountains. The Bethel Library Association is a private 501(c) 3 organization founded in 1879. It is overseen by a Board of Trustees and serves a combined population of about 4,000 people from the towns and townships of Bethel, Albany, Gilead, Greenwood, Mason, and Newry, as well as all students in the local school district.
The Library Director serves as the public face of the Bethel Library, both in the library, during programs, and at professional meetings and events. This position requires a commitment to community outreach and dedication to providing exemplary customer-centered services to the community.
Essential Functions
* Plan and promote programs and events that appeal to a wide range of community members.
* Recommend policies, including those related to staffing, and assist the treasurer in drafting the annual budget for the Board of Trustees approval.
* Oversee all aspects of the library collection and operations, and approve expenditures as aligned with the budget.
* Supervise the staff and remain current on professional developments, including attending statewide library meetings and events.
* Work with the trustees on fundraising, and expanding funding from grants, in support of library operations.
* Assist the public with knowledge and use of the library’s technology, including Wi-Fi, computers, CloudLibrary, and printing.
* Attend all Board of Trustees meetings as a non-voting member and Board committee meetings as necessary. Keep the Board informed of proposed changes in library operations, such as staffing or library hours.
* Prepare reports for the Maine State Library, the local towns served by the library, and the Board of Trustees.
Minimum requirements (training, skills, education, experience):
* An Master of Library Science is preferred, or a college degree in a related field with three-years experience in a public library.
* Excellent interpersonal, communication, and writing skills.
* Demonstrated collaborative team-oriented leadership and management experience, to include budgeting, organization, personnel, and public relations.
* The Bethel Library is deeply committed to diversity, equity, inclusion, and sustainability, and the library director will play a central role in ensuring that the library remains a welcoming and accessible resource for everyone who live in and visit our community.
* The ability to develop the library's collection, including the selection and withdrawal of books, periodicals, audio-visual, and electronic materials.
* A strong proficiency with computer and library technology and software, and social media.
* The ability to multi-task with a focus on customer service.
Benefits:
Hours and Compensation
The Bethel Library Director is a 30-hour a week position with a starting salary of $39,000. The position includes 20 days of paid personal leave and a $100 per month stipend to be used toward the cost of healthcare.
Other Considerations/Requirements:
Physical Requirements
Work requires standing, sitting, and walking. Must be able to lift and move 25 pounds, with or without assistance, and reach above one’s head. Work requires fine motor skills. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with some limitations to perform the essential functions of the job.
How to submit an application/resume:
Applicants should send a cover letter, resume, and three references to bethellibrarydirector@gmail.com or mail them to: Bethel Library, Attention Search Committee, P.O. Box 130, ME 04217. All applications and queries are confidential.
The position will remain open until filled. The anticipated start date is late October 2026.
URL (Link) to online job description/application):
www.bethellibraryassociation.org
Position Description
The Bethel Library is seeking an outgoing and energetic individual to fill the position of Library Director. Bethel is located in western Maine in the foothills of the White Mountains. The Bethel Library Association is a private 501(c) 3 organization founded in 1879. It is overseen by a Board of Trustees and serves a combined population of about 4,000 people from the towns and townships of Bethel, Albany, Gilead, Greenwood, Mason, and Newry, as well as all students in the local school district.
The Library Director serves as the public face of the Bethel Library, both in the library, during programs, and at professional meetings and events. This position requires a commitment to community outreach and dedication to providing exemplary customer-centered services to the community.
Essential Functions
* Plan and promote programs and events that appeal to a wide range of community members.
* Recommend policies, including those related to staffing, and assist the treasurer in drafting the annual budget for the Board of Trustees approval.
* Oversee all aspects of the library collection and operations, and approve expenditures as aligned with the budget.
* Supervise the staff and remain current on professional developments, including attending statewide library meetings and events.
* Work with the trustees on fundraising, and expanding funding from grants, in support of library operations.
* Assist the public with knowledge and use of the library’s technology, including Wi-Fi, computers, CloudLibrary, and printing.
* Attend all Board of Trustees meetings as a non-voting member and Board committee meetings as necessary. Keep the Board informed of proposed changes in library operations, such as staffing or library hours.
* Prepare reports for the Maine State Library, the local towns served by the library, and the Board of Trustees.
Minimum requirements (training, skills, education, experience):
* An Master of Library Science is preferred, or a college degree in a related field with three-years experience in a public library.
* Excellent interpersonal, communication, and writing skills.
* Demonstrated collaborative team-oriented leadership and management experience, to include budgeting, organization, personnel, and public relations.
* The Bethel Library is deeply committed to diversity, equity, inclusion, and sustainability, and the library director will play a central role in ensuring that the library remains a welcoming and accessible resource for everyone who live in and visit our community.
* The ability to develop the library's collection, including the selection and withdrawal of books, periodicals, audio-visual, and electronic materials.
* A strong proficiency with computer and library technology and software, and social media.
* The ability to multi-task with a focus on customer service.
Benefits:
Hours and Compensation
The Bethel Library Director is a 30-hour a week position with a starting salary of $39,000. The position includes 20 days of paid personal leave and a $100 per month stipend to be used toward the cost of healthcare.
Other Considerations/Requirements:
Physical Requirements
Work requires standing, sitting, and walking. Must be able to lift and move 25 pounds, with or without assistance, and reach above one’s head. Work requires fine motor skills. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with some limitations to perform the essential functions of the job.
How to submit an application/resume:
Applicants should send a cover letter, resume, and three references to bethellibrarydirector@gmail.com or mail them to: Bethel Library, Attention Search Committee, P.O. Box 130, ME 04217. All applications and queries are confidential.
The position will remain open until filled. The anticipated start date is late October 2026.
URL (Link) to online job description/application):
www.bethellibraryassociation.org
