Library Director - The
Town of Lyme, Connecticut, a picturesque shoreline community of 2,300
residents that is known for its well-run town government, highly rated
school system, and strong spirit of volunteerism, is seeking a dynamic
director for its public library who is enthusiastic and knowledgeable
about library service in the twenty-first century. The library’s mission
statement is “to serve the town of Lyme as a community center for
lifelong education, cultural and recreational activities, and evolving
information needs.” The ideal candidate is a self-motivated individual
with excellent communication skills and a strong public service
orientation who will direct all operations of a modern and an
award-winning library and lead the library in expanding its role in the
community.
The director oversees a staff of six (3.1 FTE)
employees, an annual budget of $195,000 (excluding benefits, utilities
and maintenance of digital equipment and building/grounds), and a
collection size of 23,000. A 2019 Strategic Plan, adopted by the
library’s board of directors, outlines goals and strategies to be
implemented over the next several years. These include: to evolve the
library as a community center for the town; to increase library usage by
improving programs and services; to enhance patron’s technology
experiences; and to coordinate relationships with library affiliates,
including a very active Friends of the Library, which makes most adult
programming possible, and the Library Foundation, whose endowment has
continued to grow because of its successful fundraising and which makes
an annual financial contribution to library operations.
The
ideal candidate will have demonstrable proficiency in: Current trends
and best practices for operating a small library with a sophisticated
patron base. Planning and coordinating the library’s budget and
personnel. Innovative service and program development. Public speaking,
communications, and development efforts, including grant writing.
Working closely with the library’s board of directors. Building
community relationships and working with public officials and community
organizations.
Qualifications: A Master’s in Library Science
degree from an ALA-accredited school is preferred, plus three to five
years of progressively related public library experience, including at
least two with management experience. Candidates may be considered if
they have demonstrated leadership and administrative skills, work
experience in a public library, and an interest in further developing
knowledge and skills relevant to library management and leadership.
Salary is commensurate with qualifications and experience. The Town of
Lyme offers a generous benefits package. Applicants who share the
library’s vision to be a community center for engagement and learning
should send a cover letter and resume to: Chair, Library Search
Committee via email at libdirsearch@lymepl.org. For more information about this position, go to https://bit.ly/2NNuUPc. Applicant review will begin April 26, 2021,
and will continue until position is filled. Currently the projected
start date is September 1, 2021. The Lyme Public Library is an Equal
Opportunity Employer.
