Alsip-Merrionette Park Public Library District is hiring: Library Director in Ha

Opportunity Overview: The Board of Trustees of the Harvard Diggins Library seeks an exceptional candidate for the position of Library Director due to a retirement. The new Library Director will be responsible for the administration of the library including staffing, collection development, planning, budgeting, maintenance and community outreach. The ability to establish positive working relationships with a library board, staff, patrons, and community organizations is vital. The ideal candidate will serve as the library’s ambassador to the community, ensuring the library remains a vital resource for the community.

Library and Community Overview: The Harvard Diggins Library serves the roughly 9,469 residents of the City of Harvard with a budget of $500,000. Harvard, a diverse community on the northwestern edge of McHenry County, is located approximately 7 miles (11km) south of the Illinois/Wisconsin border.The city is 63 miles from the Chicago loop and is the first stop on Metra’s Union Pacific/Northwest line. The Library is a member of the PrairieCat Library System.

The Library is surrounded by Lions Park which offers a playground, walking path, sledding hill, picnic shelter, and easy access to the Harvard Aquatic Center. A StoryWalk installed along the walking path is maintained by library staff.

Key Position Responsibilities:

• Work closely with the nine-member Board of Trustees and the seven-member Diggins Trust Board to establish policy, ensure adequate funding, and regular strategic planning.
• Plan, direct, and supervise all aspects of library services, facilities, and activities.
• Prepare and administer the annual budget; manage financial resources and pursue alternative funding through grants, donations, and partnerships.
• Serve as the primary liaison to the library boards, Friends of the Library, elected officials and community stakeholders.
• Promote a safe, welcoming, and inclusive environment for all patrons and staff.
• Manage and develop a high-performing staff focused on exceptional customer service, including hiring, coaching, evaluating, and mentoring staff.
• Develop and implement programing with staff to encourage use of the library, educate and inform, and to provide recreational opportunities within the community.

Ensure the library facility and grounds are safe, secure, inviting, and well maintained. Coordinate work being done by vendors, staff, or volunteers.

Qualifications, Required Training and Experience

• Master’s degree in Library Science or Library Information Science is ideal, but applicants with a Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field (Business, Education, English, or Information Systems) are encouraged to apply.
• Three to five years of progressively responsible library experience
• Three years of demonstrated successful staff management experience.

Compensation: The hiring salary range is $65,000 - $75,000 (with placement dependent on experience and qualifications). A comprehensive benefits package includes participation in the Illinois Municipal Retirement Fund (IMRF), health insurance including medical, dental, and vision coverage, as well as paid vacation, personal leave, holidays, and sick leave.

Application Process: Please apply with your resume and cover letter briefly explaining your interest in this position to Ann Almgren, Library Board President, atposnhdpl@harvard-diggins.org . Deadline to apply is October 10, 2025 but applications are appreciated as soon as possible.

Harvard Diggins Public Library
900 E. McKinley St
Harvard , IL 60033

Location

Harvard Diggins Public Library , McHenry County