Library Director – Chester Library

The Chester Library Board of Trustees is seeking an enthusiastic, community‑focused leader who can actively engage with staff, residents, and local businesses and organizations. We are looking for a Director with strong financial management skills, who can also advance our Strategic Plan for the library.

Chester Library sits in the heart of the community, and serves nearly 9,500 residents in both Chester Township and Chester Borough as a joint free public library. Our library is inviting and community‑focused, and enjoys strong support and a positive relationship with both the township and the borough. We have an annual budget of approximately $1,000,000; and a dedicated, experienced staff that includes 2 full‑time and 18 part‑time employees.

Central and inviting, our library provides information, resources, and a place to connect. Residents enjoy our wide range of services, including borrowing print and electronic materials, accessing museum passes, and participating in a variety of programming for all ages. Chester Library also offers meeting and study spaces that are available for community use. Our goal is to continue to work collaboratively to meet the evolving needs of our community.

Chester Library is a member of the MAIN Library Alliance, which includes over 60 libraries in Hunterdon, Morris, Somerset, and Warren counties. Member libraries share access to over 4 million items, including print and electronic resources. As a member library, our staff benefits from professional development and the support of a large community of library professionals.

The Chester Library Board of Trustees is seeking a Director to serve as an organizational and community leader of our joint municipal library. Our ideal candidate is energetic and resourceful, with strong interpersonal and fiscal management skills. Our new Director will prioritize outreach to new and existing residents; actively engage with the township, borough, and local businesses; and oversee a redesign of our library space that is responsive to the needs of our community.

• An ALA accredited MLS/MLIS or equivalent degree.
• A New Jersey Professional Librarian certificate, or eligibility to acquire.
• At least 5 years of progressive professional public library experience. Director’s experience is preferred, but not required.
• Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing.
• Demonstrated experience building community relationships and partnerships.
• Experience managing a budget.
• Experience working with a library board of trustees.
• Ability to work with staff and colleagues, including hiring new employees.
• Ability to think critically and creatively to solve problems and implement ideas.
  
  Current knowledge of library technology, trends, innovations, and New Jersey library law.
• Experience overseeing Buildings and Grounds maintenance is preferred but not required.

Equal Opportunity Employer. Employees must comply with the “New Jersey First Act,” which requires residency in New Jersey.

This is a full‑time position with a minimum salary of $97,000. Benefits include: paid holidays, paid time off, health benefit stipend, and enrollment in the PERS pension system.

The Chester Library Board of Trustees has retained Library Crossroads Consulting to help with this important search. Please direct all inquiries to Library Crossroads: info@li Interested applicants should submit a cover letter and resume to chester@li Review of applications will begin immediately. The Final date to receive applications is March 27, 2026.

Main is the engine that powers over 60 Libraries in seven counties in New Jersey. We provide quality services, programs, learning platforms, cost‑sharing, and the technology framework to keep our member libraries running 24/7.