Library Manager Jobs in Grand Rapids, MI (NOW HIRING)

Salary: $64,300.00 - $82,242.00 Annually
Location : Grand Rapids Public Library, Main Library, 111 Library St NE, Grand Rapids, MI
Job Type: Permanent
Job Number: 979-0826
Department: Library
Opening Date: 08/12/2026
Closing Date: 8/26/2026 11:59 PM Eastern
Nature of Work
This full-time position manages daily operations at the Main Library, working in collaboration with other managers with the overall goal of helping patrons access library resources. This position participates in direct public service and circulation functions.
Supervisory functions include hiring, training, evaluating, scheduling, and directing the day-to-day work of a large team of part-time employees, with an emphasis of supervising the Library Assistant IIs in the Patron Services Department.
This position will act as Supervisor in Charge, participates in various standing committees, and contributes to the development and execution of goals in support of the GRPL's mission and strategic plan.
The schedule for this position is as follows:
Monday12:00 - 9:00 pmTuesday8:30 am - 5:30 pmWednesday8:30 am - 5:30 pmThursday8:30 am - 5:30 pmAlternating Friday/Saturday9:00 am - 6:00 pmSunday (occasionally required between Labor Day and Memorial Day)1:00 - 5:00 pm
Core Competencies
Leadership & Management

• Hires, trains, evaluates, and schedules Patron Services Department part-time employees.
• Directs the day-to-day work of Patron Services staff to ensure efficient workflow, consistent customer service, and public access to resources.
• Mentors staff and provides ongoing feedback regarding performance and professional development.
• Communicates service changes to staff; advises and trains staff on new or updated procedures and expectations related to customer service, patron access, and materials handling.

Customer Service & Patron Relations

• Provides and models engaging, consistent customer service.
• Assists patrons with access to library resources, including checking materials in and out, answering questions, issuing library cards, and resolving patron problems and complaints.

Operational Management

• Collaborates with other managers to ensure consistent, efficient, and effective public service and materials handling.
• Provides input and feedback on customer service procedures, circulation procedures, and GRPL policies.
• Works with other libraries to resolve issues related to GRPL materials or patrons.

Minimum Training and Experience
Required:

• Bachelor's degree
• 2 years of progressively responsible supervisory experience
• 2 years of circulation experience in a library

Preferred:

• Ability to communicate effectively in Spanish
• Possession of a valid driver's license and vehicle insurance

Other Necessary Qualifications
Ability to:

• Provide and model engaging and consistent customer service.
• Communicate effectively and professionally with diverse groups both verbally and in writing.
• Select, evaluate, train, mentor, and provide feedback to staff; keep up-to-date on GRPL policies, procedures, and documentation as they relate to circulation functions; communicate and train around these functions and relay accurate information as needed.
• Follow library policies and procedures as well as state laws governing library services, specifically those laws dealing with the confidentiality of patron records; apply library procedures, principles, and methods, as well as develop an understanding of work flow analysis and systemic improvements.
• Analyze and identify supervisory opportunities and challenges and implement solutions.
• Set priorities and meet deadlines; adaptability and judgment to reprioritize as needed.
• Perform standardized processes; follow procedures in processing forms and other communication.
• Understand systems and maintain an organized and effective work process; flexibility to review and improve upon processes as they become dated or new information becomes available.
• Prepare clear and concise reports.
• Establish and maintain positive working relationships with coworkers and the public; work collaboratively.
• Manage emotions in the workplace and maintain professional composure and judgement.
• Work with supervisor and process feedback regarding job performance.

Understanding of:

• General office procedures, processes and equipment; ability to operate a variety of office equipment, including computer workstations, typical electronic devices, and software.

Other Information
Please note the following:

• A cover letter is required
  • Please attach a cover letter in pdf format that describes your interest in the position, your interest in working at GRPL, and how these might tie in with personal or professional goals
• All communication regarding this position will be done via email; it is your responsibility to ensure that your email address is up-to-date on your account profile
• To be eligible for this position, you must apply through the

Please visit the for a list of other open positions at Grand Rapids Public Library.
All inquiries related to this posting should be directed to:
Grand Rapids Public Library
111 Library St NE
Grand Rapids, MI 49503
616-988-5400 |
GRPL proudly promotes diversity and inclusion in employment, and strives to maintain a workplace culture where respect and positive recognition of differences are cultivated.
Grand Rapids Public Library provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination of any type without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, national origin, veteran status, disability, height, weight, familial status, marital status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law. GRPL will make reasonable accommodations for employees and job applicants with disabilities.
This applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including but not limited to recruiting, hiring, transfer, training, promotion, discipline, termination, leaves of absence, compensation, and benefits, as well as work-related events and activities.
GRPL | Full-time Employee Benefit Summary

• Comprehensive health care package including medical, dental, and vision
• Paid time off
  • Paid holidays
  • Floating holidays
  • Vacation
  • Sick leave
  • Personal time
  • Bereavement leave
  • Parental leave
  • Jury duty leave
• Retirement
  • 401a Retirement Plan
  • Health Care Savings Plan with defined contributions
  • 457 Deferred Compensation Plan
• Tuition reimbursement
• Professional development and membership reimbursement
• Employee Assistance Plan

01
Are you currently employed by GRPL?

• Yes
• No

02
Have you ever been employed at GRPL?

• Yes
• No

03
List all relatives employed at GRPL (enter "None" if you do not have any relatives working at GRPL).
04
What is your highest level of education?

• High school diploma/GED
• Some college
• Technical/vocational education or training
• Associates degree
• Bachelors degree
• Masters degree
• PhD or Doctorate

05
Are you able to work the required schedule?

• Yes
• No

06
Are you able to to communicate effectively in Spanish?

• Yes
• No

07
Do you have a valid driver's license and vehicle insurance?

• Yes
• No

08
How many years of customer service experience do you have?

• Greater than 2 years
• 1-2 years
• Less than 1 year

09
Briefly describe your approach to customer service.
10
How many years of progressively responsible supervisory experience do you have?

• Greater than 2 years
• 1-2 years
• Less than 1 year

11
Briefly describe your management experience, particularly with regard to delivering feedback and contributing to a positive work environment.
12
How many years of library circulation experience do you have?

• Greater than 2 years
• 1-2 years
• Less than 1 year

13
In order to be considered for this position, you are required to submit a cover letter. Have you submitted a cover letter with your application?

• Yes
• No

Required Question