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Programming Librarian Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

Librarian

River Grove, IL · On-site

$27/hr

Supports student and community member learning and faculty instruction through effective use of library programming support, collections management support, and print and online resources.

Advocate for the collections, resources, partnerships, and programming necessary to support educational programs, including distance-education, and provide the best possible service to the Library ...

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Programming Librarian information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$29.9K

$69.7K

$124.1K

How much do programming librarian jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 28, 2026, the average yearly pay for programming librarian in Chicago, IL is $69,748.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $46,400.00 and $87,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some common challenges faced by Programming Librarians when planning and executing library events?

Programming Librarians often encounter challenges such as limited budgets, scheduling conflicts, and ensuring programs meet the diverse interests and needs of their community. Balancing administrative tasks with creative planning can also be demanding, especially in libraries with smaller teams. Additionally, effective outreach and promotion are crucial to maximize attendance and impact, requiring strong collaboration with other staff and community partners. Adaptability and resourcefulness are key to overcoming these hurdles and delivering successful, engaging library programs.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Programming Librarian, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Programming Librarian, you need a background in library science (often an MLS or MLIS degree), experience in event planning, and knowledge of community engagement strategies. Familiarity with library management systems, event registration platforms, and basic marketing tools like social media or email newsletters is typically required. Strong communication, creativity, and collaboration skills help in developing innovative programs and building partnerships. These abilities ensure relevant, engaging programming that meets community needs and promotes library services.

What is the difference between Programming Librarian vs Archivist?

AspectProgramming LibrarianArchivist
Required CredentialsMaster's in Library Science (MLS) or Library and Information Science (MLIS)Bachelor's or Master's in History, Archival Studies, or Library Science
Work EnvironmentPublic, academic, or special libraries; community programsArchives, museums, historical societies
Industry UsageLibraries, educational institutions, community centersHistorical preservation, museums, government agencies
Common Search IntentProgramming, events, community engagementPreservation, cataloging, historical records

The Programming Librarian focuses on creating educational programs, managing library technology, and engaging the community through events. In contrast, an Archivist specializes in preserving, cataloging, and managing historical records and artifacts. While both roles require library or archival credentials and work within information management environments, their primary functions and industry settings differ significantly.

What are Programming Librarians?

Programming Librarians are library professionals who specialize in developing, coordinating, and delivering programs and events for library users. They design activities such as workshops, lectures, book clubs, and community outreach events to engage diverse audiences and meet the educational, cultural, and recreational needs of the community. Programming Librarians often collaborate with other organizations, manage event logistics, and assess the impact of their programs to ensure they align with the library's mission. Their role is vital in making libraries vibrant, inclusive, and dynamic community spaces.
Infographic showing various Programming Librarian job openings in Chicago, IL as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 56% Full Time, 11% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 1% Contract, 29% Nights, and 2% Summer. Highlights an 95% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $69,748 per year, or $33.5 per hour.
ADULT SERVICES PROGRAMMING LIBRARIAN

ADULT SERVICES PROGRAMMING LIBRARIAN

Fountaindale Public Library

Bolingbrook, IL • On-site

$30.45/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 21 days ago


Job description

Description:

Full-time position: Non-exempt position (37.5 hours per week) includes day, evening and weekend hours


Salary Range: $30.45-$47.05 with a starting hourly wage of $30.45/hour


Benefits:

  • Paid Time Off (vacation, holidays, personal and sick time)
  • Pension through the Illinois Municipal Retirement Fund (IMRF)
  • Health Insurance (medical, dental and vision)
  • Company-Paid Life & AD&D Insurance
  • Flexible Spending (medical and dependent care)
  • NCPERS Voluntary Life Insurance
  • 457(b) Plan
  • Staff Library Card
  • Employee Assistance Program
  • Professional Development

Closing date: Until position is filled


Objective:

Responsible for planning, organizing and implementing community partnerships, programs and cross­ departmental programs that meet the goals of Adult Services and the library, and that satisfy the needs of the community and library patrons.


Duties:

1. Provides consistent, gracious and friendly service to internal and external customers.

2. Understands and enforces District policies and procedures while safeguarding intellectual freedom and patron privacy.

3. Oversees the planning, preparation, scheduling, budgeting and administration of Adult programming for the District. Responsible for coordinating event and staff scheduling with Departmental staff. Hires performers in collaboration with the Adult & Teen Services management team.

4. Works with Adult & Teen Services management team to lead the assessment of and assesses functionality and productivity of cross ­departmental programming committees or projects, with assistance from Adult & Teen Services Librarians.

5. Coordinates, supervises, hires, trains, and schedules Adult & Teen Services Specialists to provide programming, patron assistance, reader’s advisory, promotion of library services and programs to patrons in the Library District. Actively participates in the developmental plans of subordinate employees.

6. Responsible for collaborating with the Communications Manager on promotional needs.

7. Coordinates Adult and Staff Summer Reading activities in conjunction with, or absence of, the Reader’s Services Librarian.

8. Provides in­depth research, reference and reader’s advisory to patrons and staff.

9. Keeps informed of current information and trends at the local and regional library level. Participates in professional development activities relating to areas of responsibility.

10. Works with Adult & Teen Services Management staff to establish benchmarks, and to develop, design and integrate initiatives and services for patrons and fellow staff.

11. Analyzes data from the integrated library system and other sources to determine effectiveness of current services and collections and makes appropriate recommendations.

12. Leads library wide committees for special projects, strategic planning, new library initiatives, departmental development, and consortia wide development.

13. Helps to review, plan, coordinate, and implement the use of technology.

14. Performs all duties of Adult & Teen Services Librarians or Adult & Teen Services Specialists, when needed.

15. Prepares and submits required records, purchase requests and reports in keeping with the policies and procedures of the library.

16. Serves as building responsibility lead.

17. Performs other miscellaneous duties as assigned.



Requirements:

Education: Requires expertise acquired through completion of a MLS program from an ALA accredited library school. Emphasis in Adult Services preferred.


Experience: At least one year of Adult Services experience in a comparable school, business, organization, or library preferred.


Skills:

Office & Library

  • Knowledge of Adult and Teen services, principles, trends, practices and technology.
  • Basic knowledge of Adult literature, popular materials and reference materials in a variety of formats.
  • Knowledge of productivity suites and integrated library systems.
  • Knowledge of reference techniques and digital information retrieval.
  • Ability to incorporate technology into programming and other public services.
  • Ability to effectively use a variety of tablets and similar devices.
  • Ability to exercise reasonable and independent judgment and discretion.
  • Ability manage and prioritize multiple tasks.
  • Ability to analyze and synthesize data to produce new or revised processes and procedures.
  • Ability to adapt to and effectively implement change.

Communication

  • Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationship with staff and public.
  • Communicates effectively with a variety of programmers and vendors from diverse backgrounds.
  • Communicates effectively in English, both orally and in writing. Spanish speaking skills are a plus.
  • Ability to stay calm and effective in difficult situations.
  • Ability to empathize and relate to the needs of all patrons.
  • Prepares and delivers oral presentations.

Supervisory Responsibility: Position has supervisory responsibility. Interview, hire, train, review work, assist, develop, counsel, evaluate, discipline and enforce library rules and policies.


Contacts:

Internal: Library staff and management

External: Patrons, school staff, performers, community organizations, vendors and staff from other libraries.


Physical Requirements: The physical requirements described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the functions of this job. Physical requirements for this position include: good speaking, hearing and vision ability, ability to push carts of library materials weighing up to 100 pounds rarely, lifting materials weighing up to 50 pounds rarely and lifting materials up to 25 pounds frequently.


Working Conditions: Work is performed in a typical library environment. Full­-time position. Requires weekend and evening work.