ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Public Librarian Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Allen County Public Library

Librarian

Monroeville, IN · On-site

$20.51 - $24/hr

Allen County Public Library is looking for a Librarian to serve the Monroeville community and help make the library a welcoming, relevant resource for people of all ages. This position offers the ...

Allen County Public Library

Librarian

Monroeville, IN · On-site

Allen County Public Library is looking for a Librarian to serve the Monroeville community and help make the library a welcoming, relevant resource for people of all ages.This position offers the best ...

New

Allen County Public Library

Librarian

Monroeville, IN · On-site

$20.51 - $24/hr

Allen County Public Library is looking for a Librarian to serve the Monroeville community and help make the library a welcoming, relevant resource for people of all ages.This position offers the best ...

New

Allen County Public Library

Librarian

Monroeville, IN · On-site

Allen County Public Library is looking for a Librarian to serve the Monroeville community and help make the library a welcoming, relevant resource for people of all ages. This position offers the ...

New

Brooklynpubliclibrary

The Brooklyn Public Library (BPL) seeks nominations for and/or applications to the position of Deputy Chief Librarian. The Deputy Chief Librarian provides strategic and functional oversight of ...

The New York Public Library

$55K/yr

Description Overview The New York Public Library (NYPL) has been an essential provider of free books, information, ideas, and education for all New Yorkers for more than 100 years. NYPL ...

Brooklynpubliclibrary

$70K/yr

Brooklyn Public Library is an equal opportunity employer.

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsGovernment JobsLibrary JobsLibrarian JobsPublic Librarian Jobs

Public Librarian information

See salary details

$30.5K

$64.2K

$102K

How much do public librarian jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 12, 2026, the average yearly pay for public librarian in the United States is $64,190.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $49,500.00 and $78,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a public librarian?

Public librarians are professionals who work in public libraries to help people access information, resources, and services. They assist patrons with finding books, using computers, researching topics, and accessing community programs. Public librarians also organize events, manage collections, and promote literacy and lifelong learning for all age groups. Their role is essential in connecting the community to educational and cultural opportunities.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a public librarian?

To thrive as a Public Librarian, you generally need a master's degree in library and information science (MLIS), strong research abilities, and a broad knowledge of literature and information resources. Familiarity with integrated library systems (ILS), digital cataloging tools, and reference management software is typical, along with relevant certifications such as state licensure where required. Excellent communication, customer service, and organizational skills help librarians engage diverse patrons and foster community relationships. These skills and qualities are crucial for providing effective information access, supporting community education, and ensuring efficient library operations.

How does a public librarian typically collaborate with community organizations and schools?

Public librarians frequently partner with local organizations, schools, and community groups to develop and deliver programs that address the needs of their patrons. This collaboration can include organizing literacy initiatives, hosting educational workshops, and coordinating outreach events to promote library resources. Such partnerships not only strengthen community ties but also enhance the library's ability to serve a diverse audience. Librarians often act as liaisons, facilitating communication and ensuring that programs are tailored to community interests.

What is the difference between Public Librarian vs School Librarian?

AspectPublic LibrarianSchool Librarian
Required CredentialsMaster's degree in Library Science (MLS or MLIS)Master's degree in Library Science (MLS or MLIS) and teaching certification
Work EnvironmentPublic libraries serving diverse community membersSchool libraries within K-12 educational settings
Employer & IndustryPublic library systems, government-funded institutionsSchools, educational institutions
Common Search & ComparisonPublic Librarian vs School Librarian

Public Librarians and School Librarians both require a Master's in Library Science and serve as information professionals. However, Public Librarians work in community-focused public libraries, while School Librarians are based in educational settings supporting students and teachers. Their roles differ mainly in the work environment and target audience, but both are vital in promoting literacy and access to information.

Are public librarians still in demand?

Public librarians continue to be in demand as communities value access to information, literacy programs, and digital resources. Employment opportunities often require strong communication skills, familiarity with library management systems, and relevant certifications such as a master's degree in library science.

How to get a job as a public librarian?

To become a public librarian, candidates typically need a master's degree in library science or information studies from an American Library Association-accredited program. Relevant skills include cataloging, reference services, and technology proficiency; obtaining certification or state licensure may also be required depending on the location. Gaining experience through internships or volunteer work can improve job prospects in this field.
More about Public Librarian jobs

What cities are hiring for Public Librarian jobs?

Cities with the most Public Librarian job openings:

What states have the most Public Librarian jobs?

States with the most job openings for Public Librarian jobs include:

What are popular job titles related to Public Librarian jobs?

For Public Librarian jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Public Librarian jobs near you
Infographic showing various Public Librarian job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 81% Full Time, 14% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 93% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $64,190 per year, or $30.9 per hour.

Children's Librarian Baychester

Bronx, NY • On-site

The New York Public Library
Libraries and Archives • 1 - 5K employees
Learn more about The New York Public Libraryexternal

$55K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 9 days ago

Key responsibilities

  • Provides reference services and resource recommendations using print, media and digital resources

  • Collaborates with the Youth Educational Services Department to develop, promote and facilitate programs to build literacy and a love of reading

  • Partners with the collection development team to shape and maintain the Children's collection ensuring it is diverse, current, relevant and meets community needs

New York Public Library rating

7.5

Company rating: 7.5 out of 10

Based on 21 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

Job description

Description
Overview
The New York Public Library (NYPL) has been an essential provider of free books, information, ideas, and education for all New Yorkers for more than 100 years. NYPL’s neighborhood libraries in the Bronx, Manhattan, and Staten Island—many of which date to Andrew Carnegie’s visionary philanthropy at the turn of the 20th century—are being transformed into true centers of educational innovation and service, and vital community hubs that provide far more than just free books and materials. The Library is seeking Children’s Librarians to empower children from infant through pre-teen to become creative thinkers, enthusiastic readers, skillful researchers, and resourceful users of information. Successful candidates will embody each of these four characteristics themselves. Librarians start at $55,027 per year and are eligible in 12 months for an increased salary of $60,574 based on successful job performance.
Key Responsibilities
 Under the supervision of the Library Manager, the Children’s Librarian: 
  • Provides reference services and resource recommendations using print, media and digital resources 
  • Collaborates with the Youth Educational Services Department to develop, promote and facilitate innovative programs to build literacy and a love of reading to meet the expressed and anticipated needs of the community’s children, parents and childcare providers, including storytimes and other early literacy programs, visual and performing arts programming, STEM programs, summer reading events, and a variety of other programs both in the Library and throughout the community 
  • Partners with the collection development team to shape and maintain the Children's collection ensuring it is diverse, current, relevant and meets the needs of the community 
  • Works to engage children with the collection in ways that allow them to follow their interests and discover new ones 
  • Conducts outreach to and develops partnerships with community-based organizations, schools, daycare centers, and community groups that target children to promote the library’s services (e.g., MyLibraryNYC, the Library’s partnership with NYC schools), collections, specialized programs and resources to enhance the reading skills of children 
  • Encourages digital literacy and provides age-appropriate technology instruction to children 
  • Develops and maintains content for social media platforms such as Library blogs, Facebook, Twitter, Tumblr and Pinterest 
  • Develops and maintains the layout and appearance of the children’s space ensuring a safe and inviting area filled with relevant resources 
  • Mentors library staff in preparing and presenting children’s programs 
  • Assists with circulation, fines & fees management, reserves and opening/closing procedures 
  • May take responsibility for the facility, staff and operations in the absence of the Library Manager 
  • Maintains a working knowledge of trends in children's literature, youth services and the profession through webinars, meetings, internal training, conferences, professional literature and organizational memberships 
  • Performs related duties as require 

Required Education, Experience & Skills
Required Education & Experience
  •  ALA accredited Master’s degree in Library and Information Studies 
  • Public Librarian’s Professional Certificate issued by the State of New York 
Required Skills
  •  ALA accredited Master’s degree in Library and Information Studies 
  • Public Librarian’s Professional Certificate issued by the State of New York 
  • Strong commitment to public service and the ability to work well with a diverse patronage 
  • Experience creating and conducting a variety of innovative programs for Children and their parents/caregivers 
  • Knowledge and appreciation of children’s literature, audiovisual materials, computer resources, and other materials that constitute a balanced, relevant youth collection 
  • Experience developing, maintaining and marketing Children’s collections 
  • Experience building partnerships with local organizations and schools to better meet the needs of community users 
  • Demonstrated interpersonal, oral, and written communication skills 
  • Successfully demonstrated ability to work as part of a team 
  • Strong organization and planning skills, including the ability to perform multiple projects or tasks simultaneously 
  • Strong computer and other related technology skills, including MS Word, Excel, Powerpoint, Google applications, PCs, Macs and e-reader devices 
  • Demonstrated knowledge of computer services including online searching, social media and reference resources and databases 



Preferred Qualifications
Preferred Qualifications
  •  Knowledge of emerging library technologies, service and programming trends   for children in urban public libraries preferred 

More...
Please Note: Effective August 2, 2021, absent a qualifying exception for medical or religious reasons, newly hired employees of the New York Public Library must present proof of receipt of a COVID-19 vaccination and may not begin employment at the Library until 14 days after their receipt of their second dose of either the Pfizer or Moderna vaccines or 14 days after their first dose of the Johnson & Johnson vaccine.  Newly hired employees who need additional time to receive their vaccination prior to their start date may request an adjournment of their start date with their hiring manager.  The Library will consider such requests on a case by case basis, depending upon the Library’s operational needs, among other factors.  The Library will further consider exemptions for prospective employees who cannot become vaccinated due to a qualifying medical condition or a sincerely held religious belief or practice.  Candidates who receive a conditional offer of employment and who seek a medical or religious exemption to the Library’s vaccination policy should contact hrservicecenter@nypl.org for instructions on how to submit the required information for the evaluation of their exemption request.

Core Values
All team members are expected and encouraged to embody the NYPL Core Values:
  • Be Helpful to patrons and colleagues
  • Be Resourceful in solving problems 
  • Be Curious in all aspects of your work
Physical Duties
  • Lifting up to 15 lbs. 
  • Sitting and standing for periods of time 
  • Daily use of a compute 
Physical Required?
No
Union/Non Union
Local 1930
Schedule
 35 hours per week to be scheduled during regular branch hours 

What New York Public Library employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom

New York Public Library logo

About New York Public Library

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

The New York Public Library is a free provider of education and information for the people of New York and beyond. With 92 locations--including research and branch libraries--throughout the Bronx, Manhattan, and Staten Island, the Library offers free materials, computer access, classes, exhibitions, programming and more to everyone from toddlers to scholars, and has seen record numbers of attendance and circulation in recent years. The New York Public Library serves more than 18 million patrons who come through its doors annually and millions more around the globe who use its resources at www.nypl.org.

Industry

Libraries and archives

Company size

1,001 - 5,000 Employees

Headquarters location

New York, NY, US

Year founded

1895

View All New York Public Library Jobs