Public Libraries Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Salary : $7,546.93 - $8,739.47 Monthly
Location : Torrance, CA
Job Type: Permanent Full-time
Job Number: 26051625
Department: COMMUNITY SERVICES
Opening Date: 05/26/2026
DESCRIPTION
WE STRONGLY ENCOURAGE APPLICANTS TO READ THE JOB ANNOUNCEMENT
IN ITS ENTIRETY BEFORE SUBMITTING AN APPLICATION FOR THIS POSITION.
The City of Torrance recognizes the principles of diversity and inclusion, and strives to ensure equal opportunities for its workforce, applicants and community members. If you are a person who wants to make a difference, give back to your community, and be a voice for change, apply to the City of Torrance today.
The is recruiting for a Senior Librarian to be part of the Torrance Public Library Team!
The DepartmentThe City of Torrance Community Services Department is dedicated to enriching the quality of life for the community by providing inclusive, innovative, and customer-focused programs, services, and facilities for residents of all ages. The Department oversees a diverse range of operations, including parks and recreation services, library services, cultural arts, community events, youth and senior programs, athletics, facility rentals, and community engagement initiatives. Through well-maintained public spaces, educational and recreational opportunities, and meaningful community partnerships, the Department fosters lifelong learning, health and wellness, cultural enrichment, and civic pride while supporting a vibrant and connected Torrance community.
The Division
The Torrance Public Library serves the community through a network of welcoming neighborhood libraries that provide access to books, digital resources, technology, educational programming, and cultural enrichment opportunities for all ages. Our main library is centrally located in the Civic Center and five branches are conveniently located within a five-mile radius of the main library. The Library Division has a circulation of over 1.2 million funded with a budget of $7.2 million and staffed with approximately 67 employees.The library system is committed to supporting lifelong learning, community engagement, literacy, and equitable access to information through innovative services, knowledgeable staff, and responsive public programs.The PositionThe City of Torrance is seeking an experienced and service-oriented Senior Librarian to lead branch library operations or specialized library services. This supervisory role oversees library staff, programs, collections, and daily operations while delivering high-quality public service to a diverse community. The ideal candidate will possess strong leadership skills, a passion for public librarianship, and the ability to develop engaging library programs, manage budgets, and foster positive community relationships. Responsibilities may include youth services, support services, staff development, public outreach, and advancing innovative library services and technology. For more information about the duties of the position, click here.
The City offers ample opportunities for career growth throughout the organization with its 14 departments, which work together to provide quality service, enriching programs, and exciting events to keep the community safe and thriving. The City also proudly offers exceptional employee benefits and perks! Please click here for more information on Employee Benefits, Discounts, & Incentives!
QUALIFICATION GUIDELINES
Any combination of education and experience that would have provided the knowledge and skills required is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the knowledge and skills would be:
A Master of Library Science degree from an ALA accredited college or university and three years of professional public library experience in area of responsibility.
Successful candidates will possess the following:

• Ability to effectively supervise various professional and paraprofessional staff;
• Strong decision-making, planning, and scheduling skills;
• Ability to work collaboratively across the organization with an emphasis on a professional, ethical and inclusive mindset;
• Recent, relevant public library experience;
• Experience and knowledge of presenting programs and cultivating community partnerships;
• Ability to work varying schedule, including but not limited to weeknights and weekends.

HOW TO APPLY & EXAM PROCESS
Interested candidates must submit an online application and supplemental questionnaire at www.TorranceCA.Gov/Jobs.
First review of applications will be those received by Tuesday, June 16, 2026 at 11:59 p.m. Application submission will remain open until the position is filled. If a sufficient number of qualified applications are received by the first review date, there is a possibility that the recruitment may close at that time.
Only those candidates who best meet the City and Department's needs will be invited to participate in the testing process, which will consist of a Performance Test (weighed 50%) and Panel Interview (weighted 50%) tentatively scheduled for Tuesday, July 7, 2026
Note: The tentative test date(s) will be based on a sufficient number of qualified applications received by the first review date. If a sufficient number of applications are not received by the first review date, there is the possibility that the test date may change to a later date.
SPECIAL NOTES
Visit www.TorranceCA.Gov to find out more information about our community.
The City of Torrance Conflict of Interest Code requires that employees in this classification file an annual Financial Disclosure Statement. Information about this requirement may be obtained from the City Clerk's office.
As a condition of employment, candidates must pass a background check.
Applicants with disabilities who require special testing arrangements must contact Human Resources prior to the examination date(s). If you have a disability for which you require an accommodation, please contact us at (310) 618-2915 prior to the test date.
The provisions of this announcement do not constitute an expressed or implied contract and any provisions contained in this announcement may be modified or revoked without notice.
City of Torrance Inclusion Statement
The City of Torrance is a welcoming and culturally rich community. As a pillar of public service, we strive to be an employer of choice by attracting and retaining a talented workforce where people of diverse backgrounds, cultures, religions, and lifestyles are valued. Our mission is to create an inclusive environment where our staff are empowered to perform at their highest level and contribute towards making a positive impact.
The City is an equal opportunity employer and works towards building collaborative teams from all walks of life without regard to race, color, ethnicity, religion, national origin, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, ancestry, disability, genetic information, veteran status, or any other status protected under federal, state and/or local law. Come join us to help cultivate a workplace that welcomes and celebrates the diversity of our employees!
The City of Torrance offers a range of benefit programs for employees and their eligible dependents. Benefits may include health, dental, vision, and life insurance, as well as a variety of voluntary benefits. Programs and benefits amounts vary and are based on bargaining unit, family size, hire date, plan selection, and number of hours worked.
To view the current benefits for Torrance Professional and Supervisory Association bargaining unit, visit:
For additional information about the City's benefits, visit:
RETIREMENT BENEFITS - The City contracts with the California Public Employees Retirement System (CalPERS) to provide retirement benefits. Retirement formula is based on appointment date and membership status with CalPERS.
01
The following supplemental questions will be used to evaluate your qualifications for the position for which you are applying. Resumes are encouraged but will NOT be used in lieu of the application or supplemental questions. Please read each question carefully and provide a thorough and complete response. Do NOT state "see resume" or "see application" to respond to any of the following questions. Failure to respond to all questions will be considered an incomplete application and may not be considered for further processing. Do you understand the foregoing?

• Yes
• No

02
I UNDERSTAND that I am required to describe IN DETAIL my qualifying experience in the Work Experience Section of my application. In addition to including my qualifying experience, I UNDERSTAND that I should list ALL JOBS, regardless of duration, including part-time jobs, military service and any volunteer experience during my entire work history.I UNDERSTAND that when providing my work history, ALL DATES should be UPDATED, starting with my most recent job.I UNDERSTAND that answers that I provide to the supplemental questions should be reflected in the Work Experience Section of my application.I UNDERSTAND that if I am currently employed by the City of Torrance, I MUST provide my appropriate job classification/title and provide a description of my duties in the Work Experience Section of my application.I have read these statements in their entirety and understand them completely and to their fullest.

• Yes
• No

03
What is your highest level of education completed?

• High School Diploma or GED
• Some College Coursework
• Associate's Degree
• Bachelor's Degree
• Master's Degree or above

04
How many full-time years of experience do you have working in a public library setting?

• None
• Less than one year
• More than one year, but less than two years
• More than two years, but less than three years
• More than three years

05
Do you possess a valid California class C driver's license?

• Yes
• No

06
How many full-time years of experience do you have supervising staff?

• None
• Less than one year
• More than one year, but less than two years
• More than two years, but less than three years
• More than three years

07
Describe your experience managing library programs for adult, youth, and multi-generational audiences.
08
Describe your experience with outreach and the cultivation of meaningful community relationships.
09
Describe your experience supervising and evaluating the work of individuals and teams.
10
Cultivating equity, diversity and inclusion is important to Torrance Public Library. As a Senior Librarian, how would you ensure the working environment is welcoming and accessible to all?
Required Question