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Public Library Director Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Part Time Library Page

Anaheim, CA · On-site

$18.67 - $19.60/hr

Anaheim Public Library promotes literacy, lifelong learning, and a love of reading through ... direct exposure to hazardous physical substances. Physical Conditions: Must possess mobility to ...

Part Time Library Page

Anaheim, CA · On-site

$18.67 - $19.60/hr

Under direct supervision, the Part Time Library Page performs a variety of manual and clerical ... Anaheim Public Library promotes literacy, lifelong learning, and a love of reading through ...

Showing results 21-40

Public Library Director information

See California salary details

$39K

$97.9K

$172.7K

How much do public library director jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 4, 2026, the average yearly pay for public library director in California is $97,946.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $70,600.00 and $125,300.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a public library director do?

A Public Library Director oversees the operations and management of a public library or library system. Their responsibilities include developing library policies, managing staff, preparing budgets, and ensuring the library meets the needs of the community. Directors also collaborate with local government, plan programs and services, and advocate for library funding. They play a key leadership role in promoting literacy, access to information, and community engagement through library resources.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a public library director, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Public Library Director, you need strong leadership, management, and budgeting skills, typically supported by a master's degree in library science (MLS/MLIS) and several years of library experience. Familiarity with integrated library systems (ILS), digital resource platforms, and collection management tools is essential. Excellent communication, community engagement, and problem-solving abilities help foster positive relationships with staff, patrons, and local stakeholders. These skills ensure the effective operation, strategic growth, and community relevance of the library.

How does a public library director typically collaborate with local government and community organizations?

A Public Library Director frequently works with local government officials, such as city councils and county boards, to secure funding and advocate for library initiatives. They also partner with community organizations, schools, and nonprofits to develop programs that address local needs and promote literacy and lifelong learning. Building and maintaining these relationships is essential for expanding resources, increasing library visibility, and ensuring the library remains responsive to its community. These collaborations often involve attending meetings, joint event planning, and regular communication to align goals and share resources.

What is the difference between Public Library Director vs Public Librarian?

AspectPublic Library DirectorPublic Librarian
Required CredentialsMaster's degree in Library Science (MLS) or equivalent, leadership experienceMaster's degree in Library Science (MLS) or equivalent, library certification
Work EnvironmentAdministrative offices, overseeing staff and operationsPublic service desks, assisting patrons, managing collections
Employer & Industry UsagePublic libraries, government agenciesPublic libraries, educational institutions
Common Search & ComparisonFocuses on leadership, management, and strategic planningFocuses on daily patron services, collection management

The main difference between a Public Library Director and a Public Librarian lies in their roles. The Director handles administrative leadership, strategic planning, and staff management, requiring advanced degrees and experience. The Librarian primarily provides direct patron services, manages collections, and assists visitors. Both roles require a Master’s in Library Science, but their responsibilities and work environments differ significantly.

What are the most commonly searched types of Public Library jobs in California?

The most popular types of Public Library jobs in California are:

What are popular job titles related to Public Library Director jobs in California?

For Public Library Director jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Public Library Director jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Public Library Director jobs in California are:

What cities in California are hiring for Public Library Director jobs?

Cities in California with the most Public Library Director job openings:

Infographic showing various Public Library Director job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 84% Full Time, 12% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 92% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $97,946 per year, or $47.1 per hour.

$26.83 - $35.96/hr

Full-time

This job post has expired today. Applications are no longer accepted.


Key responsibilities

  • Greet customers and provide customer service at the circulation desk.

  • Check materials in and out using automated circulation software and process patron requests.

  • Assist with shelving, weeding, processing new materials, and maintaining order of library collections.


Job description

Description Your Next Chapter Starts Here. The City of Larkspur Library is hiring two Library Assistants. If you're passionate about customer service, lifelong learning, and making a positive impact in your community, we invite you to apply and join our dedicated library team.

View the brochure HERE. DEFINITION Under the direction of the Library Director, the Library Assistant provides customer service support at the Larkspur Library, a member of the MARINet Consortium. DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS The Library Assistant is an entry-level position in library services.

Responsibilities include both patron support and administrative support services. SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED The Library Assistant reports to the Library Director and also receives guidance from other staff members. There are no direct reports.

Examples of Duties ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES (Include but are not limited to the following:) Greet customers and provide customer service to library patrons at circulation desk. Check materials in and out using automated circulation software. Process new patron applications.

Answer standard questions regarding library services and operational policies over the phone and in person. Assist customers with user devices and public access terminals as time allows. Collect fines and records in library system.

Open and close the library. Clear book drop(s) and hold shelf(s). Set up newspapers; purchase missing copies of newspapers.

Resolve customer issues and refers problems to appropriate staff member as needed. Process patron requests using automated circulation software. Clear and sort external deliveries and process new materials.

Prepare and sort the Tamalpais weekly delivery. Setup and take down for library programs and events. Repair damaged library materials.

Read shelves to maintain order; assist with shelving, weeding, and boxing weeded materials as needed. Participate in collection maintenance tasks as needed. May visit the post office as needed.

Create signage for library and library events. May perform other job-related duties as directed. Typical Qualifications REQUIREMENTS Knowledge of Knowledge of customer service techniques and practices.

Knowledge of standard office practices and procedures, including records management and the operations of standard office equipment. Knowledge of basic library operations and collection access principles. Knowledge of basic computer systems, public access terminals, and library collection management systems.

Knowledge of service needs and issues and general culture of Larkspur community. Skill and Ability in Ability to learn and apply library policies and procedures, programs and services, and systems such as Dewey Decimal system Ability to learn and remember standard MARINet policies and procedures Ability to use library equipment, i.e., disk repair machine Ability to establish and maintain cooperative working relationships Ability to use standard telephone etiquette Ability to understand and apply policies and procedures, and adhere to program standards and objectives Ability to adjust to changes in workload and assignments Ability to understand and follow specific instructions and procedures Ability to make accurate arithmetic calculations Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing Skill in the use of personal computers and software applications, including accurate data entry and records maintenance, and the ability to learn and utilize new technology EDUCATION AND/OR EXPERIENCE Sufficient experience and education related to customer service to demonstrate the knowledge and skills listed and to perform the essential duties is required. A typical way of obtaining the required qualifications is: Possession of a High School Degree, AND one-year experience in customer service

Experience in a library setting which included the use of automated systems is preferred. Supplemental Information PHYSICAL WORKING CONDITIONS: The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Position requires prolonged sitting, standing, walking, kneeling, squatting and stooping in the performance of daily activities. The employee will occasionally be required to climb or balance or crawl. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly exposed to video display terminals.

The position also requires repetitive hand movement and fine coordination in data entry and preparing reports using a computer keyboard. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus. Acute hearing is required when providing phone and personal service.

The noise level in the work environment is occasionally loud. The employee must regularly lift and/or move up to 10 pounds and occasionally lift and/or move or push up to 40 pounds. The employee may be exposed to dust and infectious organisms.