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Public Library Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Library Assistant II

Norfolk, VA ยท On-site

$21/hr

Library Assistant II The Norfolk Public Library (NPL) is a dynamic and community-focused network of libraries committed to fostering literacy, lifelong learning, and community engagement. With a rich ...

Deputy Director

Hanover, VA ยท On-site

$92K/yr

This position is ideal for an experienced public library administrator who understands how to coordinate people, resources, projects, and priorities across a complex organization. The Deputy Director ...

Library Assistant II

Norfolk, VA ยท On-site

$21.01 - $35.20/hr

Front line customer service at the public desk; assisting patrons with library inquiries concerning library and community services. * Provides customer service in building as it relates to all ...

Library Assistant II

Norfolk, VA ยท On-site

$21.01 - $35.20/hr

Front line customer service at the public desk; assisting patrons with library inquiries concerning library and community services. * Provides customer service in building as it relates to all ...

Youth Services Librarian

VA ยท On-site

$65K - $119K/yr

LIBRARY Division: PUBLIC SERVICES Opening Date: 09/04/2026 Closing Date: 9/20/2026 11:59 PM Eastern GRADE: C41 Hiring Salary: $65,910.00 - $79,408.88 Introduction Prince William Public Libraries ...

Showing results 21-40

Public Library information

See Virginia salary details

$30.2K

$63.6K

$101.1K

How much do public library jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 15, 2026, the average yearly pay for public library in Virginia is $63,639.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $49,100.00 and $77,300.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a public library?

A public library is a community-based institution that provides free access to books, digital resources, and various educational and cultural programs for people of all ages. Funded primarily by public money, these libraries offer lending services, internet access, research assistance, and spaces for study and community events. Public libraries aim to support literacy, lifelong learning, and equal access to information for everyone, regardless of background or income.

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

To thrive as a Public Librarian, you need a master's degree in library and information science (MLIS), knowledge of cataloging, and strong information literacy skills. Familiarity with integrated library systems (ILS), digital databases, and electronic resource management is typically required. Exceptional customer service, communication, and community engagement skills help librarians connect with diverse patrons and foster a welcoming environment. These competencies ensure effective resource management, information access, and impactful support for community learning and enrichment.

What are some common challenges faced by staff working in a public library, and how are they addressed?

Public library staff often encounter challenges such as managing diverse patron needs, addressing technology-related questions, and handling periods of high visitor volume. To address these, staff receive ongoing training in customer service, digital literacy, and conflict resolution. Collaborative teamwork is essential, with librarians and support staff frequently communicating to ensure smooth daily operations and equitable service for all visitors. Many libraries also implement clear policies and utilize flexible scheduling to help staff manage workloads effectively.

What is the difference between Public Library vs Librarian?

AspectPublic LibraryLibrarian
CredentialsVaries; often requires a master's degree in library science (MLS)Typically requires an MLS or equivalent degree
Work EnvironmentPublic spaces serving community members, including children, adults, and seniorsLibraries, educational institutions, or archives; involves organizing and managing collections
Employer & IndustryPublic libraries, government agenciesLibraries, educational institutions, archives
Search & Comparison IntentUnderstanding what a public library offersRoles and responsibilities of a librarian

Public libraries are community-focused institutions providing access to books, resources, and programs. Librarians are professionals who manage library collections, assist patrons, and organize information. While public libraries are the setting, librarians are the key personnel working within these institutions. Both roles often require similar qualifications, but the library itself is a service point, whereas librarians are the staff delivering those services.

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

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

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

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

What cities in Virginia are hiring for Public Library jobs?

Cities in Virginia with the most Public Library job openings:

Infographic showing various Public Library job openings in Virginia as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 76% Full Time, 17% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 4% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 89% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $63,639 per year, or $30.6 per hour.

Library - Director

Manassas Park, VA โ€ข On-site

Library Systems & Services LLC
Libraries and Archivesย โ€ขย 1 - 5K employees

$75K - $85K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted yesterday


Key responsibilities

  • Manage library operations, staff, and resources to ensure effective service delivery.

  • Evaluate library environments and operational indicators to identify problems and opportunities for improvement.

  • Oversee the development and performance of library staff to achieve organizational goals.


Job description

Job Type
Full-time
Description
Manassas Park City Library is looking for it's next leader!
The Library - Director I supports the LS&S mission, vision, and values through exceptional leadership and dedicated customer focus. The Library - Director I is responsible for ensuring contract requirements are met in a single-location library system. The Director will lead a team of library staff members who are committed to creating a thriving library in the heart of their community. The Library - Director I will be responsible for building a strong partnership with their local official(s) and managing the customer relationship.
PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITES
An individual must be able to perform each essential duty and responsibility satisfactorily.
  • Manages with integrity, honesty, and knowledge to promote the culture, values, and mission of LS&S and creates thriving libraries in the heart of our communities
  • Evaluate library environments and key operational indicators to identify problems, concerns, and opportunities for improvement
  • Reports regularly to the VP of Library Operations and meets weekly with VP via ZOOM on a set schedule
  • Coaches' library staff to help achieve operational goals
  • Monitors and manages staffing levels
  • Develops the library team to deliver excellent customer service and patron experiences
  • Evaluates and supports the performance of library staff
  • Implements action plans that meet operational and organizational objectives
  • Keeps current with library trends, issues, and technology as well as political, economic, and demographic issues that may affect library services and advanced programming
  • Plans and executes local, regional, and company initiatives to achieve both operational excellence and business results; follows up consistently to ensure accountability to plans
  • Utilizes existing tools and best practices to ensure effective library operations
  • Utilizes and helps Library staff utilize management information tools and analyzes financial reports and other library-related data (usage, demographics, trends, etc.) to identify and address library system trends and issues
  • Oversee the selection, acquisition, and processing of library materials to meet public needs within the structure of library selection policies and budgetary limitations
  • Responsible for the local management of the customer relationship (city/county officials, governing boards, library boards)
  • Regularly solicit client, other stakeholder, and patron feedback to understand client needs and the needs of the local community
  • Establish a positive, healthy, and safe work environment in accordance with all appropriate legislation and regulations
  • Oversee the implementation of the human resources policies, procedures, and practices
  • Know, understand, and administer the American Library Association's Library Bill of Rights, Freedom to Read Statement, and Freedom to View Statement, recognizing that freedom of access is a fundamental tenet of a public library. In addition to these freedoms, support client discretion of materials available at your local library(ies)
  • Follow all legal and policy requirements related to patron privacy and custodianship of patron records
  • Other duties as assigned

Requirements
An individual should possess the knowledge, skills, and abilities listed and meet the amount of education, training, and/or work experience required.
  • MLIS degree is required
  • One to three years of supervisory experience preferred
  • Experience analyzing and applying financial reports and library-related data (usage, demographics, trends, etc.)
  • Basic knowledge of programming and financial management
  • Experience in a role that requires frequent interaction with patrons, fulfilling the requests of patrons, and responsibility for addressing patron issues, questions, and suggestions
  • The Library Director should demonstrate competence in all of the following:
  • Adaptability: Demonstrate a willingness to be flexible, versatile, and/or tolerant in a changing work environment while maintaining effectiveness and efficiency
  • Behave Ethically: Understand ethical behavior and business practices, and ensure that own behavior and the behavior of others are consistent with these standards and align with the values of the organization
  • Build Relationships: Establish and maintain positive working relationships with others, both internally and externally, to achieve the goals of the organization
  • Communicate Effectively: Speak, listen, and write in a clear, thorough, and timely manner using appropriate and effective communication tools and techniques
  • Creativity/Innovation: Develop new and unique ways to improve the operations of the library and to create new opportunities
  • Focus on Client Needs: Anticipate, understand, and respond to the needs of internal and external clients to meet or exceed their expectations within the organizational parameters
  • Foster Teamwork: Work cooperatively and effectively with others to set goals, resolve problems, and make decisions that enhance organizational effectiveness
  • Lead: Positively influence others to achieve results that are in the best interest of the organization
  • Make Decisions: Assess situations to determine the importance, urgency, and risks, and make clear decisions that are timely and in the best interests of the organization
  • Organize: Set priorities, develop a work schedule, monitor progress toward goals, and track details, data, information, and activities
  • Plan: Determine strategies to move the organization forward, set goals, create and implement actions plans, and evaluate the process and results
  • Solve Problems: Assess problem situations to identify causes, gather and process relevant information, generate possible solutions, and make recommendations and/or resolve the problem
  • Think Strategically: Assesses options and actions based on trends and conditions in the environment and the vision and values of the organization
  • Resilience - the ability to pivot in response to challenges, maintain flexibility, and regulate emotions to remain focused and effective in one's work.

Physical Requirements
  • Ability to sit for long periods of time and to maintain focus on projects such as computer screens or detailed paperwork.
  • Occasionally lifting of items weighing up to twenty-five (25) pounds such as files, books, and other materials.

Benefits
  • Health Care Plan (Medical, Dental & Vision)
  • Tuition Assistance
  • Retirement Plan (401k)
  • Life Insurance (Basic, Voluntary & AD&D)
  • Paid Time Off (Vacation, Sick & Public Holidays)
  • Short Term & Long-Term Disability
  • Training & Development
  • Wellness Resources
  • Salary range - $75,000 - $85,000

Salary Description
$75,000 - $85,000