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Rural Library Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Community Library Specialist

San Rafael, CA ยท On-site

$35.97 - $42.43/hr

These positions provide library services for patrons of all ages in small, rural communities and support daily branch operations at the Stinson Beach Library or the Inverness Library. Community ...

Community Library Specialist

CA ยท On-site

$35.97 - $42.43/hr

These positions provide library services for patrons of all ages in small, rural communities and support daily branch operations at the Stinson Beach Library or the Inverness Library. Community ...

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Rural Library information

See California salary details

$8

$15

$28

How much do rural library jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 16, 2026, the average hourly pay for rural library in California is $15.53, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $11.63 and $17.31 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What unique challenges might I face working in a rural library, and how can I prepare for them?

Working in a rural library often means serving a close-knit community with limited resources. You may find yourself wearing many hats, from managing collections to organizing outreach programs and providing tech support. Adapting to a smaller team structure requires flexibility and creativity in problem-solving. Building strong relationships with patrons and collaborating with local organizations are key for success. Emphasizing community engagement and being proactive in seeking grants or partnerships can help you address resource limitations effectively.

What is the difference between Rural Library vs Public Library Assistant?

AspectRural LibraryPublic Library Assistant
Required CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; some positions may require library certificationHigh school diploma; library certification optional but preferred
Work EnvironmentSmall, community-focused library in rural areasPublic library setting, often in urban or suburban areas
Employer & Industry UsageLocal government or community organizations in rural regionsPublic library systems across cities and towns
Common Search & ComparisonYesYes

The Rural Library and Public Library Assistant roles share similar credentials and work environments, but differ mainly in location and community focus. Rural Library staff typically serve smaller, rural communities, while Public Library Assistants work in larger, urban or suburban public libraries. Both roles involve assisting patrons, managing collections, and supporting library operations, but their scope and community engagement may vary based on setting.

What is a rural library?

A rural library is a public library located in a small town or countryside area, serving residents who may have limited access to resources available in larger cities. These libraries provide essential services such as lending books, offering internet access, hosting community events, and supporting lifelong learning. They often act as community hubs, helping to bridge the digital divide and offering educational opportunities for all ages in rural communities.

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

To thrive as a Rural Librarian, you need strong organizational skills, a knowledge of library science (often supported by a degree or certification), and experience in community engagement. Familiarity with library management systems, digital cataloging tools, and basic IT troubleshooting is typically required. Excellent communication, adaptability, and outreach abilities help build relationships and serve diverse community needs. These skills ensure effective library operations, promote literacy, and foster a welcoming environment in resource-limited rural settings.
What are popular job titles related to Rural Library jobs in California? For Rural Library jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What cities in California are hiring for Rural Library jobs? Cities in California with the most Rural Library job openings:
Infographic showing various Rural Library job openings in California as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $32,303 per year, or $15.5 per hour.
Community Library Specialist

Community Library Specialist

County of Marin

San Rafael, CA โ€ข On-site

$35.97 - $42.43/hr

Other

Posted 8 days ago


Job description

ABOUT US At the County of Marin, our employees overwhelmingly report feeling their work is meaningful, they like the work they do, and they are proud to tell people "I work for the County of Marin." Discover more about us, our values and our organizational culture here. Read on to find out more about this opportunity. The Marin County Free Library (MCFL) is a special taxing district that operates ten branch libraries in Marin under the authority of the Board of Supervisors

It provides public library services to the residents of the unincorporated areas of the County and the cities of Corte Madera, Fairfax and Novato. The Marin County Free Library is an innovative and dynamic civic institution that is committed to providing exceptional services to a community that cares deeply about the library and encourages the library to assume a critical role in supporting the community to be resilient, equitable, and progressive. MCFL is committed to racial equity and the inclusion of those with multiple perspectives and backgrounds in our decision making.

ABOUT THE POSITION The Community Library Specialist (CLS) reports to a Branch manager. These positions provide library services for patrons of all ages in small, rural communities and support daily branch operations at the Stinson Beach Library or the Inverness Library. Community engagement is at the heart of these positions, both inside and outside the walls of the library.

These positions also require a strong focus on joyful learning, community centered empowerment and collective impact with community agencies to guide and inform the scope and direction of the work. There are currently two part-time vacancies, one at the Stinson Beach branch and one at the Inverness branch. The primary duties of the Community Library Specialist include: Staffing a circulation/service desk to provide reference and reader's advisory services, as well as computer and technology support Developing and implementing responsive, inclusive programming that reflects community needs and interests Attending community events to provide information about library services and conducting presentations to community groups Building strong relationships with local organizations and community members Participating in branch, regional and systemwide library meetings and committee activities Stinson Beach: In addition to the primary duties, the Stinson Beach duties include working collaboratively with a coworker on maintaining the library's collections, coordinating a rotating art gallery wall in the library, and supervising volunteers.

Stinson Beach- 66 hours biweekly. The weekly schedule is: Monday 9:30am-6pm Tuesday 11:30am-8pm Wednesday 10:00am-2pm Friday 9:30am-6:00pm Saturday 9:30am-5:00pm Inverness: In addition to the primary duties, the Inverness duties include maintaining the library's collections, working closely with the local TK-grade 2 school to provide education equity support and library services, and supervising volunteers. Inverness/Point Reyes- 56.25 hours biweekly

The weekly schedule is: Monday 2:00-pm7:00pm Tuesday 9:30am-3:00pm Wednesday 9:30am-3:00pm Friday 10:00am-6:00pm Saturday 9:30am-2:00pm The list established from this recruitment will be used to fill all vacancies (regular, fixed-term, contingent, full and part-time) while the list remains active, as well as to generate a list for on-call assignments. ABOUT YOU The Highly Qualified Candidate We're looking for a self-motivated, service-oriented professional who is confident and capable of working independently but must be able and willing to contribute to the West Marin libraries team's success by being demonstrating flexibility, adaptability and embracing a spirit of collaboration. The strongest candidates bring: Strong emotional intelligence and the ability to work with people from all backgrounds Clear and effective communication skills, both written and verbal Confidence using computers and technology of all types and exceptional organizational skills Experience assessing and responding to community needs Bilingual skills in English/Spanish are desirable but not required.

Special Requirements: Candidates selected are subject to fingerprinting by the Sheriff's Department and must pass a Department of Justice LiveScan background check prior to appointment. Bilingual Testing/Certification: To be eligible for a bilingual differential, the successful candidate must possess bilingual skills and must demonstrate proficiency in both Spanish and English prior to appointment. A bilingual proficiency exam will be administered to ensure the candidates possess the appropriate skill level to meet the requirements.

Qualifications KNOWLEDGE OF Accepted library policies, procedures, methods, practices, terminology, and automated library equipment and methods including indexing and filing, cataloging and classification schemes, circulation techniques, and general reference research to locate specific topics. General library reference materials and resources; common literary works and authors. Computer applications and software programs related to the work.

Customer relations techniques. Business letter writing and basic report preparation techniques. Statistical data collection methods, analysis and techniques.

Business arithmetic. Recordkeeping practices. Basic supervisory principles and practices.

Principles, practices, and methods of administering and coordinating an outreach or volunteer program. Methods and techniques for recruiting, motivating, training, coaching and retaining volunteers. If assigned to the Adult Literacy Program, adult learning terminology, theories, practices and methods, including assessing adult students, creating a profile that reveals the student's level of education and basic practices of adult literacy instruction.

If assigned to the Family Literacy Program, early childhood learning terminology, theory, practices and methods and basic practices of early childhood instruction. ABILITY TO Independently operate a small branch library, mobile library vehicle, or outreach program and perform patron services and library support work. Answer or direct reference questions from patrons to appropriate staff.

Interpret, apply and explain library policies and procedures. Operate current automated library equipment, systems and technology. Advise patrons on the use of library computers and equipment, standard software and internet searches.

Perform basic arithmetical computations, collect library fees, accept cash, make change and deposit funds to appropriate accounts. Supervise staff in work policies and procedures; train and oversee the work of volunteers. Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of the work including library system staff, community groups, volunteers, and library patrons.

Communicate effectively orally and in writing. Make sound independent decisions within procedural guidelines. Organize own work and set work priorities.

Prepare and maintain clear and accurate records and reports MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS AND CERTIFICATIONS & LICENSES Any combination of education and experience that demonstrates the required knowledge and abilities. Typically, three years of full-time paraprofessional library experience or three years of experience providing programmatic services in a community agency setting. Successful completion of related coursework from a recognized college or university may be substituted for the required experience on a year for year basis (30 semester or 45 quarter units) for a maximum substitution of two years.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION For any questions concerning this position announcement, please contact Alisa Samuel at Alisa.Samuel@marincounty.gov. All applicants will receive email notifications regarding their status in the recruitment process. Please be sure to check your spam settings to allow our emails to reach you

You may also log into your GovernmentJobs.com account to view these emails. Testing and Eligible List: Depending on the number of qualified applications received, the examination may consist of a highly qualified review, application screening, online assessment, written examination, oral examination, performance examination, or any combination to determine which candidates' names will be placed on the eligible list. The eligible list established from this recruitment may be used to fill the current vacancy, and any future vacancies for open, fixed-term, full-time or part-time positions which may occur while the list remains active

Disaster Service Workers: All County of Marin employees are designated Disaster Service Workers through state and local law (California Government Code Section 3100-3109). Employment with the County requires the affirmation of a loyalty oath to this effect. Employees are required to complete all Disaster Service Worker-related training as assigned, and to return to work as ordered in the event of an emergency.

Equal Employment Opportunity Employer: If you have questions regarding equal employment opportunities, please contact Roger Crawford, Equal Employment Opportunity Director, at 415-473-2095.