Programming Librarian (Librarian I)
(ADULT SERVICES)
Job Ad followed by Job Description
Job Ad
Cary Memorial Library has a position available for a full-time Programming Librarian, to join our Programming and Partnerships team. As one of the busiest libraries in Massachusetts, Cary Memorial Library works hard to be at the forefront of library services. We celebrate the diversity of our community through our programming and our collections.
Cary Memorial Library in Lexington, MA is looking for an imaginative, enthusiastic, and energetic candidate to join our Programming and Partnerships team. If you are looking for a position at a library where funding and community interest allow us to take risks and dream big, this may be your next job! Cary Library is looking for an individual with strong customer service, interpersonal, and project management skills, a demonstrated ability to work successfully independently as well as in a team setting, and the desire to work with our incredibly diverse and engaged community.
The successful candidate will be a self-starter who is passionate about bringing creative ideas into being and contributing to a dynamic team. They will have the opportunity to assist the Programming and Partnerships Manager and members of the Programming team in the development and delivery of library programs as well as to plan and implement their own. Programming related tasks include program logistics, drafting press releases, managing newsletters, creating graphics, printing and distributing posters and other PR materials, and welcoming and introducing program presenters.
If you are interested in joining a wonderful, collegial staff and serving a great library-friendly community, we would very much like to meet you.
While this position is primarily a programming position in the Adult Services Department, the successful candidate will work on the library’s public service desks, performing a full range of library operations including assisting patrons in locating materials and information, checking materials in and out, processing deliveries and answering telephones. The position’s public service duties will mainly be in Adult Services, although may be expected to fill in at all public service desks. May serve as “in charge” person, overseeing library staffing and functions in the absence of a library department head, manager or administrator.
Qualifications: The ideal candidate will hold a Masters in Library and Information Science from an American Library Association Accredited program or hold a Bachelor’s degree with applicable programming and library experience. Curiosity and the desire to learn and grow new technology skills are important for success in this position. PC proficiency is required. Experience using automated library systems is preferred. The Town of Lexington has a strong commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion and we are actively seeking candidates who bring new voices and lived experiences to our organization. Experience using graphic design software such as Canva is strongly preferred.
Language Skills: Ability to speak Chinese, Korean, or Spanish is a plus.
Salary Range: $33.43-41.80* hourly in seven steps, plus differential pay on weekday evenings after 6 pm and all day on Saturdays. Time and a half pay for voluntary Sundays. Includes an excellent benefits package. This is a Union eligible position. (*Expected salary range starting July 1, 2025.)
Schedule: 37 paid hours a week, including one evening per week until 9 pm and one Saturday every four weeks. On the weeks the individual works a Saturday, they will have a scheduled weekday off. Possible opportunities to work optional Sundays at an hourly rate of time and half may be available. The position may require additional nights and weekends as needed for programs.
Apply: Please email a resume, cover letter, and three references in PDF to Susan Lusk (slusk@lexingtonma.gov) EO/AAE. One PDF file preferred. Resume packets received by July 7, 2025 at 5:00 PM will be given priority. Open until filled. The Town of Lexington has a strong commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion and we are actively seeking candidates who bring new voices and lived experiences to our organization.
Please see below for full job description
POSITION DESCRIPTION
Class Title: Librarian I - Programming
Department: LIBRARY
Division: Adult Services
Union: Cary Memorial Library Staff Association, Local 4928, MLSA, MFT, AFT, AFL-CIO
Date: June 13, 2025
GENERAL PURPOSE
Librarians perform a variety of professional tasks involved in providing library services to the public including staffing public service desks, programming, and collection development and maintenance.
Librarians have frequent contact with public, library employees, other town departments/boards, community organizations, library network/regional library systems, vendors, which require tact, diplomacy, negotiating skills, independent judgment, problem solving, and resourcefulness.
This position specializes in Adult Programming and is a member of the library’s Programming Team, working with colleagues and community organizations to keep the Library engaged and involved in community efforts.
SUPERVISION RECEIVED
Reports to the Programming & Partnerships Manager and works under the general direction of the Head of Adult Services.
SUPERVISION EXERCISED
May provide supervision for library staff assigned to programming efforts.
Helps coordinate the work of community members involved in library programs.
May occasionally serve as “in charge” person, overseeing library staffing and functions in the absence of a library department head, manager or administrator.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Programming:
- As part of the Adult Programming Team, works both individually and collaboratively with colleagues, community groups, and Town departments to envision, plan, present, and promote programs and activities.
- Supports programming and projects involving the Idea Wall and Living Room spaces.
- Creates programming PR materials and Social Media content.
- Operates various programming related technologies including meeting room technology, Zoom, and Social Media platforms
- Looks for opportunities to take library programs and services out beyond the Library’s walls.
- Performs other duties as assigned.
Public Service Desks:
- Provides outstanding customer service to patrons at the library’s busy public service desks.
- Handles complaints and suggestions in a professional manner and refers them to the appropriate staff member.
- Uses, and assists patrons and staff in use of an ever-changing variety of library equipment. Assists patrons in person, by phone, and online.
- Has access to confidential information and performs duties that require constant attention to detail and accuracy.
Leadership:
- Convenes staff working groups when appropriate.
- May serve on Town or community groups.
- Attends network, state, and national meetings and conferences.
SKILLS AND QUALIFICATIONS
- Prior experience providing Adult programming in a public library setting is preferred.
- The ideal candidate will hold a Masters in Library and Information Science from an American Library Association Accredited program or hold a Bachelor’s degree with applicable programming and library experience.
- A strong commitment to the principles of diversity, equity, and inclusion as cornerstones of excellent library service.
- Experience planning and running large scale events or programs.
- Experience in circulation or reference services.
- Excellent oral, written, and virtual communications skills.
- Knowledge of Social Media platforms, graphic design programs, and virtual meeting software.
- Ability to deal courteously and tactfully with colleagues and community members.
- Ability to work successfully as the leader of or member of a team.
WORK ENVIRONMENT AND PHYSICAL DEMANDS
The daily work of the Programming Librarian generally includes physical activities such as reaching, bending, and lifting and carrying materials and other items. Moving around the library and preparing spaces for meetings and programs is part of this role. Use of phones, computers, meeting room technology, and other types of small equipment is required for this position. That said, reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform these essential functions. The noise level in the work environment is moderate to noisy.
The duties listed in this job description are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work that will be performed. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related or a logical assignment to the position. The job description does not constitute an employment agreement between the employer and the employee and is subject to change by the employer as the needs of the employer and requirements of the job change.
SCHEDULE
This is a full-time position with a 37 hours/week schedule including one evening/week and every 4th Saturday. On the weeks the individual works a Saturday, they will have a scheduled weekday off. Possible opportunities to work optional Sundays at an hourly rate of time and half may be available. The position may require additional nights and weekends as needed for programs.
SALARY
$33.43-41.80* hourly in seven steps, plus differential pay on weekday evenings after 6 pm and all day on Saturdays. Time and a half pay for voluntary Sundays. Includes an excellent benefits package. This is a Union eligible position. (*Expected salary range starting July 1, 2025.)
The Town of Lexington has a strong commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion and we are actively seeking candidates who bring new voices and lived experiences to our organization.