Senior Librarian and Librarian (Multiple Positions)

Description

Empower Community Voices. Inspire the Next Generation. | Join the City of Palo Alto Library Team

Bring your creativity and leadership to a library that inspires, connects, and empowers.

The City of Palo Alto's Library department is hiring two experienced professionals to help shape how people in our community learn, connect, and grow:

Senior Librarian - Programming & Outreach
Senior Librarian - Teen Services

While these positions are intended at the Senior Librarian level, we may consider filling them at the Librarian level for candidates whose experience aligns with that classification.

This recruitment will also create an eligibility list for future Librarian and Senior Librarian openings. If you’re passionate about public service and building something lasting, we encourage you to apply.

The Roles

Senior Librarian - Programming & Outreach

We’re looking for a creative storyteller and community connector to lead systemwide programming and outreach initiatives for all ages.

In this role, you will:

• Design and deliver engaging programs that bring the library into the community.
• Develop marketing materials—flyers, brochures, and social media content—to showcase services and events.
• Use tools like Adobe Creative Cloud, Canva, and web technologies to bring ideas to life.
• Build partnerships with schools, nonprofits, and community groups.
• Keep collections fresh and relevant to our diverse patrons.

Senior Librarian - Teen Services

Join a library with dynamic Teen Spaces and an active teen community.

In this role, you will:

• Convene and mentor the Teen Advisory Board.
• Create programs that inspire teens to learn, lead, and explore their interests.
• Develop and maintain collections that reflect the diversity of teen experiences.
• Collaborate with local agencies and schools to expand our impact.
• Foster a welcoming environment where teens feel respected and included.

Read the Senior Librarian job description

Note: Both positions may be filled at the Librarian level for candidates whose experience aligns with that classification.

Future Opportunities

This recruitment will also establish an eligibility list for Librarian and Senior Librarian positions in additional service areas, which may include positions serving youth and/ or adults in both traditional and digital literacy. Library professionals with passion for and skills in emerging literacy and technology trends are also encouraged to apply

If you are interested in joining a forward-thinking library that invests in professional growth, we encourage you to apply now to be considered for current and future opportunities.

What You’ll Bring

Senior Librarian Roles

• Master’s Degree in Library and Information Science
• Three years of professional librarian experience
• A record of designing programs, developing collections, and leading with empathy

Librarian Roles

• Master’s Degree in Library and Information Science (preferred, but not required )
• Experience creating programs maintaining library collections, and working with the public , ideally in public libraries.

A Library That Grows With You

This is a place where curiosity meets community.

Our five branches are dynamic community hub s—they’re where toddlers take their first steps toward a love of reading, teens discover their voices, and neighbors come together to learn, create, and connect.

We’re known for doing things a little differently: experimenting with new technology, reimagining traditional programs, and staying responsive to the people we serve. In 2022, Library Journal named us a 5-Star Library, recognizing our commitment to high-quality, innovative service.

If you share our dedication to evolving library services to meet the needs of today—and tomorrow—you will find meaningful and rewarding work here.

A Community That Believes in Public Libraries

Palo Alto sits at the heart of Silicon Valley, where big ideas and community spirit go hand in hand.

It’s a city of curiosity and learning: home to Stanford University, leading technology companies, and neighborhoods full of people who value creativity, civic engagement, and public spaces that bring people together.

People here care deeply about their libraries. That support shows up every day—in packed storytimes, buzzing study spaces, and neighbors volunteering their time to help our programs thrive.

Working here means contributing to an organization that invests in its people. You’ll have the resources and encouragement to develop new ideas and build programs that have a lasting impact—whether you’re welcoming a first-time visitor or helping a teen feel valued.

Why You’ll Love Working Here

• You’ll help create spaces where people feel seen, supported, and inspired.
• You’ll have room to experiment, lead, and build programs you believe in.
• You’ll join a team that values collaboration, curiosity, and kindness.
• You’ll know your work matters—to your colleagues and to your community.

The Work Environment

These positions are based primarily at Mitchell Park and Rinconada Libraries, with regular evening and weekend hours.

You’ll work alongside a supportive team dedicated to welcoming every person who walks through our doors.

Benefits That Support You

• CalPERS Pension - Secure, lifetime retirement income
• Fully Paid Medical, Dental & Vision - Coverage for you and your family
• Six Weeks Paid Parental Leave
• Childcare Assistance - Up to $10,000/year toward childcare costs
• Option to Enroll in Palo Alto Unified School District - For your school-age children
• Generous Time Off - 13 paid holidays, 96 hours of sick leave, and up to 200 hours of vacation per year
• Commuter Perks - Unlimited Bay Area transit with Clipper BayPass, including Caltrain, BART, VTA, MUNI, and more
• Life Insurance - Coverage equal to one year of your salary
• Employee Assistance Program - Five free counseling sessions per topic every year

Visit our Careers Page to learn more and view MOAs between the City and its employee groups.

Interview Timeline

• Panel Interviews: Week of August 11th
• Final Interviews: Week of August 18th

We will share any updates directly with candidates.

Let’s Build Something Great Together

Apply today to help create a library where every visitor feels inspired to learn, connect, and thrive. We look forward to learning more about you!

This position is represented by the Service Employees International Union (SEIU).

Essential Duties

Senior Librarian

Essential and other important responsibilities and duties may include, but are not limited to, the following:

• May perform duties of Librarian as required.
• Responsible for selection and de-selection of library materials in one or more subject areas on a rotating basis, chairs or serves on library wide materials order review committee and participates on materials weeding team. Evaluates need to add or retain collection materials based on variety of criteria; verifies and evaluates customer requests for purchases; responsible for daily collection maintenance and evaluation; coordinates processing of discarded materials.
• In consultation with the Division Head, ITC, establishes and monitors selection fund accounts within the integrated library system; assists the Division Head in allocating the annual materials budget; coordinates the activities of adult materials selectors; trains new selectors.
• Develops, organizes, and maintains variety of up-to-date collections (such as reference resource files and government document files) not cataloged in usual manner.
• Monitors physical arrangements and other requirements relevant to collection size and promotion of specific areas/collections in the library. Monitors maintenance requirements for and assists public in use of a variety of library equipment including COM readers, microfilm reader printers and photocopiers, and computers.
• Assists with recruitments, interviews, schedules, trains, initiates and coordinates work of regular, temporary and volunteer staff as assigned; assumes responsibility of unit.
• Responsible for security of building and safety of customers and staff.
• Performs original cataloging and classification efficiently utilizing an on-line computerized cataloging system; assigns access points for materials; establishes new bibliographic computer records in accordance with recognized standards; handles special services such as transfers; monitors variety of selection maintenance activities.
• Communicates cataloging decisions to staff; answers questions from staff regarding OPAC displays; monitors the quality of vendor-created records.
• Responsible for all elements of library programming including planning, coordination, promotion and conducting of programs. Cooperates with other City departments, community and library groups in co-sponsorship of programs.
• Conducts reference interviews; analyzes, interprets and answers inquiries at all level of complexity utilizing resources in Palo Alto Libraries as well as other libraries and in the community, when required to meet public information needs; keeps informed of new and outdated resources; provides direct assistance to customers of all ages in location and selection of appropriate library materials and may specialize in service to children; assists customers in use of facility, materials and access tools.
• Selects, evaluates, tests, demonstrates and promotes on-line databases and other on-line products.
• trouble-shoots problems with products in-house and remotely as needed; gathers statistics and makes recommendations based on use, value and fit in the collection.
• Administers the Library web page, including architecture, content and layout; works with other library staff to maintain the web site.
• Develops news and informational items for the library web page and intra-net; creates graphics and verifying information; uses various products to augment the web page and keep customers informed of programs and services.
• Publishes a monthly newsletter; coordinates with other City departments to collect information; performs editing.
• May assist customers wit the use of library technology.

Related Functions:

• Coordinates system-wide library committees and may serve on City or library system committees.
• Handles sensitive personal contact with library customers relative to information needs or library services; refers to supervisor when necessary.

• Performs related duties and responsibilities as required.

Minimum Qualifications

Senior Librarian
Sufficient education, training and/or work experience to demonstrate possession of the following knowledge, skills and abilities, which would typically be acquired through:

• Master's Degree in Library and Information Science
• Three years professional experiece as a librarian. Master's degree in Library or Information Science may be substituted for one year of professional experience.

Supplemental Information

The Selection Process:

• Applicants will receive recruitment status notifications via email. Governmentjobs.com account also has notification status updates.
  
• Applicants will be screened throughout the posting process and highly qualified candidates may be invited to interview at any time after the posting closes.
  
• The screening process for this position typically may include a virtual recorded interview and/or panel interviews preceding final interviews with the hiring manager or their designee.
  
  

Our online application system is provided by NeoGov . If you have problems while applying online, please contact NeoGov's Live Applicant Support at (855) 524-5627 between 6:00 AM and 5:00 PM Pacific Time, Monday - Friday.

This position is represented by Service Employee International Union (SEIU).

Compensation (SEIU) : Comprehensive compensation plan, to learn more click HERE.

The City of Palo Alto is an Equal Opportunity Employer. In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, the City will provide reasonable accommodation to qualified individuals with disabilities and encourages both prospective and current employees to discuss potential accommodations with the employer.

For more details visit our Careers Page, by clicking HERE.
Learn more about our Memorandum of Agreements (MOAs) between the City and its bargaining units, by clicking HERE.

Closing Date/Time: 7/30/2025 11:59 PM Pacific

• 

• City of Palo Alto

• 650-329-2376

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