Library Director - Fanwood Memorial Library
Job Description:
Library Director – Fanwood Memorial Library
The Fanwood Memorial Library Board of Trustees is seeking an enthusiastic, collaborative, and community-focused leader to oversee their active public library in Union County, New Jersey. The successful candidate will demonstrate the skills necessary for building strong community partnerships, exercising fiscal responsibility, and communicating effectively with all internal and external stakeholders.
Fanwood is a highly-rated, suburban borough known for its charming, close-knit atmosphere, excellent schools, and top-tier commuter access to New York City. Spanning just over one square mile, it offers a walkable, quaint downtown, diverse restaurants, and popular community parks.
Fanwood was recently rated by Niche as the #1 best place to live in Union County, and is frequently described as one of the best places to live in the state of New Jersey.
Fanwood is an active and engaged community, and home to a variety of family-friendly events including Fanny Wood Day, Fan Jam, Fan Woof Day, and the Fanwood 5K Pizza Run.
About Our Library Fanwood opened a new $9 million state-of-the-art library facility in September 2024, with support from the Borough of Fanwood, a grant from the New Jersey State Library, and an appropriation from the New Jersey State Legislature. The library serves nearly 8,000 residents with an annual budget of approximately $650,000, and an experienced staff that includes 3 full-time and 8 part-time employees. Patrons enjoy a wide range of services, including borrowing print and electronic materials, accessing museum passes, and participating in a variety of programming for all ages.
Fanwood Memorial Library is a member of the STELLA library consortium, which includes over 40 libraries in Middlesex, Monmouth and Union counties. As a member library, our staff benefits from professional development and the support of a large network of library professionals. The library also benefits from the Friends of the Fanwood Memorial Library, as well as the Fanwood Memorial Library Foundation.
Our goals for our new director are to continue to identify and meet the evolving needs of residents, build ever stronger community partnerships, and provide strong fiscal management to lead our library into the future.
About This Opportunity The next Director will work with the staff, Board of Trustees, and the Friends of the Library to leverage the new building, an active Fanwood community, and partnerships to find exciting and new ways to serve residents. Our ideal candidate is personable, diplomatic, strategic, and excited to be part of the Fanwood community.
Required Experience
● An ALA accredited MLS/MLIS or equivalent degree.
● A New Jersey Professional Librarian certificate, or eligibility to acquire.
● At least 5 years of progressive professional public library experience.
● Demonstrated supervisory and library leadership experience.
● Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing.
● Demonstrated experience building community relationships and partnerships.
● Experience in fiscal planning and managing a budget.
● Ability to work with staff and colleagues, including hiring new employees.
● Ability to think critically and creatively to solve problems and implement ideas.
● Current knowledge of library technology, trends, innovations, and New Jersey library law.
Notices Equal Opportunity Employer. Employees must comply with the "New Jersey First Act," which requires residency in New Jersey. Attendance at evening events may be required, including monthly Board of Trustees meetings.
Compensation and Benefits This is a full-time position with a minimum starting salary range of $90,000 to $100,000. Benefits include paid holidays, paid time off, generous health benefits, and enrollment in the pension system.
For more information about Fanwood Memorial Library please visit our website at https://fanwoodlibrary.org.
To Apply The Fanwood Memorial Library Board of Trustees has retained Library Crossroads Consulting to help with this important search. Please direct all inquiries to Library Crossroads: info@librarycrossroadsconsulting.com. Interested applicants should submit a cover letter and resume to fanwood@librarycrossroadsconsulting.com. Review of applications will begin immediately. The deadline to apply is June 1, 2026
Application link or email address: fanwood@librarycrossroadsconsulting.com
Salary range or hourly wage: $90,000 to $100,000
MLS required: Yes, an MLS is required.
Job focus: Administration/Management
Work schedule: Full-Time