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Job Description
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 -
ABOUT THE COMPANY
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City of Palo Alto
Show moreThe Community
The birthplace of Silicon Valley, Palo Alto, is a community of approximately 68,000 residents and nearly 100,000 jobs. Located on the mid-Peninsula between San Francisco and San Jose, Palo Alto is recognized worldwide as a leader in cutting-edge technology, medicine, and green innovation. The community's treelined streets and historic buildings reflect its California heritage, and, at the same time, many world-class businesses maintain or started offices here, such as Stanford Health Care and Lucile Packard Children's Hospital, Amazon, Broadcom, Hewlett-Packard, Houzz, Rivian, SAP and SAP Ariba, Tesla, and Varian Medical Systems. Numerous start-ups are also at home in Palo Alto, arguably making it the start-up capital of the world. Stanford University is foundational to the history and prestige of Palo Alto, reflected in the community's dedication to lifelong learning. Stanford's cultural and educational offerings are integral to the vibrancy and charm of Palo Alto, while the City's exceptional K-12 school district ranks among the top public-school systems in the country. With more than 50% of adult residents holding a graduate degree or higher, Palo Alto is frequently listed as one of the most educated cities in the nation. Palo Alto boasts a genuine sense of community and an active citizenry with strong environmental values. Beautiful neighborhoods are complemented by vibrant commercial corridors and a bustling economy featuring premium shopping and dining options. Excellent healthcare facilities, performing arts, and diverse recreational opportunities are some of the community's incredibly desirable and cherished amenities. To learn more, visit https://www.paloalto.gov/Departments/City-Manager/Latest-NewsCity Government
Palo Alto is a full-service charter city with a council-manager form of government. The seven-member City Council is elected at large, and the City Council annually selects the Mayor and Vice Mayor from among its members. The Mayor and City Council appoint the City Manager, City Attorney, City Clerk, and City Auditor. The City Manager is responsible for the strategic direction and day-to-day operations of the City. Palo Alto is organized into 15 departments/offices with 1,093.10 authorized positions in FY 2025. There is also a FY 2025 capital budget of $316.2 million. Palo Alto owns and operates its own utilities, including electricity (carbon-neutral), gas, water, wastewater, and an expanding fiber network. This dynamic municipal environment ensures an ever-engaging platform for unique problem-solving and advances new initiatives, including sustainability, broadband, and effective service delivery. Community assets also include five libraries, 36 parks, five community centers, a museum and zoo, youth centers, a general aviation airport, an 18-hole golf course, a regional water treatment plant, and wildland open space preserves at the San Francisco Bay and in the foothills of the Santa Cruz Mountains offering 41 miles of walking/biking trails in addition to its police, fire, and ambulance services. Palo Alto has long been a leader in sustainability, and the City's ambitious greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions reduction goals are part of what sets it apart. Since the City's first Climate Protection Plan was passed in 2007, Palo Alto has set goals that exceed State and Federal targets. Today, the City's goal to reduce emissions 80% below 1990 levels by 2030 (the "80x30" goal) and achieve carbon neutrality by 2030 guides sustainability efforts. An award-winning City, Palo Alto is recognized nationally as innovative and well-managed. City services and performance also receive impressive marks from community members in the Palo Alto Community Survey.
Many of those ratings put City programs and services in the highest percentiles among the hundreds of benchmark cities. Palo Alto makes decisions through comprehensive processes and proactively seeks to involve its extremely informed, educated, and engaged residents. Projects are naturally a cooperative effort among the City Council, Boards, Commissions, Committees, engaged residents, neighborhoods, businesses, property owners, and staff.
Join an Award Winning Team
Palo Alto is an award-winning City recognized nationwide as innovative and well-managed. Palo Alto is one of a small number of California cities with a AAA bond rating. Recently, Palo Alto became one of the most livable cities in the U.S. by Livability.com. It's the only city to receive the Platinum Beacon Award in sustainability best practices by California’s Institute for Local Government. We offer a variety of career paths that relate to building and improving communities. The City has fourteen departments employing 1,000 full-time staff. Police officers, fire fighters, paramedics, and building inspectors keep us safe. Engineers and public works staff build and re-build the physical infrastructure. City planners help envision and shape future community growth. Recreation, arts and library professionals enhance community life. Utilities provides electric, gas, water, sewer and other services. Internal services departments help manage, staff, and protect the City.
Want to learn more about our benefits? Learn more by reviewing our "Benefits at a Glance Booklet."
Contact Us
Phone: 650-329-2376
Email: Recruit@paloalto.gov
Location: City Hall, 1st Floor | 250 Hamilton Ave 94301 | View Map
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