Library Director – Plaistow, New Hampshire
Application Deadline: November 30, 2025
Earliest Starting Date: January 2026
Welcome
The Board of Trustees of the Plaistow Public Library invites applications for the position of Library Director. Our beautiful and well-supported library on Main St. serves a population of just under 8,000 residents. This is an exciting opportunity for an experienced, innovative, and community-oriented leader. The Director will direct all phases of library operations, ensuring it continues to thrive as the cultural and informational hub of Plaistow. The Library works closely with local officials but functions with a high degree of independence from the Town, managing internally most of its financial, HR, technological, and building needs.
The ideal candidate must be a collaborative leader with proven leadership and communication skills, experience in supervision and delegation, and an understanding of the operations and functions of public libraries. The successful applicant will be a creative, energetic individual with a growth mindset and a clear vision of the current and future place of the public library in our community. Our 25-year-old library is a community treasure: beautiful, well-loved, and ready for renewal. With significant trust funds dedicated to its future, we invite leaders experienced in capital project planning to help shape our future.
Full job description is available HERE.
Compensation & Benefits
Salary: $80,000 - $90,000, based on experience and qualifications
Insurance: Health & dental, life, short-term and long-term disability
Pension: NH Retirement System
Other: Paid time off. Professional development support
Application Instructions
Please submit the following materials to trustees@plaistowlibrary.com by November 30, 2025.
- Cover letter - please share your vision for the future of public libraries and how you would realize that vision
- Resume/CV
- Contact information for three professional references (will be contacted only with prior notice)
About the Library
The Plaistow Public Library serves the town of Plaistow, NH with a wide range of services, programs, and resources. The Director oversees 3 other full-time staff and a part-time staff of 7-9. The Library is governed by an elected Board of Trustees and supported by an active Friends group. It is deeply integrated into the life of the community, offering programs for children, teens, adults, and seniors. The Library is part of the Southern New Hampshire Library Cooperative with the Atkinson and Sandown libraries, with which it shares a catalog.
Community Profile
Plaistow is a suburban town in southern Rockingham County. Plaistow offers a strong blend of residential character, active civic life, and commercial amenities. Highlights include:
Population: 7,900
Location: On the Massachusetts border, with easy access to greater Boston, the Seacoast region, Manchester, and beyond.
Median Household Income: $109,000
Median Age: 42 years
Education: 36% with bachelor’s degree or higher; 97% high school graduation rate
Conference Table & 10 Chairs
$450 or best offer (u pick up).
Table is 9 ft long & 3 ft 8 in wide at its widest. (Table has a light 2 ft long scratch at one end.)
Call 603-382-6011 for more info.
Have an idea for a program or event @ the Library?
Let us know!
Our community is full of fascinating individuals and we love sharing them with the rest of our patrons.
Are you, or do you know, someone who can:
- Present a great talk?
- Share a particular skill, experience, or bit of knowledge?
- Keep an audience entertained for an hour or so?
If so, get in touch with one or both of our program coordinators and let's see how we might work together!
Drop in or call us at 382-6011 and ask to speak with:
Jen O'Connor (adults) -- programming@plaistowlibrary.com
Jenn Dawley (kids & teens) -- childrens@plaistowlibrary.com
We wish you every success.
Sincerely,
The Library Team
