Library Employment

Library Employment

We are seeking talented, creative, and forward-thinking individuals to become part of the Tompkins County Public Library team, dedicated to creating a library where everyone belongs.

Compensated positions at Tompkins County Public Library are civil service positions and are supported by our local civil service agency, Tompkins County Department of Human Resources, which accepts applications, conducts civil service examinations, and provides lists of eligible candidates to the Library. All professional and support positions require applicants to take a written exam or a training and experience exam except for the library page position. For more information on the civil service process, please visit the Tompkins County Human Resources Department website.

You can opt to receive email notifications from Tompkins County about new civil service job postings.

 

Career Opportunities

Librarian IV - Library Director

Application Deadline:
to
Address:

101 East Green Street
Ithaca, NY 14850
United States

Brief Job Description:

The Tompkins County Public Library seeks a dynamic and visionary leader to serve as Library Director.

The Director will shape the library’s programs, services, and strategic direction while upholding its mission, cultural heritage, and public trust.

This is an exciting opportunity to lead a vital community institution, steward its resources, and inspire innovation in library services for a diverse and engaged population. Join us in fostering lifelong learning, inclusion, and resilience at the heart of Tompkins County.

Please include a Resume and Cover letter.

Candidates will also need to complete the application for the Library Director exam on the HR Exam PagePersonnel | www.tompkinscountyny.gov

Continuous Recruitment

Continuous recruitment positions are those for which we continuously accept applications. When a vacancy occurs we will review the applications on file to fill the position. Below are those positions that are continuous recruitment:
 

Library Clerk

Many of the clerk positions are customer service jobs assisting patrons at the front circulation desk. Clerks register people for library cards, check materials in and out, and handle accounts. Clerks also process materials and handle ordering and receiving of materials.

Senior Library Clerk

Senior Clerks have additional responsibilities including supervising services and staff.

Library Page

Page work involves the shelving of books and library materials and performing minor clerical tasks. This position requires no prior experience as employees are trained on the job, and no exam is required.

Apply for the library page position by visiting the Vacancy List on the Tompkins County Department of Human Services website. Scroll down the page until you see "Page," and begin your application by clicking "Apply." Although this position appears on the Current Vacancy Lists page, it doesn't mean the library currently has an opening, but that we are always accepting applications for this position.

  

Most Common Positions at TCPL

Library Page

Page work involves shelving of books and library materials and performing minor clerical tasks. This position requires no prior experience as employees are trained on the job, and no exam is required.

Library Page job description

 

Clerk and Senior Clerk

Many of the clerk positions are customer service jobs assisting patrons at the front circulation desk. Clerks register people for library cards, check materials in and out, and handle accounts. Clerks also process materials and handle ordering and receiving of materials. Senior Clerks have additional responsibilities including supervising services and staff.

Library Clerk Job description
Senior Library Clerk job description

 

Librarian I, II, and III

Librarian positions include purchasing the materials and curating the collection, answering reference questions, managing projects and staff, maintaining the Library's electronic presence, and participating in outreach services. All librarian positions require a Master's degree in Library Science (MLS) or a Master's of Science in Information Science (MSIS) from a library school that is accredited by the American Library Association or recognized by the New York State Education Department.

Librarian I job description
Librarian II job description
Librarian III job description

 

Study Guides

Some study guides are posted on the Personnel Department web site. Others can be ordered from the LEAP program of the Civil Service Employee Association; order forms are available from the Tompkins County Personnel Office or online at the Civil Service Employees Association website.

Study guides may also be available in the library in the Test section under the subject heading Civil service — Examinations. Please ask a staff person for assistance.

 

Volunteer Opportunities

If you are interested in unpaid volunteer work, please take a look at our volunteer opportunities.

 

Upcoming Events

This event is in the "Adults" group.
This event is in the "Teens" group.

Makerspace One-on-One

11:00am - 12:00pm
Adults, Teens
Open
Registration Required
Library Branch: Tompkins County Public Library
Room: Makerspace
Age Group: Adults, Teens
Program Type: Classes and Workshops, Makerspace, One-on-One Appointments
Registration Required
About this event::

What do you want to make?

This event is in the "Adults" group.
This event is in the "Families" group.

GO ITHACA Open Hours

2:00pm - 4:00pm
Adults, Families
Library Branch: Tompkins County Public Library
Room: Avenue of the Friends
Age Group: Adults, Families
Program Type: Community Groups, Other
About this event::

Join GO ITHACA for Open Hours at TCPL!

GO ITHACA is proud to help transform transportation in Tompkins County! Our program makes sustainable commuting accessible and affordable for everyone.

With our membership, you get:

This event is in the "Adults" group.

Makerspace Open Hours

3:30pm - 7:30pm
Adults
Library Branch: Tompkins County Public Library
Room: Makerspace
Age Group: Adults
Program Type: Makerspace
About this event::

Drop-in for Open Hours - no registration is required.

This event is in the "Adults" group.
This event is in the "Teens" group.

NARCAN Training with REACH

4:00pm - 4:45pm
Adults, Teens
Open
Registration Required
Library Branch: Tompkins County Public Library
Room: BorgWarner East
Age Group: Adults, Teens
Program Type: Classes and Workshops
Registration Required
About this event::

Join the REACH Project to learn how to recognize an overdose, respond to an overdose emergency, and administer NARCAN. This skill could help you to save a life. 

This event is in the "Kids" group.

Story + Craft

4:00pm - 4:45pm
Kids
Library Branch: Tompkins County Public Library
Room: Thaler/Howell Programming Room
Age Group: Kids
Program Type: Arts & Crafts, Storytimes
About this event::

Story + Craft is our weekly reading + creating event for children! Join us for a read-aloud, followed by art-making or a guided craft. Best for children 5 and up, but younger are welcome with an adult to assist. 

This event is in the "Adults" group.
This event is in the "Kids" group.
This event is in the "Teens" group.

Ages 8 to 108 Board Game Club

5:00pm - 7:00pm
Adults, Kids, Teens
Library Branch: Tompkins County Public Library
Room: BorgWarner East
Age Group: Adults, Kids, Teens
Program Type: Other
About this event::

Are you between the ages of 8 and 108 and love playing board games? Then come join our board game club at TCPL! We meet in the Borg Warner Room on Thursdays from 5 to 7pm.

This event is in the "Adults" group.
This event is in the "Teens" group.

Makerspace Mending Meetup

5:30pm - 7:30pm
Adults, Teens
Library Branch: Tompkins County Public Library
Room: Digital Lab
Age Group: Adults, Teens
Program Type: Arts & Crafts, Classes and Workshops, Digital Lab, Makerspace
About this event::

Patrons with holes in the knees of their pants and missing buttons are invited to attend our Makerspace Mending Meetup, where with the help of Susan Ashdown, apparel technician, you will learn to adjust, repair, and alter your clothing.

This event is in the "Babies, Toddlers, & Preschoolers" group.

Spring Baby & Toddler Storytime

10:30am - 11:00am
Babies, Toddlers, & Preschoolers
Offsite Event
Library Branch: Off Site
Age Group: Babies, Toddlers, & Preschoolers
Program Type: Storytimes
About this event::

Caregivers and their children are invited to join us for songs, rhymes and books at the park next to the Henry St. John Building at 301 S.