Director

The Board of Trustees of the Morris Area Public Library District (MAPLD) is looking for a forward-thinking, accessible, and communicative new Director. The Board is composed of 7 elected Trustees who want the Library to serve as a thriving community center in the heart of downtown. The Library is currently under renovation with improvements scheduled to wrap-up by mid-summer. New Study Rooms and an updated Meeting Room are already complete, with improved spaces for children and adults still to come. This is an exciting opportunity for a leader with a compelling vision for the future.

Morris is a growingly diverse city of 14,000 in rural Illinois, 30-miles southwest of Joliet. The Library is on Liberty Street, at the north end of the historic business district that includes Three French Hens Country Market and Corleone’s Italian Restaurant. The Illinois River runs along the south end of town. The City hosts a number of popular seasonal festivals, including popular summer car Cruise Nights and the renowned Corn Fest held in late September each year.

The Morris Area Public Library District is an asset to the community providing a welcoming space for all. Lending internet hotspots and Care & Comfort Kits, the Library is focused on serving patrons needs through collections, services, and dedicated outreach. Key initiatives for the new Director will include engaging with community organizations and planning for the Library’s long-term future. The next Director must have excellent communication and management skills, a hands-on approach, and the ability to convey the Library’s mission and values. The Director leads the annual budget process, monitors financial performance, prepares forecasts, pursues grant opportunities, and supervises payroll in order to secure financial stewardship.

The ideal candidate will be knowledgeable of the Morris region and be able to provide overall leadership of the Library, including development of a new strategic plan. The dedicated Staff wants a Director who leads by example, who inspires, who empowers, and who will guide the team towards shared objectives. They value transparency and consistency. They want a leader who will help build a positive culture and who demonstrates integrity, values collaboration, and fosters trust.

Required qualifications for the position are an ALA-accredited Master of Library and Information Science degree and five years of library management experience, or the equivalent combination of education and professional experiences may also be considered for the role.

The annual salary offer starts at $82,000.00 a year, with consideration for additional competencies. The Library offers an excellent benefits package including participation in the Illinois Municipal Retirement Fund (IMRF), paid holidays and paid time-off, and health insurance.

Interested candidates should submit in PDF a thoughtful cover letter, a concise resume, and the contact information for a minimum of three professional references to morrislibrary@deiterstodd.com by Friday, April 10, 2026, at 5pm.

For more information, email Jim Deiters at jim@deiterstodd.com or visit www.deiterstodd.com/morrislibrary.

Pay: From $82,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• Dental insurance
• Flexible schedule
• Health insurance
• Paid time off
• Retirement plan

Work Location: In person