Uncategorized

It is with a mixture of gratitude and sadness that I share my resignation as Library Director of
the Richards Free Library, effective July 3, 2024.

Serving as the Library Director for the past 3.5 years has been a deeply rewarding experience. I
am incredibly proud of the accomplishments we have achieved, from updating our
collection and revitalizing our services post-covid, to maintaining our historic facilities and
enhancing community engagement. These efforts have not only enriched the lives
of our patrons but have also solidified Richards Free Library as a central part of our
community.

However, after careful consideration and reflection, I have decided that it is time to
embark on a new chapter in my professional journey. This decision was not made lightly, and it comes from a desire to move closer to family. After the sudden passing of my mom, my husband and I realized that family is our main priority. We will be moving to Pennsylvania where I will be the Library Director of the Malvern Public Library.

I would like to express my heartfelt thanks to the Board of Trustees for their unwavering
support, guidance, and trust these last few years. I am also immensely grateful to the
dedicated staff, volunteers, and patrons who have made my time at Richards Free so fulfilling
and enjoyable. I will cherish the memories and friendships I have made here.

Thank you once again for the opportunity to serve as the Library Director. It has been an honor.

Sincerely,
Justine Fafara

The Richards Free Library is seeking an innovative, creative, tech savvy, and forward-thinking leader with proven management skills in a public library to serve as Library Director. The library is a 501(c)3 non-profit entity and the building at 58 N. Main St has been on the national registry of historic buildings since 1984.

The library employs 9 staff members including three full-time positions, with a total full time equivalent of 5.5. The Friends of the Richards Free Library are an active group, volunteering at the library once a month and organizing two large annual fundraisers: a membership drive, and a book sale. The Board of Trustees consists of 1 town elected trustee and 8 self-appointed trustees.

The 2024 Operating Budget of $495,200 includes:

• $366,000 from the town
• $98,000 from grants, fees, and donations
• $24,500 from the Rollins Fund- an endowment specifically for building maintenance
• $5,500 from the Holden Yeoman’s Fund- an endowment specifically for the Hale Award
• $1,200 from the Harwick Fund- an endowment specifically for children’s books

The library enjoys wide community support. With 2400 registered patrons, the library is always busy. Some of our regular programming includes: weekly story time, summer story time at the local farmer’s market, an average of three teen afterschool programs each week, a knitting group, a poetry group, a writers’ group, two book clubs for adults, two book clubs for teens, and two book clubs for kids.

The library hosts three large annual events: Bookport: a Local Author Celebration in March, the Library Book Festival during Apple Pie Craft Fair in August, and the Hale Award honoring an author with a connection to New England in the fall. The Library Director works with the staff to organize Bookport; works with the Friends, staff and trustees to organize the Book Festival; and works with the trustees, staff, and Hale board of Judges to organize the Hale Award.  Of course, we also host a Summer Reading Program with reading challenges and events for children, teens, and adults, with an average of 125 participants each year.

Newport, New Hampshire (population 6300) is located in the Dartmouth/Lake Sunapee region of New Hampshire. The community boasts a vibrant recreation department with a new facility planned to open in early 2025, an active Opera House Association, and The Library Arts Center located in the Library’s carriage house. The Richards Free Library acts as Fiscal Agent for the Library Arts Center.

A Master’s Degree in Library Science from an ALA accredited school with five years of professional library work and three years of administrative and supervisory responsibility at a public library is required.

The pay range is $60,000 -$70,000 dependent upon qualifications and experience.

Apply with cover letter, resume, and three references to directorsearch@newport.lib.nh.us by July 12, 2024.

LIBRARY DIRECTOR

JOB DESCRIPTION

1. Responsible for administrative, supervisory and management duties according to library policies.
2. Works closely with board of trustees, attends and reports at all board meetings, and provides orientation for new board members.
3. Attends bi-weekly town department head meetings.
4. Develops library collections, services and programs.
5. Prepares annual budget with trustees and presents at town budget hearings.
6. Works with Assistant Director and Youth Services Librarian to find, apply for, and report on grant opportunities.
7. Responsible for payroll for library and arts center including filing with the IRS and NH Employment Security.
8. Handles personnel matters including hiring, promoting and firing with the trustees.
9. Acts as library’s public relations representative in the community.
10. Responsible for material, equipment and service expenditures.
11. Exercises leadership in the further development of library services in community, region and state.
12. Develops professional skills through continuing education.
13. Participates in state, regional and national library organizations.
14. Assumes other duties as needed.

JOB REQUIREMENTS

• Be physically able to perform the essential functions of the job with or without reasonable accommodation

• Knowledge of a variety of hardware and software as well as Internet services

• Ability to use computers and to utilize computer databases

• Effective written and oral communication skills
• Comfort with presenting to groups and teaching classes

• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with co-workers, staff of other libraries, and the public

• Ability to conduct oneself with tact and courtesy