JOB POSTING: Reference Librarian (FT) at Springfield (MA) City Library
Canosa, Jean
Greetings,
Due to a promotion, we have a new opportunity for you to consider! This full-time, 37.5 hours/week, Reference Librarian job is based at the Central Library, the heart of our busy library system. We seek applicants to work at our forward-looking, award-winning public library and are recruiting talented, community-engaged candidates for this challenging and rewarding job. The annual salary is $54,704. This position is part of a union, and the contract includes a 2% raise effective July 1, 2026. Benefits include thirteen paid holidays, plus paid vacation, personal, and sick time after 6 month probationary period.
The Central Library is a lovely century-old building with a large Community Room for programming and performances. Our neighborhood includes the Springfield Museums, many apartment blocks, and Downtown Springfield. See inside the Central Library.
Job duties include providing reference and reader's advisory service at the Central Library in person, over the telephone, or through email or other emerging technologies; developing and maintaining selected areas of the collection; participating in development, delivery, and promotion of programs for adults; and assisting in writing and implementing grants as assigned.
Springfield is a city of about 156,000 people. Located in western Massachusetts on the banks of the Connecticut River and spreading eastward, the "City of Homes" offers a mixed housing stock, from expansive Victorians to friendly apartment blocks. Its flat landscape of 33 square miles is home to the 730 acre Forest Park and the Basketball Hall of Fame. Springfield City Library is community-centered and has a Central Library and 8 branches. We are Welcoming, Trusted, Connected, and Innovative. Review our mission and strategic priorities here. Come help us achieve this vision!
Learn about Springfield when you check out these links to videos showing some of the highlights of our beautiful city. Our city is adorned with over 80 artistically created murals, including two on library branches. We are home to an AHL professional hockey team, a symphony orchestra, four Smithsonian-affiliated museums plus numerous independent and college galleries, and many other activities to get involved in.
Questions are welcome via LinkedIn, but all applications must be filed on the City of Springfield's website.
We're looking for candidates with a Bachelor’s degree and the completion of an American Library Association-accredited Masters of Library Science. Candidates currently enrolled in an MLS program may also be considered. You'll need an excellent customer service orientation; and a "turned outward" approach to community engagement is ideal. Bilingual abilities desirable (English and Spanish, Russian, Vietnamese, Arabic, Somali, Dari, or other community language). The City of Springfield has a residency requirement and allows new hires up to two years to establish residency. The annual salary is $54,704.33, with the opportunity (optional) to earn more by working extra hours, including 5 hour shifts on Sundays, with Sunday hours paid at time and a half.
Please upload a cover letter when you apply by Sunday, March 1, 2026 at 11:59 pm Eastern time.
I look forward to reviewing your applications!
Jean Canosa Albano
Jean M. Canosa Albano, Assistant Director for Public Services
Springfield City Library---All Yours, Just Ask
220 State Street
Springfield MA 01103
(413) 263-6828, ext. 291
jca...@springfieldlibrary.org
She/her/hers
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