Library Director

LIBRARY DEPARTMENT
The mission of Redwood City Public Library is to cultivate community and advance equity by welcoming all people to experience the shared joys of literacy and learning. A 2021 Finalist for the National Medal from the Institute of Library and Museum Services, the Library is widely known for its extensive, innovative, and inclusive programming; commitment to community partnerships; and high levels of volunteer engagement.

The Library is highly responsive to evolving community needs, conducting extensive “RCPL Listens” conversations with a diverse bilingual cross section of community residents every three years to refresh the Service Priorities that provide a path to help the community achieve its aspirations. The 2025-2028 Service Priorities focus on Belonging, Growth, and Wellness.

Belonging: The Library creates spaces where all Redwood City community members belong by embracing diversity, equity and inclusion and by providing access to all. All community members in Redwood City will be welcomed to actively participate in programs and services of the library regardless of race or ethnicity, language spoken, housing status, immigration status, disabilities, age, gender identity, or sexuality.

Growth: The Library creates pathways for learning, growth, and connection through volunteer work, new experiences, events, and literacy programs for everyone.

Wellness: Through engaging quality-of-life programs, the Library supports the mental, physical, and emotional wellness of the community.

The Downtown Library, housed in a historic fire station, provides access to a large Family Place hosting an extensive children’s collection and robust programs and activities; a 1,000 square foot Makerspace for all ages with 3D Printers, a laser cutter, sewing machines, and much more; a vibrant Teen Space with technology, activities, and study space for teens; the award-winning intergenerational Project READ literacy program; the Karl A. Vollmayer Local History Room; community meeting and study spaces; and rooftop beehives to educate the community about pollinators and provide local honey for sale by the Friends of Redwood City Public Library. Two neighborhood branch libraries, Redwood Shores and Schaberg, provide additional programs, collections, and spaces to support literacy and learning throughout the community.

Over 69,000 library card holders visited the three library locations over 862,000 times last year, checking out 1.1 million items, including over 388,000 eBooks. Over 106,000 people attended almost 4400 individual programs, many of which were Spanish-language or bilingual, and almost 2 million sessions were recorded on Library wireless networks. Over 700 volunteers contributed over 20,000 hours of volunteer services last year, and Project READ supported over 750 individual literacy learners with one-on-one volunteer tutors.

The Library has an annual operating budget of $12.7 million for FY2026-27 and is supported by 42.55 full-time equivalent staff. The City Council appointed seven-member Library Board contributes to the department’s strategic direction. Invaluable supplemental support is provided by the Redwood City Library Foundation, the Friends of the Redwood City Library, the Friends of Literacy, and the Local History Archives Committee.

THE IDEAL CANDIDATE
The ideal candidate will be a visible and visionary leader in the library profession, known for advancing innovative and dynamic programs and services that meet current and emerging community needs. Willingness and ability to work collaboratively with library staff at all levels, library support groups, other City departments, and community partners to expand service capacity; to focus on the big picture of community needs; and to push the boundaries of what people traditionally expect from libraries are essential. The next director will model Redwood City’s values of Excellence, Integrity, Service, Collaboration, Inclusion, and Innovation in both decision-making and leadership style.

Community Engagement & Customer Focus
This role requires a leader who values community input, equity, and inclusion. The director will actively engage with residents, schools, businesses, nonprofits, and other stakeholders to ensure that Library programs and services meet the diverse needs of Redwood City’s community. The ideal candidate will be a strong and articulate communicator with a history of serving as an effective relationship and partnership builder. A track record of measuring participation and satisfaction and using data to improve service delivery is essential.

Leadership & Collaboration
The new director will work closely with City departments, partner agencies, and community organizations to develop responsive services and programs.  Redwood City’s leadership team values collaboration, and a can-do attitude will align well with the department’s existing culture. The successful candidate will contribute thoughtfully to organization-wide initiatives, balancing departmental priorities with broader City goals. The ideal candidate will bring strong project management, budgeting, delegation, and customer service skills, along with a resourceful and solution-oriented mindset.

Team Leadership & Professional Development
Department staff will appreciate a thoughtful and approachable leader who listens, understands the challenges of delivering diverse programs, and supports professional growth. The ideal candidate will be relatable, approachable, and credible with a diverse workforce, earning trust through authenticity and fairness.  Encouraging a culture of engagement, transparency, accountability, and mutual support across all levels the department is an important skill set. The successful candidate should demonstrate the ability to support a workplace where staff feel informed, valued, and well-equipped to serve the community. Experience managing in a union environment, mentoring staff, and fostering a positive workplace culture is highly valued. The City is seeking a leader who can balance big-picture strategy with hands-on involvement when needed.

Innovation, Strategic Thinking, and Change Management
The ideal candidate will be adept at data-driven decision-making and budget management while balancing the nuances of community needs. They will assess services, adapt based on feedback and best practices, and implement change thoughtfully and effectively. Experience with change management in a public-facing environment and a practical approach to technology and resource allocation are key attributes. A forward thinker, the individual selected will have the proven ability to be proactive in their approach to designing the future of library services in alignment with demographic shifts, emerging technologies, and other changing conditions. The ideal candidate will have a history of staying abreast of new tools, developing trends, and best practices in the profession.

Any combination of experience and training that would likely provide the required knowledge and abilities will be considered qualifying. A career history that reflects a typical way to obtain the knowledge and abilities would be: five (5) years of increasingly responsible experience in professional public library administration. A Bachelor’s degree, and a Master of Library Science degree from an accredited college or university are required.