Assistant Library Branch Manager - Pontiac Branch

Allen County Public Library (ACPL) is looking for an experienced, service-minded librarian to join our team as an Assistant Library Branch Manager at our Pontiac Branch.

Pontiac is a small urban branch serving a diverse community in southeast Fort Wayne. This is a great opportunity for a librarian who enjoys building genuine relationships, connecting with people from many different backgrounds, and finding creative ways to make the library a welcoming and useful resource for everyone who walks through our doors.

The ideal candidate will be someone who can meet people where they are-someone who listens, builds trust, recognizes different needs and experiences, and looks for ways the library can remove barriers and connect people with information, services, programs, and opportunities.

As an Assistant Branch Manager, you will work closely with the Branch Manager to support the day-to-day operations of the branch, assist with staff leadership and development, and help ensure that customers receive welcoming, knowledgeable, and consistent service. You'll also have opportunities to bring your own ideas, develop programs and services, and build strong relationships within the Pontiac community.

What You'll Do

• Assist the Branch Manager with the planning, organization, and evaluation of branch operations and staff.
• Support the hiring, training, coaching, and professional development of branch employees.
• Help create a positive, collaborative team environment where staff can do their best work.
• Build relationships with customers and community members and help the branch respond to the needs of the local community.
• Provide professional library services, including reference, collection, technology, and customer assistance.
• Respond to customer questions and concerns and help explain library policies and procedures with patience, professionalism, and empathy.
• Assist with improving branch services, procedures, and customer service practices based on community needs and feedback.
• Help coordinate and promote programs, events, and services that are meaningful and accessible to the Pontiac community.
• Collaborate with community organizations, schools, social service agencies, and other local partners to connect residents with library resources and opportunities.
• Monitor community trends and identify opportunities to better serve local residents.
• Assist with collection organization, displays, merchandising, and the use of branch space.
• Support branch financial responsibilities, including fees, fines, cash receipts, and deposits.
• Stay current on library trends, technology, and professional practices through training, reading, conferences, and professional organizations.
• Represent ACPL and the Pontiac Branch at community, professional, and organizational meetings.
• Serve as the Person-in-Charge when assigned.
• Perform other professional librarian duties as needed.

What We're Looking For

We're looking for someone who is:

• Community-minded and approachable, with a genuine interest in getting to know the people the branch serves.
• Comfortable working with people from a wide range of backgrounds, cultures, ages, and life experiences.
• A strong relationship-builder who can earn trust and connect people with resources, services, and opportunities.
• A confident and supportive leader who enjoys working with both staff and the public.
• Able to meet people where they are and provide service with patience, empathy, and respect.
• Creative and flexible, with an interest in developing programs and services based on what the community actually needs.
• Comfortable navigating challenging customer situations and finding solutions while maintaining appropriate boundaries.
• Organized, dependable, and able to balance day-to-day responsibilities with longer-term projects.
• Interested in developing staff and helping others grow professionally.
• Comfortable using technology and learning new systems and tools.
• Committed to creating a welcoming, inclusive, and people-first library environment.

Qualifications

Education and Experience:

• Master's Degree in Library Science preferred; and
• Two (2) years of professional librarian experience;
  or
• An equivalent combination of education, training, and experience.

Required:

• Valid driver's license.
• Indiana Public Librarian Certification LC 4.
• All required licenses and certifications must be maintained in active status throughout employment.

Knowledge and Skills

The ideal candidate will have knowledge of:

• Library science principles, practices, and services.
• Staff supervision, team development, and employee motivation.
• Program development and community engagement.
• Customer service and relationship-building.
• Library policies, procedures, laws, codes, and regulations.
• Collection development and presentation.
• Effective communication and presentation techniques.
• Working effectively with individuals from diverse socioeconomic, cultural, and personal backgrounds.

Benefits

• We offer a comprehensive and competitive benefits package, including:
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance (starts on day 1)
• Library-paid pension plan (PERF)
• Generous PTO (4 weeks vacation + 2 weeks sick leave accrual)
• Wellness Bonus
• Employee Assistance Program
• Possible relocation assistance

Why ACPL?

At Allen County Public Library, we believe libraries are about much more than books. We connect people to information, opportunities, technology, learning, and one another.

At Pontiac Branch, that work is especially personal. The relationships we build with our customers and community partners matter. We're looking for someone who sees every interaction as an opportunity to make someone feel welcome, find a resource, learn something new, or connect with their community.

If you're a librarian who enjoys people, thrives in a community-focused environment, and wants to make a meaningful difference in a neighborhood branch, we'd love to hear from you.