Director – Texarkana Public Library (TX)

The Texarkana Public Library (TX) seeks a leader with the initiative to try new things and lead the library into the future. The new Director will work from a single location with a committed staff of 13.5 FTE and a $1.4 million budget – generated with income from both cities and Arkansas state aid – to serve the 66,000+ residents of the twin cities. The Director reports to the Texarkana Library Commission, which consists of 10 members, five appointed by the Board of Directors of the City of Texarkana, Arkansas, and five appointed by the City Council of the City of Texarkana, Texas.  Library highlights include strong community support, excellent program offerings, and being part of a growing and thriving downtown. Key initiatives include the assessment of the existing library building and the possibility of a new facility, bringing new and fresh ideas to the organization, and preparing for the library’s 100th anniversary in 2025. 

Texarkana is named after three states: Texas, Arkansas, and Louisiana, and the two separate municipalities, Texarkana, Arkansas, and Texarkana, Texas, sometimes function as one city. The State Line Post Office and Federal Building is the only U.S. post office situated in two states and is said to be the most photographed courthouse in the country after the Supreme Court. A burgeoning downtown, vibrant art scene, and beautiful weather make Texarkana an exciting place to call home. Residents also enjoy proximity to Dallas (TX), Houston (TX), New Orleans (LA), Little Rock (AR), and everything the gulf coast has to offer. 

Responsibilities: The Director’s responsibilities include but are not limited to planning, organizing, and coordinating the operation and administration of the library; formulating library goals and objectives in conjunction with the library board; developing and recommending library services and policies; administering policies of the governing board; representing the library and the board to its patrons, to the city, and to the community; interpreting goals, objectives and policies; articulating policies and procedures in written statements and manuals; and evaluating the effectiveness of the library’s services and policies in relation to changing needs of the community. 

Qualifications: A master’s degree in Library Science from a college or university accredited by the American Library Association and three (3) years of progressively responsible library administrative experience is required. The ideal candidate will have worked with patrons from all backgrounds, understand the political mechanics of a city/county library system, and be a staunch advocate of the value public libraries bring to their communities. 

Compensation: The hiring salary is $75,000 along with an excellent fringe benefits package. 

For further information, contact Bradbury Miller Associates. Apply via email with a meaningful cover letter and your resume as Word or PDF attachments to Brian C. Hare (brianhare@bradburymiller.com). This position closes on May 07, 2023. 

View the most up to date version of this announcement in its entirety along with accompanying links at https://bradburymiller.com/job/texarkana/.

Submit specified application materials to brianhare@bradburymiller.com.