Issue Date: September 10, 2026 Deadline Date: September 24, 2026
Position: Librarian (Librarian III/IV) / Library Intern (Job# 2026-25)
Reports To: Department Supervisor (Librarian II)
Location: Bridgewater Branch - Youth & Early Literacy
Hours & Type: Full-time (37.5 hours/week), Exempt, OPEIU, On-site
Compensation:
- Librarian III (Grade J): $60,307 annually
- Librarian IV (Grade K): $52,500 annually
- Library Intern (Grade L): $47,750 annually (non-union)
Are you our next Librarian?
You understand that library service reaches beyond the library's walls, and you are looking to actively shape experiences and spark curiosity in our youngest explorers through reading and activities. You believe that a modern public library is a dynamic, evolving ecosystem where information merges with discovery, collaboration thrives, and lifelong learning becomes an active adventure.
As a professional Librarian, you do more than provide answers—you act as an information strategist, an engagement designer, and a dedicated advocate for public enrichment. Whether you are developing cutting-edge literacy programming, out in the community promoting library services, leading a deep-dive research request, or stepping up to guide operations as an in-charge leader, you bring advanced expertise, strategic vision, and deep emotional intelligence to every task.
Does This Sound Like You? Instead of checking off a rigid list of daily tasks, you view your work through a lens of professional passion and localized impact. To thrive in this advanced public service role, you will bring a masterful blend of leadership, growth mindset, and sophisticated skills:
The Trusted Partner (Core Traits): You understand that connecting individuals with information and resources is only half the battle. You possess the professional empathy and critical skills required to bring library services into the community and connect with people where they are. You love being out and about building relationships, partnering with local businesses, non-profits, and schools to reach underserved populations. You communicate warmly and clearly, so people feel that they belong. You are curious, adaptable, and a natural problem-solver. ●
The Strategic Collection Curator (Mindset): You work across departments in managing resources intelligently. You take pride in connecting community members to library resources through targeted booklists, outreach packages, curated collection displays, and cross-departmental merchandising strategies. ●
The Experience Architect (Skills): You know how to translate community needs into memorable moments. You have the creative vision to design, promote, and smoothly implement advanced library programs that foster social interaction, embrace technology trends, and champion lifelong learning. ● The Empowered Branch Leader (Behaviors): You are an adaptable, calm problem solver under pressure. You collaborate seamlessly with system-wide teams and comfortably step up to manage situational responsibilities or handle branch-wide operational priorities as an in-charge staff member.
What You’ll Bring & What to Expect ●
The Toolkit & Background: A minimum of one year of professional librarian experience is required. Candidates with less than one year of professional experience (MLS/MLIS) will be considered for Librarian IV. NJ Librarian’s Professional Certificate required; an MLS/MLIS degree from an ALA-accredited program is mandatory for all Librarian positions.
Library Intern: Students currently enrolled in an MLS/MLIS program who have completed at least 18 credits are eligible and encouraged to apply. Immediate upgrade to Librarian IV upon successful completion of an MLS/MLIS program.
If you are bilingual in English and another language, that’s a massive superpower we’d love to leverage!
Vitality & Movement: You thrive in an active environment where you aren't stuck behind a desk.
You are ready to roam the floor to proactively assist patrons, attend outreach events at off-site locations both indoors and outdoors, visit local businesses to promote library services, move physical media (lifting up to 35 lbs. and pushing or pulling loaded book carts up to 200 lbs.), and comfortably transition between digital interfaces and print collections under varying light conditions.
The Fine Print: Reliable transportation is required to attend system-wide training and perform duties at other branches or at off-site events. Compliance with the New Jersey First Act residency requirements is mandatory within one year of hire
How This Role Benefits the Community
As a professional Librarian, you serve as a vital institutional pillar.
By stepping into this professional role, you directly impact the local community:
- Bridging the Digital & Information Divide: You demystify complex technologies, databases, and resource streams, helping our patrons build systemic confidence and technical literacy.
- Fostering Social and Civic Bonds: Through highly targeted youth and family programming, collaborative outreach, and interactive events, you create a vibrant public space that anchors the neighborhood and sparks collective curiosity.
What’s In It For You? (The Perks) We believe in taking care of the people who take care of our communities. Here is how you will benefit from joining the SCLSNJ team:
- Work with a Purpose: You will see the tangible, immediate, and positive impact of your work every single day.
- Robust Benefits: A comprehensive benefits package including medical, vision, and dental insurance will provide you with peace of mind.
- Invested in Your Future: Secure your long-term goals with enrollment in the NJ Public Employee Retirement System (PERS).
- Work-Life Balance: Generous Paid Time Off package so you can recharge when you need to. ● Schedule & Hours: Full-time, 37.5 hours per week.
- Availability Requirements: Flexibility is required to meet community needs. The schedule includes evening shifts, a Saturday rotation, and some holidays. Sunday hours are also available.
Ready to Help Us Connect and Discover?
How to Apply:
- If your personality is your greatest asset and you’re ready to champion your community, we want to hear from you!
- You must submit a cover letter, resume, and the SCLSNJ job application - you must complete the availability and references.
- Visit our SCLSNJ Work With Us Page for the application and learn more about what we do!
- Job ID: 2026-25. Somerset County Library System of New Jersey is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
- All submissions - Deadline Date: September 24, 2026. Human Resources email: jobs [at] sclibnj.org (jobs[at]sclibnj[dot]org)
Compensation:
- Librarian III (Grade J): $60,307 annually
- Librarian IV (Grade K): $52,500 annually
- Library Intern (Grade L): $47,750 annually (non-union)