Director of the Morris Area Public Library District

The Board of Trustees of the Morris Area Public Library (MAPL) is seeking a forward-thinking, accessible, and communicative new Director. The Board is composed of seven elected Trustees envisioning the Library as serving as a thriving community center in the heart of downtown. Currently, the Library is under renovation with improvements scheduled to wrap up by mid-summer. New study rooms and an updated meeting room are already complete, with improved spaces for children and adults still to come. This is an exciting opportunity for a leader with a compelling vision for the future.

Morris is a growing rural community of 14,000 on the edge of suburban Chicago, 30 miles southwest of Joliet and 55 miles southwest of downtown Chicago. The Library is located on Liberty Street at the north end of the historic business district that includes over 30 unique retailers and dining and entertainment establishments. Marking the southern edge of town are the historic I&M Canal and bike path, situated right along the Illinois River. The City of Morris, as well as other philanthropic groups, hosts four seasons of events, markets, and festivals, including one of the largest summer cruise nights in the region with almost 1000 cars, the Three French Hens Country Market, and its signature Corn Festival in late September.

The Morris Area Public Library is an asset to the community, providing a welcoming space for all ages. Some of the new plans include establishing a "business center," further expanding the "Library of Things," and reimagining its interior to make it more exciting for children, tweens, teens, and adults. The Library is focused on serving patrons' needs through collections, services, and dedicated outreach. Key initiatives for the new Director will include engaging with community organizations and planning for the Library's long-term future. The next Director must exhibit excellent communication and management skills, utilize a hands-on approach, and convey and enhance the Library's vision, mission, and values. The Director upholds financial stewardship, leads the annual budgetary process, prepares forecasts, pursues grant opportunities, supervises staff, and manages facilities.

The annual salary offer starts at $82,000.00 a year, with consideration for additional competencies. The Library offers an excellent benefits package, including participation in the Illinois Municipal Retirement Fund (IMRF), paid holidays, paid time-off, and health insurance.

Interested candidates should submit in PDF a thoughtful cover letter, a concise resume, and the contact information for a minimum of three professional references to morrislibrary@deiterstodd.com by Friday, April 10, 2026, at 5 pm.

For more information, email Jim Deiters at jim@deiterstodd.com or visit www.deiterstodd.com/morrislibrary.

The ideal candidate will be knowledgeable of the Morris region and be able to provide overall leadership of the Library, including development of a new strategic plan. The dedicated Staff wants a Director who leads by example, who inspires, who empowers, and who will guide the team towards shared objectives. They value transparency and consistency. They want a leader who will help build a positive culture and who demonstrates integrity, values collaboration, and fosters trust.

Required qualifications for the position are an ALA-accredited Master of Library and Information Science degree and five years of library management experience, or an equivalent combination of education and professional experience may also be considered for the role.

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