March 2025 Calendar

March 17 Library Board Meeting 6 pm

February 20 Adult Book Club

Kirkland Public Library Hours
  • Mondays from 10:00 a.m.—6:00 p.m.
  • Tuesdays from 10:00 a.m.—6:00 p.m.
  • Wednesdays from 10:00 a.m.—6:00 p.m.
  • Thursdays from 10:00 a.m.—6:00 p.m.
  • Saturdays from 9:00 a.m. —3:00 p.m.
Just a reminder that we will still offer curbside service for those patrons who find it more convenient.  Either call (815-522-6260) or email (kirklandlib@hotmail.com) to request the materials you would like.  We will call you when they are available for pick up.  When you let us know you are out front, give us a call and we will run out.

Position at KPL

DIRECTOR
The Kirkland Public Library Board of Trustees is accepting applications for the position of Director.
We are looking for a dynamic leader who excels in building collaborative relationships with staff,
patrons, and members of the community to drive the library forward while maintaining the
hometown values and traditions of the Kirkland community.
Kirkland is located 75 miles west of Chicago in DeKalb County. The Library serves just over 1700
residents of Kirkland and surrounding area. The library has an annual operating budget of
$260,000.


Overview
The Director oversees day-to-day library operations including budget, collections, programs,
services, human resources, and facilities. Drives positive workplace culture and empowers team
to deliver outstanding customer service to patrons. Represents library in community at key
functions and events. Works collaboratively with the Board of Trustees to set direction for the
library and fulfill short-term and long-range goals.
Status: Part time, 15-17 hours per week
Classification: non-exempt
Reports to: Board of Trustees
Schedule: Varies; flexible based on business needs and outreach activities
Pay Range: $20-$25 per hour based on qualifications and experience
Essential Duties


Essential Duties

  • Coaches, develops, and mentors a team 5 staff members including hiring, training, and all
    personnel matters
  • Partners with the Board of Trustees to create strategic priorities and set policies for the library
  • Collaborates with staff to develop new programs, collections, and services
  • Promotes library offerings within the community and engages in networking opportunities
    with patrons and key community stakeholders
  • Establishes processes and procedures and ensures compliance with all legal guidelines
  • Working with contract accountant, and assist with library finances including budget, payroll,
    banking, and grants.
  • Completes and files annual reports including IPLAR, Per Capita Grant, and ILL Certification
  • Acts as Records Retention specialist and ensures compliance with state standards
  • Oversees completion of monthly reports and attends all Board meetings
    Qualifications
  • College degree with library experience and customer service experience required.
  • Minimum three years’ experience in public libraries with reference, collection development,
    programming, reader’s advisory, outreach, user instruction, and/or customer service
  • Minimum three years’ experience managing, coaching, mentoring, and leading a team
  • Experience working with vendors, contractors, state agencies, and grants a plus
  • Proficiency with Microsoft Office software applications. Prefer experience with either Destiny
    or Sierra catalogs
  • Excellent oral and written communication skills

  • Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities
  • Knowledge of ALA’s Library Bill of Rights and Freedom to Read statements
  • Able to work independently and adapt to change
  • Able to project a professional image as a representative of the library
  • Able to develop and maintain positive working relationships with co-workers
  • Able to comprehend, follow, and enforce library policies and procedures
  • Able to exercise good judgment and handle emergency situations in a calm, capable
    manner
  • Able to walk, sit, and stand for prolonged periods of time
  • Able to bend and squat
  • Able to lift up to 30 lbs and push carts carrying up to 100 lbs
  • Able to see up close and far away
  • Able to hear and respond to others both in person and on the telephone
  • Able to operate a keyboard and a mouse
  • Able to drive a car and hold a valid Illinois driver’s license
  • To apply: Please send cover letter and resume to kirklandlib@hotmail.com , attention Mary Holtrop.
    Status: Open until filled.

Story Time

Stop in any Thursday morning — story time starts at 10:30!

Book Clubs

Book Clubs are starting up again.

Please call if you are a library patron and would like to join either of these book clubs.

Our regular book club meets on the third Thursday of the month at 6:00 p.m.

We are also planning on restarting our Cookbook Book Club. This will be held on the fourth Wednesday of the month at 6:00 p.m. We will meet every other month beginning in April and there will be a theme. Cookbooks will be ordered to fit the theme and you will check out a book, make one of the recipes and bring it to share on the night we meet. The cookbooks will be evaluated, not our cooking skills.

Please call 815-522-6260 or email us at kirklandlib@hotmail.com with “cookbook club” in the subject line if you are interested in joining.

USED BOOKS

Please do not drop books that you no longer want in our Book Drop. Our space is very limited and we do not have room for these books. Please consider contacting another library to see if they would be interested in them or donating them to a woman’s shelter, assisted living facility, or to a church for their rummage sale. I would love to have every book on our shelves, but it’s just not possible.