Employment Opportunities

Our regional library has nine branches and a Bookmobile serving the counties of Isle of Wight, Southampton, Surry, and Sussex, as well as the City of Franklin servicing 1,600 square miles. We provide library materials, the latest technologies we have available, and our motivated staff members provide library service and programming throughout the area.

Blackwater Regional Library offers benefits to Full-Time and Part-Time employees, including, but not limited to, annual leave and medical leave. Benefits for Full-Time employees include access to health insurance, the Virginia Retirement System and medical and annual leave. Benefits for Part-Time employees include medical and annual leave prorated based on the number of hours worked. We are an equal opportunity employer.

In accordance with Virginia law, Blackwater Regional Library is an at-will employer. This means that an employee may be terminated at any time, for any reason, or for no reason. Under this system, employees are free to voluntarily sever their employment at any time. The Library prohibits discrimination in employment on the basis of race, color, sex, age, religion, national origin, handicapped status and any other categories protected by state or local law. The Library will take all necessary steps to comply with existing federal, state, and local fair employment laws and guidelines.

Please note, all positions are permanent positions and all new employees are required to complete a 6 month training period.

Minimum Job Qualification Standards:

  • Strong commitment to customer service.
  • Ability to work independently in a team environment.
  • Ability to interact with a diverse population in all parts of our service area.
  • Ability to present ideas effectively, orally and in writing.
  • Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with customers and staff.
  • Computer literacy.
  • Schedules may include evenings and weekends.

Current Openings:

Library Director - Office based in Courtland, VA

Lead the Heart of Southeast Virginia: Director, Blackwater Regional Library

Are you a visionary leader ready to bridge rich history with modern innovation? The Blackwater Regional Library is seeking a dynamic Director to steer our vibrant five-locality consortium, spanning Isle of Wight, Southampton, Surry, and Sussex Counties, and the City of Franklin.

Blackwater Regional Library isn’t just a system. For more than 60 years, the library has served as the cultural anchor for a region famous for its charming towns, scenic riverfronts and beautiful countryside. We offer the best of both worlds: the peace of rural Virginia living with immediate access to the Hampton Roads and Richmond metropolitan hubs. BRL supports this area of more than 1600 square miles via its nine brick and mortar locations, its digital library, and its Bookmobile/Outreach services serving a population of over 80,000.

We are looking for a strategic, relationship-driven leader to write the next chapter for our libraries—balancing our unique heritage with a bold, accessible vision for the future. If you thrive on building community and leading with purpose in a picturesque, flourishing region, your next career home is here.

Discover the heart of Virginia. Lead Blackwater Regional Library.

The Director must have the organizational, technical, and interpersonal skills to meet all responsibilities outlined in the Library Director’s job description. These include management of Library operation through oversight of staff, budget collection and facilities; regular communication and interaction with the Board of Trustees, especially in matters of planning, policy, development and reporting; and representation and advocacy for BRL in the community-at-large.

The successful candidate will demonstrate a strong understanding and ability to articulate the public library’s vision, mission, and values to the community. The job requires collaboration and consensus-building skills, excellent interpersonal and team-building skills, space planning experience, oversight of facilities, and sound fiscal management skills. The successful candidate will have a history of responsiveness to staff, customer and community needs and concerns. Experience with multiple facilities serving multiple jurisdictions and working with elected officials is highly desirable.

Qualifications: ALA-accredited, MLS or MLIS degree is required. Possession of (or the ability to obtain) a Virginia Librarian’s Certificate and a valid driver’s license is required. Professional experience of at least five years, including at least three years of supervisory experience in library management is desired.

Anticipated starting salary range is $78,000-$84,000, depending on qualifications and includes the following benefits:

  •       Participation in the Virginia Retirement System
  •       Health Insurance Benefits, including Dental and Vision Coverage
  •       Annual, Sick, and Personal Leave
  •       Life Insurance
  •       Optional Supplemental Insurance Offerings

To apply, submit a complete application—including your résumé, cover letter, and three professional references with contact information—to BRLBoard@blackwaterlib.org.

Application review begins May 15, and the position closes May 31.

Current Openings Continued:

Senior Library Assistant - Southampton County, VA

Blackwater Regional Library is seeking a part-time Senior Library Assistant that is shared between the Courtland branch. The set schedule for this position includes evening and Saturday hours. Starting salary is $15.13/hour.

Library Assistant - Sussex, VA

Blackwater Regional Library is seeking a part-time Library Assistant at is shared between the Wakefield and Waverly branches. This position includes evening and Saturday hours. Starting salary is $13.75/hour.

How to Apply:

Send cover letter and application by mail or email (with job title in the subject line) to:
Amy Fisk, Admin. Services Coord.
Blackwater Regional Library
22511 Main Street
Courtland, VA 23837
Email: hr@blackwaterlib.org