Walnut St Entrance 2
Nappanee Public Library in Nappanee, Indiana seeks a community-focused leader to serve as its next Director. NPL is located in the midst of "Amish Country" in northern Indiana, a region marked by small towns, peaceful scenery, and friendly people. Shops and restaurants burst with Amish-made goods ranging from delectable foods to intricate quilts to heirloom quality furniture.

The library serves more than 10,000 people who live in the City of Nappanee, Union Township in Elkhart County, or the western part of Jefferson Township in Kosciusko County. Nappanee Public Library is a beloved and important part of the community and a great example of a true community center.

About the Library

The idea for a Nappanee Public Library dates back to June 1916 and a donation of $31.50 from a local women's organization called the Thursday Club. Residents assembled a library board, purchased a site, and officially opened their first public library in February 1921.
Wrapped around addition
The library proved popular, and eventually needed more space; construction for a new building began in the mid-1930s. That building, expanded multiple times, still serves as the library today.

Residents who knew the original building might recognize some of the current facility: the interior of that early building was preserved during a careful renovation in the 1980s — with one of the additions actually wrapped around the original building! But beyond being a fine example of beautiful architecture and historic preservation, today's NPL also offers the latest in current amenities. There are multiple meeting/conference rooms, a makerspace called The Cube, cozy reading areas, and artwork galore.

One of the best and most unusual assets of Nappanee Public Library is the Evelyn Lehman Culp Heritage Collection housed at the Nappanee Center. The Heritage Collection, managed by the Nappanee Public Library, features permanent, rotating, and special exhibits that tell the history of Nappanee and its people. Highlights include displays about the city's nationally famous cartoonists, the Doug Grant Family Gallery showcasing artwork by Emma Schrock, an Air Force One display, the John Hartman House, and more.

Nappanee Public Library profile
(Most data reflects FY2019)
Library size: 22,300 sq ft * Museum size: 10,000 sq ft
Population served: 10,082
Budget: $1.5 mil * Staff: 26 (FT + PT)
Collection: 48,091 physical items + 22,481 electronic items
Annual circulation (physical + electronic): 184,021 items
Programs: 613 events with 9,441 attendees


Nappanee Public Library cardholders enjoy reciprocal borrowing privileges with other area libraries, and also participates in Indiana's PLAC program. NPL enjoys engaging with the community through its programs, newsletter, and social media channels, including YouTube. The Friends group helps support the library through its fundraising, advocacy, and volunteer work.

About the Opportunity

The successful candidate will be a creative and enthusiastic leader with an approachable, honest, confident, and respectful style. The Director will be expected to continue to move the library forward with a deep knowledge of both traditional and innovative ways in which this library may serve the community.

As an advocate and ambassador for the library, the Director will be expected to enthusiastically participate in community events and organizations. The Director also will understand and facilitate the roles that the Board of Trustees, library staff, and community members play in making the library both relevant and irreplaceable.

Qualifications and Requirements

  • Superior public library leadership experience with financial and planning responsibilities
  • Well-developed interpersonal skills and the ability to work collaboratively with the board, staff, community leaders, and the public
  • A demonstrated ability to adapt to change and respond to needs while exemplifying the best standards of customer service
  • A passion for librarianship and a vision of how to further the role of the library in the community, coupled with the intellectual curiosity to explore new ideas
Additional Requirements
To apply for this opportunity, please submit a cover letter, current resume, and three professional references using the contact information below. Please include your last name in the title of any attached files and "nappanee" in the subject line of your email.

Salary $78,000/year or higher, negotiable based on experience and qualifications. Excellent benefits including participation in the Indiana Public Retirement System (INPRS). Relocation assistance negotiable.

Questions? We welcome and encourage inquiries. Interviews ongoing beginning April 2022.

John Keister & Associates
Executive Search
info@johnkeister.com
847-955-0541

We are committed to Equal Employment Opportunities, and will not discriminate against any candidate because of race, color, religion, national origin, age, gender, disability, veteran status, or sexual orientation.


Photos courtesy of Nappanee Public Library