Lower School Librarian

Lower School Librarian

Bullis School seeks a Lower School Librarian for the 2026-27 academic year. This is an opportunity to lead a dynamic K-5 library program and strengthen the library's role as an engaging and essential part of the Lower School experience. The Lower School Librarian will cultivate a love of reading, help students develop information literacy and research skills, and partner with teachers to support classroom learning. Strong candidates will view the library as a place where every child feels welcome, known, and eager to explore. This is a full-time, 10-month position reporting to the Head of Lower School and beginning October 1, 2026, or as soon thereafter as possible.

The Lower School library is a welcoming, student-centered learning space where students explore ideas, discover books, build research skills, and grow as independent readers and thinkers. The Lower School Librarian develops and implements the library curriculum, leads regular checkout and connects students with books based on their interests and needs, supports classroom literacy instruction and research projects, and plans author visits, book clubs, displays, and other programs that spark curiosity and connection. The Librarian manages the physical space and print collection; curates culturally inclusive, individually responsive resources; and works closely with the Middle School Research and Literacy Engagement Coordinator and the Upper School Librarian to ensure that Bullis collections and resources support the school's reading initiatives and academic program.

Working at Bullis means being a part of a collaborative and supportive work environment that encourages professional growth and development. We offer competitive salaries and generous benefits that make it an ideal place to build a thriving career.

If you are passionate about education and want to make a difference in the lives of young individuals, we want to hear from you!

Essential Functions

Information Literacy Instruction

• Promote a culture and love of reading in the Lower School
• Develop, implement, and maintain a written, grade-by-grade (K–5) library scope and sequence for research skills, information literacy, and digital citizenship, aligned to AASL National School Library Standards and reviewed/approved annually by the LS Assistant Head of School for Academics.
• Instruct students in the use of library tools, including the library website and resource page, the online student access catalog, digital library (Overdrive/Sora), and research databases
• Deliver engaging lessons that develop students' interest in reading
• Support classroom teachers in literacy instruction through reading groups
• Plan library events, author visits, book fairs, book clubs, etc.
• Differentiate instruction and independent book-selection support by grade band
• Adopt and consistently apply Responsive Classroom practices and the school's behavioral expectations in library class, building predictable routines for entry, transitions, independent work, and dismissal

Reference/Promoting Library Program

• Maintain weekly checkout times in Lower School
• Create regular displays, refreshed on a documented monthly schedule, that promote a reading culture and celebrate diversity and relevant topics at Bullis
• Respond to reference questions from students and faculty

Collection Development

• Manage the print collection, including cataloging, processing, shelving, repairing, and weeding materials
• Research and select inclusive print and digital resources that reflect students' identities, interests, and learning needs
• Collaborate with Assistant Head of Lower School for Academics to identify, explore, evaluate, curate, and adopt new digital resources and tools for learning.

Administrative Responsibilities

• Maintain the physical library space
• Support the Head & Upper School Librarian in the budget-writing process to ensure the purchase of diverse and relevant resources in a variety of formats for the curricular needs of students
• Manage library purchasing and track expenditures within the approved budget
• Exchange accurate information with the Bullis community about the school's library resources and services through social media updates, emails, newsletter articles, and presentations during meetings
• Commit to ongoing professional learning
• Organize and supervise parent volunteers
• Assist in library events and author visits
• Attend LS faculty meetings and teacher team meetings for planning

Other Duties

• Supervise the library as an optional recess space
• Support the whole lower school in dismissal duties
• Other duties as assigned by the supervisor(s)

Qualities

• Appreciates and respects elementary-aged students as learners and individuals through both challenging and rewarding moments
• Understands developmental milestones and believes deeply in active, hands-on learning
• Demonstrates the commitment and ability to work with, teach, and lead diverse groups in respectful, equitable, and inclusive ways
• Collaborates effectively with classroom teachers and colleagues to support student learning
• Brings good cheer, humor, patience, warmth, and strong listening skills, balanced by professionalism and sound judgment
• Is detail-oriented and organized, with the ability to manage multiple tasks, maintain accurate records, and balance competing priorities
• Communicates clearly, accurately, and professionally with families, students, faculty, and staff
• Is passionate about fostering a love of reading in every student

Education and Experience

Required:

• Master's degree in Library and Information Science or related fields
• Extensive knowledge of children's literature and literacy development

Preferred:

• Experience working in an independent school library
• Prior experience working with children in grades K - 5
• Experience using and maintaining research databases
• Ability to manage a Library Management Software system, such as Follett Destiny
• Demonstrated experience teaching in a technology-rich environment, with proficiency in Google Workspace for Education and tablet integration (iPad or Chromebook)
• Responsive Classroom training or certification

Compensation and benefits are competitive, with an anticipated salary range of $65,000 to $95,000.

Benefits include:

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• Employer-provided basic life insurance
• Employer-provided short-term and long-term disability
• 401(k) employer match and safe harbor contribution, up to 7% of annual compensation