Walla Walla County Rural Library

The Walla Walla County Rural Library District was established in 1972 with a permanent tax base and operates as an independent municipal corporation under Washington State law. The Walla Walla County Commission appoints members to the Library District Board of Trustees, each with a 5-year term.  As a body, the Board holds all subsequent legal authority. With an annual budget of approximately $2 million, the District serves the 26,000 rural residents of unincorporated Walla Walla County, the cities of College Place and Prescott, and the census-designated places of Burbank and Touchet.

The District is funded by a tax of up to 50 cents per $1,000 in assessed property value. The District's tax rate for 2023 is 39 cents per $1,000 of property value.

The communities served by the Library District are diverse small towns that see their libraries as community centers and gathering places—integral to community life. Walla Walla County is in southeastern Washington State along the Oregon state line. The rolling hills and the mountain backdrop are the perfect rural setting. This area is known for its agriculture--apples, wheat, sweet onions, and vineyards.

We like to work with people who are curious, engaged, and value connection with coworkers and the community. If that sounds like you, consider applying!

We're proud to offer:

Competitive Benefits
All employees have access to our Employee Assistance Plan (EAP) through the Washington Counties Insurance Fund. Employees who work over 20 hours per week accrue prorated sick and vacation hours and receive 10 paid holidays and one floating holiday per calendar year and qualify for the Washington State Public Employees’ Retirement Plan (PERS). Full time employees (over 33 hours per week) also receive fully compensated medical, dental, and vision insurance, life insurance, and Life Flight membership.

Education and Training
We strive to keep our libraries on top of emerging technologies and new standards, so we encourage employees to participate in regular continuing education and training. We regularly pay for employees to take online and self-paced courses and to attend trainings and conferences in person (we sent seven staff members to the Washington Library Association conference in Wenatchee in 2023). Employees are encouraged to become members of WLA and ARSL and to participate in leadership and committee work. As a public employer, our employees are eligible for Federal Student Loan forgiveness, and we offer a tuition assistance program for those who wish to pursue their MLIS degree.

A Welcoming Culture
We hear over and over that the best part of working at WWCRLD is the people. We understand that a job should not be the center of our employees' lives, and we are all full individuals outside of work. We foster a healthy work-life balance by encouraging the use of paid time off, and we never expect employees to be available outside of working hours or to use their personal resources or devices for work purposes. We are people first before employees, and while we strive to make all people feel welcome in our spaces, we acknowledge the need to firmly and actively support marginalized and underrepresented groups including but not limited to religious minorities, refugees, immigrants, LGBTQ+, neurodiverse individuals and individuals with disabilities as outlined in our DEI Policy.

MISSION STATEMENT

Walla Walla County Rural Library District educates and inspires by providing enriching materials and services that are accessible to all, in our buildings, online, and out in the community.

VISION STATEMENT

Walla Walla County Rural Library District libraries are inviting centers for education, arts, and culture. Representative, knowledgeable staff provide our communities with free access to high quality collections, inspiring programs, and responsive services. We serve as the county’s hub for civil discourse and lifelong learning.

VALUES

• Diversity: Providing equitable services and employment opportunities that reflect the diversity of our county.
• Quality Service: Acting with initiative, creativity, and flexibility and utilizing state of the art technology to provide excellent customer service to all.
• Intellectual Freedom: Dedication to providing free and open access to information and supporting library users' right to privacy.
• Partnerships: Collaboration with local agencies and organizations.
• Public Trust: Open, effective, and efficient stewardship of library resources.
• Community Investment: Providing facilities at the heart of each community as a gathering place for all ages and the fundamental source for lifelong learning.