The Hawai'i State Public Library system is looking for 22 men and women to fill vacancies throughout the statewide system on six islands.

There is a shortage of librarians because of a surge in retirements, said Paul Mark, library system spokesman. The state is trying to recruit for the positions on the Mainland and locally to fill the entry-level librarian III position with a starting pay of $3,030 a month — more than $36,000 a year. The recruitment period closes Sept. 12.

The state operates 51 libraries.

"We offer career opportunities that are both challenging and rewarding," said Hawai'i State Librarian Jo Ann Schindler. "We are currently investigating and initiating innovative services such as eBooks and digital audio books, self check out, Internet scheduling and print management systems."

For more information, go to the Hawai'i State Public Library System's Web site: www .librarieshawaii.org/about /employment2.html, the Hawai'i State Recruiting Office's Web site: www.ehawaiigov.org/state jobs or call the Hawai'i State Recruiting Office at 587-0940.

Reach Suzanne Roig at sroig@honoluluadvertiser.com.