Library Assistant

Description

This role has a starting salary of 21,572.56 per annum (pro rata to 25,052 FTE), based on a 31 hour working week.

We are looking for an enthusiastic and self-motivated Library Assistant to join our dedicated team. You will be based at Guildford and Horsley Libraries, you will also be required to work at Cobham Library.

Libraries are spaces for social interaction, learning and cultural experiences, acting as an economic enabler providing support for local communities and businesses. Surrey's libraries offer vital services to all members of their communities.

Rewards and Benefits

26 days' holiday (prorated for part time staff), rising to 28 days after 2 years' service and 31 days after 5 years' serviceOption to buy up to 10 days of additional annual leave An extensive Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) to support health and wellbeingUp to 5 days of carer's leave per yearPaternity, adoption and dependents leaveA generous local government salary related pensionLifestyle discounts including gym, travel, shopping and many more2 paid volunteering days per yearLearning and development hub where you can access a wealth of resources About the Role

Surrey Libraries hold a unique place in our communities offering something for everyone, and no two days are the same. They provide universal access through a programme of reading, learning, digital, and health and wellbeing activities. Our vision is for our libraries to become hubs of the community that all are proud of. With excellent customer service at its heart, we need people who share this passion to become more successful.

Library Assistants greet each person with a positive attitude and resilient approach to any request. Customer service is at the forefront of our library service, making them busy, lively places to work. Flexibility, creativity, and initiative are key.

Your responsibilities will include:

Helping with reading recommendationsCreating new themes for book displaysMaintaining, presenting, and processing book stockLeading craft events, Rhymetime, and Storytime sessionsEngaging with schools to organise visits and class assembliesAssisting with or leading activities for both children and adultsLone working or single staffing at this and other libraries in the areaShortlisting Criteria

To be considered for shortlisting for this position, your application will clearly evidence the following:

Proven experience in providing or receiving excellent customer service.Evidence of observing or contributing to a community service that made a positive impact.Creative ideas for attracting more people to our libraries, aligned with the Surrey Way framework.Application Questions

As part of the application process, you will be asked to upload your CV and answer the following questions. Please highlight your strengths and any transferable skills or experience:

What has motivated you to apply for the Surrey Library Service? (150 words)Can you please provide an example when you either provided, or received, excellent customer service? (150 words)Our libraries are a vital community resource. Describe an instance where you observed or contributed to a community service making a positive impact. (150 words)Can you name 3 things you would do to attract more people to our libraries and highlight how they align with aspects of our Surrey Way framework? (150 words)If shortlisted for interview, you will be sent interview questions in advance. You will be asked to share an idea for a library event and be asked to read a short story.

Rota

Week 1:

Monday: 9am-5:30pmTuesday: 10am-7pmWednesday: 9am-5:30pmThursday: OffFriday: 9am-5:30pmSaturday: OffSunday: OffWeek 2:

Monday: 10am-5pmTuesday: 9:30am-5pmWednesday: 9am-2pmThursday: 9am-5pmFriday: OffSaturday: 9am-5pmSunday: OffThis rota is subject to temporary or long-term revision to meet the needs of the library service. This may include occasionally covering until 7pm. You may be required to travel to other locations to support the wider library network as required.

Contact Us

Please contact us for any questions relating to the role. This could be to discuss flexible working requests, transferable skills or any barriers to employment.

For an informal discussion please contact Bryony Calverley via email at .

The job advert closes at 23:59 on 12/09/2025 with interviews planned for W/C 22/09/2025.

Local Government Reorganisation

Surrey County Council is preparing for Local Government Reorganisation which will allow us to implement the Government led policy of devolution, which is all about giving more powers to local areas.

Currently, Surrey has a two-tier council system, with 11 district and borough councils and a county council, all responsible for different services. All these councils will be reorganised into a smaller number of new unitary councils which will come into effect in April 2027. At this point, this role will be transferred, with all existing terms and conditions intact into one of the new unitary councils.

Ad ID: 5417166325