At a Glance
- Tasks: Assist customers, manage enquiries, and deliver engaging activities for all ages.
- Company: Join the London Borough of Hounslow, a vibrant council dedicated to community service.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible hours, diverse work culture, and opportunities for personal growth.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in your community while gaining valuable experience in a supportive environment.
- Qualifications: GCSE English A-C or equivalent; customer service skills are essential.
- Other info: Fixed term role from September to December 2025, with some evening and weekend shifts.
The predicted salary is between 24000 - 36000 £ per year.
About Us
We’d love you to join us at the London Borough of Hounslow! Our people are deeply committed to providing excellent services to our residents and doing everything we can to make lives as good as they can be.
Our Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion
We live by five core values: Lead with Heart, Do New, Pass on the Power, Harness the Mix and Be a Rock. All our work has equality, diversity and inclusion at its very heart. We are committed to being an inclusive employer and make reasonable adjustments for candidates with disabilities.
Benefits
At the London Borough of Hounslow we offer a supportive environment, continuous learning and development programmes, and a strong community ethos.
About The Role
An exciting opportunity has arisen for the appointment of an 18‑hour permanent Community and Library Assistant to join our library team within Localities and Community Hubs.
Responsibilities
- Deliver the best visitor experience and act as the first point of contact for customer enquiries and information for libraries and community hubs, across phone, email and in person.
- Offer advice, guidance and assistance to customers on the use of library materials and equipment including public‑use IT and reference and stock enquiries.
- Prepare and deliver vibrant and engaging Storytime sessions and other activities for both children and adults in line with the service events and engagement plan, including taking bookings and creating promotion materials.
- Promote the library and community hub services, keep facilities well‑presented and tidy, and maintain a high standard of display and promotional materials.
- Use a range of ICT software/hardware, such as MS Office, library information databases, internet search, and specialised library‑specific applications.
- Work calmly, efficiently and accurately under pressure and in challenging scenarios.
- Show initiative and work independently on occasion in a library without on‑site supervision.
Qualifications
English A‑C GCSE or equivalent, or ability to demonstrate an equivalent level of attainment through qualification or experience in a relevant discipline.
Essential For The Role
Enhanced DBS check is required.
Work Pattern
The role is based at Feltham library. Weekly patterns include Monday 1.15‑8, Saturday 9.30‑5.30; Friday 9‑5.30 for week 2; Sunday 11‑4 at Hounslow library by rota every 10 weeks.
Interview
The interview will consist of five questions followed by a book‑reading and a strict ordering test. At interview start you will have 10 minutes to choose a book from the selection provided and to preview the questions.
When Interviews Will Be Held And Who To Contact
Interviews for this job will be held during the week commencing Monday 8th December 2025. For enquiries please contact the email address listed in the Role Profile.
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Community and Library Assistant employer: London Borough of Hounslow
Contact Detail:
London Borough of Hounslow Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Community and Library Assistant
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the services offered by Hounslow Libraries. Understanding their community engagement initiatives and the types of activities they run will help you demonstrate your enthusiasm and knowledge during the interview.
✨Tip Number 2
Showcase your customer service skills by preparing examples of how you've successfully handled inquiries or resolved issues in previous roles. This will highlight your ability to provide exceptional service, which is crucial for this position.
✨Tip Number 3
Be ready to discuss your experience with ICT software and library databases. Brush up on any relevant technology you’ve used, as being tech-savvy is essential for assisting customers effectively.
✨Tip Number 4
Prepare to talk about your ideas for engaging Storytime sessions or activities for both children and adults. Having creative suggestions will show your initiative and passion for community involvement, which aligns with the role's requirements.
We think you need these skills to ace Community and Library Assistant
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Read the job description thoroughly to understand the responsibilities and requirements of the Community and Library Assistant position. Tailor your application to highlight how your skills and experiences align with what Hounslow is looking for.
Showcase Customer Service Skills: Emphasise your exceptional customer service delivery in your CV and cover letter. Provide specific examples of how you've assisted customers in previous roles, as this is a key aspect of the job.
Highlight Relevant Experience: If you have experience working in libraries or community services, make sure to detail this in your application. Mention any activities you've organised or participated in that relate to the role, especially those involving children and adults.
Prepare for the Interview: While this step comes after your application, it's good to prepare early. Think about potential questions related to customer service scenarios and how you would handle them. Familiarise yourself with the library's services and community engagement initiatives to demonstrate your interest.
How to prepare for a job interview at London Borough of Hounslow
✨Showcase Your Customer Service Skills
As a Community and Library Assistant, exceptional customer service is key. Prepare examples of how you've successfully assisted customers in the past, highlighting your communication skills and ability to handle enquiries effectively.
✨Demonstrate Flexibility and Teamwork
This role requires flexibility and the ability to work as part of a team. Be ready to discuss instances where you've adapted to changing situations or collaborated with others to achieve a common goal.
✨Engage with the Community Focus
Hounslow values community engagement. Research the local area and think about how you can contribute to the library's role as a community hub. Share ideas on activities or events that could benefit residents.
✨Prepare for Practical Scenarios
You may be asked to demonstrate your ability to deliver engaging Storytime sessions or other activities. Think about how you would plan and execute these sessions, and be prepared to share your ideas during the interview.