At a Glance
- Tasks: Assist customers, shelve books, run events, and promote reading.
- Company: Join Newham Libraries, a vibrant community hub making a difference.
- Benefits: Part-time hours with competitive pay and a chance to impact lives.
- Other info: Inclusive environment with opportunities for personal growth.
- Why this job: Be part of a team that inspires a love for reading and learning.
- Qualifications: Customer service experience, passion for books, and good IT skills.
The predicted salary is between 30288 - 31346 € per year.
Part Time 23 hours - Monday - Saturday including evenings
£30,288 - £31,346 per annum pro-rata
About Us
Newham Libraries is an ambitious library service that plays a pivotal role in improving the quality of life of our residents with the number of visits to libraries and the number of books borrowed increasing year on year. The service is well placed within the Council and works closely with Public Health and other services. Key priorities for the service are ensuring that our book stock is representative of and relevant to our communities; encouraging Reading for Pleasure for all; developing our Digital Lending offer; building on our innovative approach to the Summer Reading Challenge; developing our Under 5s offer; and delivering a high quality library offer. There are 10 libraries across the borough delivering a high number of opening hours and a large number of events and activities.
Library and Senior Library Assistants have an essential role in delivering this ambition. They carry out a range of tasks including but not limited to:
- assisting customers with transactions;
- shelving of books and book displays;
- providing digital assistance and basic digital skills sessions;
- information provision and sign-posting;
- running or supporting events and activities including Under 5s storytimes;
- promoting books and reading.
On occasions, Library and Senior Library Assistants may also be required to support outreach activities or resident forums. As duty managers, Senior Library Assistants may be required to open and close buildings; take bookings and payments; oversee staff activity; and carry out cashing up / banking functions.
The candidate will have excellent customer care skills and experience, will enjoy helping people and be genuinely passionate about the role of libraries in providing a range of opportunities for our residents. They should have libraries or similar customer focused experience, love reading and talking about books, enjoy STEM and digital engagement, have a good level of literacy, numeracy and IT skills, experience of running activities, and enjoy working with the public.
Closing date: 24th May 2026
Additional Information
We are committed to creating an inclusive, anti-racist environment for all. When you apply for a job at Newham, your application is considered on its merits regardless of your age, disability, ethnicity, faith, gender identity or sexual orientation. If you share our vision and values, and you bring the experience and skills we need, that’s all that matters to us.
The London Borough of Newham has important responsibilities for safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults. If you are appointed to a job that involves working with these groups, you may be subject to a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check.
Please attach your supporting statement, explaining in no more than x2 A4 sides why and how you meet the criteria for this role.
We practice anonymised recruitment. Please ensure that you remove all personal information from any documents that you upload.
Senior Library Assistant - Manor Park Library in London employer: Borough of Newham
Newham Libraries is an exceptional employer that prioritises community engagement and personal development, making it a rewarding place to work. With a strong commitment to inclusivity and a vibrant work culture, employees are encouraged to grow through various training opportunities while contributing to meaningful initiatives that enhance the lives of local residents. The part-time Senior Library Assistant role at Manor Park Library offers a chance to be part of a dynamic team dedicated to promoting literacy and digital skills in a supportive environment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Library Assistant - Manor Park Library in London
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the library scene in Newham! Familiarise yourself with the services and events offered at Manor Park Library and other local libraries. This will help you connect with the team and show your genuine interest during interviews.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice your customer care skills! Think of examples from your past experiences where you've gone above and beyond for customers. Being able to share these stories will demonstrate your passion for helping people, which is key for this role.
✨Tip Number 3
Show off your love for reading and digital engagement! Be ready to discuss your favourite books or how you've used technology to enhance learning. This will highlight your enthusiasm for the library's mission and your fit for the position.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it gives you a chance to tailor your supporting statement directly to what we’re looking for in a Senior Library Assistant.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Library Assistant - Manor Park Library in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Libraries:When writing your application, let your love for libraries shine through! Share specific examples of how you've engaged with books and reading, and why you believe libraries are essential for the community.
Tailor Your Supporting Statement:Make sure your supporting statement is tailored to the role. Highlight your customer care skills and any relevant experience you have in library services or similar environments. We want to see how you meet the criteria outlined in the job description!
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application clear and to the point. Use straightforward language and avoid jargon. Remember, we’re looking for someone who can communicate effectively with our diverse community, so show us you can do that right from the start!
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us directly. Plus, you’ll find all the details you need about the role and our values there.
How to prepare for a job interview at Borough of Newham
✨Know Your Library Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of library services and the role they play in the community. Familiarise yourself with Newham Libraries' initiatives, like the Summer Reading Challenge and digital lending. This shows your passion for libraries and helps you connect with the interviewers.
✨Show Off Your Customer Care Skills
Since this role is all about helping people, be ready to share examples of how you've provided excellent customer service in the past. Think of specific situations where you went above and beyond to assist someone, especially in a library or similar setting.
✨Prepare for Practical Scenarios
You might be asked how you'd handle certain situations, like assisting a customer with digital skills or running a storytime session. Think through these scenarios beforehand and be ready to demonstrate your approach and creativity in engaging with the public.
✨Craft a Compelling Supporting Statement
Your supporting statement is your chance to shine! Clearly outline how your experience aligns with the job criteria. Use specific examples to illustrate your skills and passion for reading and libraries. Keep it concise but impactful!
