At a Glance
- Tasks: Assist customers, manage library resources, and organise community events.
- Company: Join Bracknell Forest Library Service, transforming libraries into vibrant community hubs.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible hours, hybrid working, 25+ days annual leave, and wellness support.
- Why this job: Be part of a dynamic team making a real impact in the community.
- Qualifications: Passion for helping others, strong ICT skills, and a positive attitude required.
- Other info: Interviews on 15th July 2025; apply early as we review applications regularly.
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We have an exciting opportunity for a part-time, permanent Library Assistant to join our team and help shape an enhanced Library Service; transforming our libraries into vibrant community hubs and providing better opportunities for local residents.
About you…
We are looking for someone who can quickly establish positive relationships with customers, demonstrating patience, empathy and a commitment to excellent service.
The ideal candidate will be confident and enthusiastic, with a genuine passion for helping others and strong ICT skills. You will be a team player who brings energy and a can-do attitude, making a valuable contribution to the library environment.
You will also be self-motivated, determined and resilient; ready to take initiative and deliver results in a dynamic and customer-focused setting.
Your ‘home’ library will be Whitegrove Library, but you will work an average of 28.5 hours per week across the Libraries in our borough. The working pattern requires working every Saturday, with a day off during the week. You must be able to work flexibly and travel between branches.
About the team…
This is an exciting time to join the Bracknell Forest Library Service as we look to develop our libraries into Community Hubs.
You will be joining a team of dedicated staff and volunteers, committed to delivering our core offers and wide-ranging events’ programme, providing an excellent service to all of our customers.
We are always looking for better ways of doing things:
- How can we make the most of our library resources?
- Create exciting spaces that our residents want to spend time in?
- Harness technology to improve the overall customer experience?
These are just some of the things you could become involved with, when you join our team.
Key responsibilities…
- Provide a high-quality service to the public via all service points within Bracknell Forest Council, answering information enquiries in person, by telephone, and digitally, and to support customers in the use of ICT.
- Assist customers to issue, return and renew items of stock using the self-service kiosks.
- Promote areas of stock by creating and updating new monthly displays.
- Assist with the organisation and running of activities and events for all age groups to generate library income, including the sale of goods and services as required.
- Support volunteers allocated to branches, assisting with their training and helping them to feel part of the team.
- 25 days* annual leave increasing to 28 days* after 3 years’ continuous service.
- The opportunity to buy up to 10 additional days* annual leave per year and sell 5 days.
- Hybrid working opportunities to support your wellbeing and work-life balance.
- Electric vehicle salary sacrifice for an electric car at a fixed monthly cost (subject to eligibility).
- An inclusive and social working environment with a variety of staff networks.
- Life insurance cover (linked to the pension scheme)
- Enhanced maternity, paternity, adoption and fostering leave.
- Recognition of continuous service attained within the NHS and UKHSA when calculating some benefits such as annual leave entitlements, occupational maternity/paternity leave, and more. (Terms and Conditions apply – please refer to candidate pack for more information.)
- Career development through internal and external training opportunities.
- A great office location next to travel links and Bracknell Forest’s thriving town centre.
- Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) to support your health and wellbeing.
- Sports and Social Club.
- Discounted leisure centre and gym membership.
Our values
At Bracknell Forest Council our values define who we are and what is important to us. Our core values are inclusive, ambitious, and always learning. These values influence the way we work with each other and the way we serve our residents and engage with our communities. We make our values real by demonstrating them in how we behave every day. If you are excited about joining a diverse team that celebrates learning and strives for excellence, we would love to hear from you.
Reasonable adjustments
We are committed to ensuring an inclusive recruitment process for all applicants. If you require any reasonable adjustments to support your application or interview, please let us know by contacting [emailprotected] . We will work with you to support you throughout the process.
Rota pattern
The hours of work will be approximately as follows:
Week 1
Monday 1.50pm – 7.05pm Ascot Heath or another location as required
Tuesday 1.45pm – 5.10pm Ascot Heath or another location as required
Wednesday Non working day
Thursday 9.15am – 5.10pm Binfield or another location as required
Friday 9.15am – 5.10pm Whitegrove or another location as required
Saturday 9:15am – 4.15pm Binfield or another location as required
Week 2
Monday 1.50pm – 7.05pm Ascot Heath or another location as required
Tuesday 1.45pm – 5.10pm Ascot Heath or another location as required
Wednesday Non working day
Thursday 9.15am – 5.10pm Binfield or another location as required
Friday 9.15am – 5.10pm Whitegrove or another location as required
Saturday 9:15am – 4.15pm Binfield or another location as required
Week 3
Monday 1.50pm – 7.05pm Ascot Heath or another location as required
Tuesday 1.45pm – 5.10pm Ascot Heath or another location as required
Wednesday Non working day
Thursday 9.15am – 5.10pm Binfield or another location as required
Friday 9.15am – 5.10pm Whitegrove or another location as required
Saturday 9:15am – 4.15pm Binfield or another location as required
Interview date
Interviews will be held on Tuesday, 15th July 2025.
Interviews will be conducted in person, providing candidates with the chance to personally meet the team and experience our work environment.
We will be reviewing applications regularly and reserve the right to close the advert early if suitable candidates are identified. To avoid disappointment, you are advised to submit your application as soon as possible.
Please note AI is prohibited during the interview, any candidate using AI will be withdrawn from consideration.
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Library Assistant employer: Bracknell Forest Council
Contact Detail:
Bracknell Forest Council Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Library Assistant
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the Bracknell Forest Library Service and its current initiatives. Understanding their goals, such as transforming libraries into community hubs, will help you align your passion for helping others with their mission during the interview.
✨Tip Number 2
Showcase your ICT skills by being prepared to discuss how you've used technology in previous roles. Think of specific examples where you've helped customers or improved processes using tech, as this is a key part of the Library Assistant role.
✨Tip Number 3
Demonstrate your ability to work flexibly and as part of a team. Be ready to share experiences where you've collaborated with others or adapted to changing circumstances, as this will highlight your suitability for the dynamic library environment.
✨Tip Number 4
Prepare to discuss your ideas for engaging the community through library events and activities. Think creatively about how you can contribute to generating library income and enhancing customer experience, which are important aspects of the role.
We think you need these skills to ace Library Assistant
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Read the job description thoroughly to understand the key responsibilities and required skills. Tailor your application to highlight how your experience aligns with the role of a Library Assistant.
Showcase Your Skills: Emphasise your strong ICT skills and any relevant experience in customer service. Provide specific examples of how you've demonstrated patience, empathy, and a commitment to excellent service in previous roles.
Express Your Passion: Convey your genuine passion for helping others and your enthusiasm for working in a library environment. Mention any previous involvement in community activities or events that relate to the role.
Proofread Your Application: Before submitting, carefully proofread your application for any spelling or grammatical errors. A well-presented application reflects your attention to detail and professionalism.
How to prepare for a job interview at Bracknell Forest Council
✨Show Your Passion for Libraries
Make sure to express your genuine enthusiasm for libraries and community services during the interview. Share any personal experiences or stories that highlight your love for reading, learning, and helping others in a library setting.
✨Demonstrate Strong Customer Service Skills
Prepare examples of how you've successfully handled customer inquiries or resolved issues in previous roles. Emphasise your patience, empathy, and commitment to providing excellent service, as these qualities are crucial for a Library Assistant.
✨Highlight Your ICT Proficiency
Since strong ICT skills are essential for this role, be ready to discuss your experience with technology. Mention any specific software or tools you’ve used, and how you can assist customers with their digital needs in the library.
✨Be Ready to Discuss Teamwork
As a Library Assistant, you'll be part of a team. Prepare to talk about your experiences working collaboratively with others, supporting volunteers, and contributing positively to a team environment. Show that you're a team player with a can-do attitude.