At a Glance
- Tasks: Support library operations and engage with the community through events and activities.
- Company: Join the friendly team at Cumberland Libraries, a hub for local culture.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible hours, and opportunities for personal growth.
- Why this job: Make a difference in your community while promoting literacy and learning.
- Qualifications: Great customer service skills and a passion for helping others.
- Other info: Diverse and inclusive workplace with guaranteed interviews for eligible applicants.
The predicted salary is between 25989 - 25989 ÂŁ per year.
Location: Longtown Library, Lochinvar Centre, Longtown, CA6 5UG & Carlisle Library, 11 Globe Lane, Carlisle, CA3 8NX
Salary: ÂŁ25,989 per annum (ÂŁ14,224 pro rata equivalent)
Hours: 20.25 hours per week
Contract: Permanent
Mon: 12.45 – 5 (Longtown)
Tues: 9 – 5.30 (Carlisle)
Wed: 9.45 – 2 (Longtown)
Fri: 12.45 – 5 (Longtown)
About The Team And The Role
We’re excited to offer a part‑time opportunity to join our dedicated team at Cumberland Libraries. As a Library Assistant, you’ll be at the heart of a vibrant community space, helping to deliver essential services and engaging activities to people of all ages. This is a fantastic role for someone enthusiastic, community‑minded, and eager to contribute to the development and daily operations of our much‑loved local libraries.
As a Library Assistant, You Will:
- Support the smooth day‑to‑day running.
- Provide friendly, helpful service to all visitors.
- Assist customers with borrowing, digital resources, and public computer use.
- Deliver and support a range of events and activities — from early years sessions like Rhyme Time to digital skills workshops and local history talks.
- Create engaging displays.
- Promote library services, signposting and contribute to new community‑focused initiatives.
Branch Library Responsibilities:
- Primarily lone working.
- Key holder duties.
- Cash handling and banking.
- Health & Safety responsibilities.
- Reporting and communicating with off‑site managers.
About You
We’re looking for someone who can demonstrate:
- Excellent customer service and communication skills.
- Confidence using ICT systems and helping others with basic digital tasks.
- Experience working with the public.
- A pro‑active approach to working with children and teenagers.
- The ability to actively promote literacy and reading to young people through delivery of story‑times and book‑linked events and promotions.
- Confidence to problem‑solve and deal with challenging behaviour.
- Strong organisational skills and the ability to work collaboratively.
- An understanding of the important role libraries play in local communities.
We’re looking for individuals who embody our organisation’s core values: ambitious, collaborative, compassionate, empowering, and innovative. We believe in the power of these values to drive positive change, deliver excellent public services and shape a better future for our communities.
Guaranteed Interviews
We offer a guaranteed interview to the following applicants as long as your application can demonstrate you meet the essential criteria for the role:
- Those who consider themselves disabled as defined by the Equality Act 2010.
- Those in care or who have left care and are aged 24 and under.
- Armed forces veterans whose last long‑term substantive employer was the armed forces.
If you meet one or more of the criteria above, and wish to be considered for this scheme, select 'yes' to the appropriate question during your application.
Diversity, Inclusion & Adjustments
We’re dedicated to enhancing the diversity of our workforce and we encourage applications from individuals of all backgrounds. That’s why we’re a proud Disability Confident Employer and also an Age Friendly Employer - to provide opportunities for everyone to thrive. If you need any reasonable adjustments to participate in the recruitment process, please let either the hiring manager or our Resourcing Team know by emailing Resourcing@Cumberland.gov.uk. While adjustments aren’t always guaranteed, we’ll always listen, and we’ll try our best to accommodate your needs.
Application and Interview Information
Closing date: 15/02/2026
Interview date: week commencing 23/02/2026
Please note this role may close early subject to demand. If you’re interested in applying, you should apply well before the advised closing date. We cannot accept applications once the role has closed.
Library and Customer Assistant- CMB2288e in Carlisle employer: Cumberland Council
Contact Detail:
Cumberland Council Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Library and Customer Assistant- CMB2288e in Carlisle
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the libraries in your area! Visit Longtown and Carlisle Libraries, chat with staff, and understand their community vibe. This will help you tailor your approach and show genuine interest during interviews.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice your customer service skills! Role-play scenarios where you assist visitors or handle tricky situations. This will boost your confidence and prepare you for those real-life interactions that are key in this role.
✨Tip Number 3
Show off your passion for community engagement! Think of ideas for events or activities you could bring to the library. Sharing these during your interview can really set you apart and demonstrate your proactive mindset.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re tech-savvy, which is a big plus for this role!
We think you need these skills to ace Library and Customer Assistant- CMB2288e in Carlisle
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Enthusiasm: When writing your application, let your passion for libraries and community shine through. We want to see how excited you are about helping others and being part of our vibrant team!
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to highlight your relevant skills and experiences. Focus on customer service, ICT confidence, and any work with children or community initiatives that align with the role.
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application straightforward and to the point. Use clear language and structure your thoughts well so we can easily see how you meet the essential criteria for the Library Assistant position.
Apply Early: Don’t wait until the last minute! Apply through our website as soon as you can. This way, you’ll avoid any last-minute hiccups and ensure your application is considered before the role closes.
How to prepare for a job interview at Cumberland Council
✨Know Your Libraries
Familiarise yourself with the services and events offered at both Longtown and Carlisle Libraries. Being able to discuss specific programmes, like Rhyme Time or digital skills workshops, shows your enthusiasm and understanding of the role.
✨Showcase Your Customer Service Skills
Prepare examples from your past experiences where you provided excellent customer service. Think about how you handled challenging situations or helped someone with digital resources, as this will demonstrate your ability to connect with the community.
✨Emphasise Teamwork and Collaboration
Since the role involves working closely with others, be ready to discuss how you’ve successfully collaborated in previous roles. Highlight any experience you have in promoting literacy or engaging with children and teenagers, as this aligns with the library's mission.
✨Demonstrate Your Problem-Solving Skills
Think of scenarios where you had to solve a problem or deal with difficult behaviour. Be prepared to share these stories during the interview, as they will illustrate your proactive approach and confidence in handling challenges.