At a Glance
- Tasks: Inspire children and families through engaging reading events and community activities.
- Company: Join a supportive library team dedicated to fostering a love of reading.
- Benefits: Enjoy 40 days annual leave, flexible working, and a generous pension plan.
- Other info: Dynamic role with opportunities for personal growth and community impact.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in your community by promoting literacy and learning.
- Qualifications: Experience in event management, communication skills, and IT proficiency required.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 € per year.
Salary Range: SSA SO1
Contract: Permanent, Full Time
Location: 1st Floor The Cottage, Little Green, Richmond, TW9 1QH
Travel: Will be required to travel within and outside the borough
Objective of Role
Can you inspire a love of reading and learning in children, young people and families, and demonstrate libraries as an inclusive safe space? As a Librarian in the Children and Communities Team, you will help shape how our youngest residents and local communities engage with books, stories and wider library services across Richmond upon Thames.
About the Role
You will deliver a range of engaging events and activities, including:
- Early years’ literacy programmes (e.g. Bookstart)
- Reading campaigns (e.g. Summer Reading Challenge, National Year of Reading)
- Ongoing programme of creative and cultural events to engage new audiences and provide opportunities for shared experiences
- Targeted library outreach services to adults, children and young people who face barriers to accessing library services
You will contribute to the development of a well‑trained, knowledgeable and resilient workforce by supporting the delivery of staff training and learning activities. You will evaluate, select and assist in the management of library resources, including e‑books and e‑audio, children’s / young people’s fiction and non‑fiction. You will help raise the profile of the library service through engaging marketing activity, including printed, digital and social media campaigns that connect with diverse audiences.
Essential Qualifications, Skills and Experience
- Training and delivery of information and IT skills, reader development, successful delivery of reading or learning programmes; event/festival management and promotion
- Effective communication with staff, customers and groups, ability to answer complex enquiries, undertake research, deliver talks and training
- Proficiency with ICT equipment (PCs, laptops, tablets, smartphones, printers, scanners, projectors)
- Strong organisational skills: planning and promoting events and activities, managing multiple tasks and meeting deadlines
- Team player: capable of working collaboratively to deliver successful outcomes
Working Hours
The working hours are 36 hours a week, timetabled as alternate long and short weeks; working two Saturdays in four and up to one late night a week. Occasional Sunday and additional evening work may be required. A flexible approach is necessary. Based in Richmond but required to travel to other libraries and locations around Richmond upon Thames as necessary. The role requires the ability to undertake physical tasks, including standing for extended periods and lifting/moving heavy objects.
Additional Information
Appointment of the successful candidate is dependent upon the completion of an enhanced DBS check. We are proud to be a Disability Confident employer. If you require any reasonable adjustments throughout the recruitment and selection process, please let us know. We are also committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people/vulnerable adults and expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. Some posts may be exempted under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and as such appointment to these posts will be conditional upon the receipt of a satisfactory response to a check of police records via Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS). We offer a wide range of benefits designed to attract, develop, and reward our employees such as 40 days annual leave (including Bank Holidays), flexible working and a generous pension plan.
Indicative Recruitment Timeline
Closing Date: 7th June 2026
Shortlisting Date: W/C 8th June 2026
Interview Date: W/C 22nd June 2026
Contact
Please contact Rosemary Whittle, Children and Communities Manager at rosemary.whittle@richmondandwandsworth.gov.uk for an informal conversation about the role.
Librarian employer: London Borough of Richmond upon Thames and London Borough of Wandsworth
As a Librarian in the Children and Communities Team, you will join a supportive and inclusive work culture that prioritises the development of both staff and community engagement. With generous benefits such as 40 days of annual leave and flexible working arrangements, this role offers meaningful opportunities to inspire a love of reading among children and families in Richmond upon Thames. The company is committed to employee growth through training and development, making it an excellent employer for those passionate about literacy and community service.
Contact Detail:
London Borough of Richmond upon Thames and London Borough of Wandsworth Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Librarian
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the library scene in Richmond! Familiarise yourself with local events and community needs. This will help you connect with the interviewers and show that you're genuinely interested in making a difference.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice your storytelling skills! As a librarian, you'll be inspiring children and families. Prepare a few engaging stories or activities to share during your interview to demonstrate your creativity and passion.
✨Tip Number 3
Network with current librarians or attend local library events. This can give you insider knowledge about what the role truly entails and might even lead to a recommendation when you apply through our website!
✨Tip Number 4
Be ready to discuss how you would promote library services. Think about innovative marketing ideas that could engage diverse audiences, as this is key for the role. Show us your enthusiasm for connecting with the community!
We think you need these skills to ace Librarian
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Reading:When you're writing your application, let your love for books and reading shine through! Share any experiences you've had that demonstrate your enthusiasm for inspiring others, especially children and families.
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your application to highlight how your skills and experiences align with the role. Mention specific programmes or events you've been involved in that relate to early years’ literacy or community engagement.
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your writing clear and to the point. Use straightforward language to explain your qualifications and experiences, making it easy for us to see why you’d be a great fit for the team.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to submit your application through our website. It’s the best way to ensure we receive all your details correctly and can process your application smoothly!
How to prepare for a job interview at London Borough of Richmond upon Thames and London Borough of Wandsworth
✨Know Your Audience
Before the interview, research the local community and the specific needs of children and families in Richmond upon Thames. Understanding their interests and challenges will help you demonstrate how you can inspire a love of reading and learning.
✨Showcase Your Event Management Skills
Prepare to discuss your experience in planning and promoting events. Think of specific examples where you've successfully engaged audiences, especially children and young people, through creative activities or literacy programmes.
✨Demonstrate Your Communication Skills
Effective communication is key in this role. Be ready to share examples of how you've communicated complex information clearly, whether it’s through delivering talks, training sessions, or engaging with diverse groups.
✨Highlight Your Teamwork Experience
This position requires collaboration with various stakeholders. Prepare to talk about times when you've worked as part of a team to achieve successful outcomes, particularly in library services or community engagement.
