At a Glance
- Tasks: Inspire children and families through engaging reading events and creative activities.
- Company: Join a supportive library team dedicated to community engagement.
- 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 young people's lives 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 for an informal conversation about the role.
Librarian in London 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 love of reading and learning for children and families in Richmond upon Thames. With generous benefits such as 40 days of annual leave, flexible working arrangements, and opportunities for professional development, this role offers a meaningful way to engage with the community while fostering personal growth in a vibrant library environment.
Contact Details:
London Borough of Richmond upon Thames and London Borough of Wandsworth Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Librarian in London
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the library scene in Richmond! Attend local events, visit different libraries, and chat with staff. This will not only help you understand the community's needs but also give you a chance to network and make connections that could lead to job opportunities.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your passion for reading and learning! When you get the chance to meet potential employers or attend interviews, share your favourite books or literacy programmes you've been involved in. This personal touch can really set you apart from other candidates.
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t underestimate the power of social media! Follow libraries and community groups on platforms like Twitter and Instagram. Engage with their posts and share your own insights about library services. This can help you stay informed and demonstrate your enthusiasm for the role.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! We want to see your application and hear your story. Make sure to highlight your experience with events and outreach, as well as your ability to connect with diverse audiences. Let’s get you into that librarian role!
We think you need these skills to ace Librarian in London
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 events or programmes you've been involved in that relate to early years’ literacy or community engagement.
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application straightforward and to the point. Use clear language and structure your thoughts logically so we can easily see how you fit into our team and what you can bring to the table.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to submit your application through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it’s super easy!
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 community you’ll be serving. Understand the demographics and needs of children and families in Richmond upon Thames. This will help you tailor your responses to show how you can inspire a love of reading and learning in them.
✨Showcase Your Event Management Skills
Be prepared to discuss specific events or programmes you've managed in the past. Highlight your organisational skills and how you successfully engaged audiences. Think about examples that demonstrate your creativity and ability to promote literacy initiatives.
✨Demonstrate Your Communication Skills
Effective communication is key in this role. Practice articulating your thoughts clearly and confidently. Be ready to answer complex enquiries and provide examples of how you've delivered talks or training sessions in the past.
✨Emphasise Teamwork and Flexibility
This position requires collaboration with various stakeholders. Share experiences where you worked as part of a team to achieve successful outcomes. Also, express your willingness to adapt to different working hours and travel requirements, showing that you're flexible and committed.
