Library Assistant in Kingston upon Thames

In addition to your salary, we offer a range of benefits including:

• Great holiday benefits - most roles include 28 days annual leave every year on top of public (bank) holidays, increasing to 32 days after five years. There is also a holiday purchase scheme allowing staff to purchase up to 5 additional days of leave each year.
• Excellent pension – everyone who works for us can join the national Local Government Pension Scheme, widely regarded as one of the best available.
• Family friendly policies including enhanced maternity, adoption and paternity support and a childcare subsidy.
• Award-winning employee benefits programme that includes a health cash plan, a low-cost bike purchase scheme as well as high street discounts and money off entertainment and travel.
• Salary sacrifice car scheme - eligible employees can access low-cost leasing of electric and low-emission vehicles.
• Blue Light Card - employees working within social care can qualify for an additional range of discounts from national retailers and local businesses.

Our roles are either designated ‘site based’ or ‘home based’. ‘Site based’ roles can include up to two days a week working from home whilst ‘home based’ roles are based at home four days a week. Of course, managers designate which category roles are in based on the needs of the service and the circumstances.

We’re recruiting a Library Assistant to help us support local people to enjoy reading, learning, and accessing information across our nine community libraries. You’ll be joining our Children’s Services team, which focuses on helping residents learn, grow and stay connected. Every day you’ll be part of a friendly and dedicated team working in the heart of the community. You’ll help us make sure everyone has a warm welcome when they visit and you’ll play an important part in bringing our library spaces to life. This role is ideal if you enjoy working with people and you’re looking for a rewarding position where you can develop new skills.

Site-Based role

This is a Site-Based role, and you’ll be expected to work from the designated workplace. You’ll work a two-week rolling pattern that offers consistency while including some weekend working.

Week one

• Monday: Off
• Tuesday: 2.00pm – 5.00pm
• Thursday: 2.00pm – 5.00pm
• Friday: 2.00pm – 5.00pm
• Saturday: Off

Week two

• Monday: Off
• Tuesday: 2.00pm – 5.00pm
• Thursday: 2.00pm – 5.00pm
• Friday: 2.00pm – 5.00pm
• Saturday: 9.30am – 1.00pm

This pattern ensures regular weekday hours with a Saturday shift every other week. Interviews for this role will be held on 23rd July 2026.

At Milton Keynes City Council, we aim to make a difference every day. We’re dedicated, respectful and collaborative. We act as one council, and we work hard to create cleaner, safer and healthier communities while tackling inequalities and supporting people to thrive.

Help promote reading in the community by supporting activities that encourage literacy and a love of books. Carry out front-line customer service duties and help run sessions such as story times. Support residents by offering guidance on using library resources, materials and equipment. Positively represent our Library Service and Milton Keynes City Council, helping us build strong relationships with local people. Help keep our libraries safe, welcoming and well-maintained for colleagues and visitors. Work with children in supervised, non-regulated activities when based in school settings.

Ideal Candidate

• Good literacy and numeracy skills, ideally with English and Maths at GCSE level, or equivalent experience.
• Confidence using digital tools including Microsoft Office and other information systems.
• Great people skills, with the ability to communicate clearly and deliver small group sessions, such as children’s story times.
• The ability to notice issues that arise when working with the public and either resolve them or seek support.
• Someone who works well in a busy, multi-tasking environment and enjoys being part of a supportive team.
• We’re looking for someone who reflects our values: dedicated, respectful, and collaborative.

As part of the pre-employment checks, should you be offered the role, we’ll carry out a Basic Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check.

About The Organisation

Milton Keynes City Council is a large, modern and financially stable employer with around 2,500 people working across our eight areas. Together we provide local residents and businesses with a wide range of important round-the-clock services and aim to make our city a better place to live. We work hard because of the demands placed on us, like protecting children from harm or preventing homelessness. However, working for the city is always rewarding and everyone has the opportunity to make a real difference. We’re very proud of our diversity and are committed to having a workforce that reflects the community we serve. Whatever your background, you will be welcome here if you share our values of being dedicated, respectful and collaborative. We offer great training and support and because of the size and scale of the organisation there are always new opportunities to explore when it’s time for a new role.