At a Glance
- Tasks: Support library operations and help local communities access resources.
- Company: Milton Keynes City Council, dedicated to enhancing community services.
- Benefits: 28 days holiday, excellent pension, health cash plan, and discounts.
- Other info: Flexible working patterns with opportunities for career growth.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in your community while gaining valuable experience.
- Qualifications: GCSEs in Maths and English or equivalent experience required.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
In addition to your salary, we offer a range of benefits including:
- Great holiday benefits - most roles include 28 days annual leave each 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 - 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 Senior Library Assistant to play a key role in supporting our library service and helping local communities across Milton Keynes access welcoming, inclusive and well‑run libraries. Our libraries sit at the heart of our communities. They’re places where people come to learn, connect and feel supported. As part of Milton Keynes City Council, we’re focused on making our city a better place to live by providing services that are accessible, responsive and rooted in local need.
In this role, you’ll help manage the day‑to‑day operation of a library, support and supervise colleagues and volunteers, and ensure customers receive a high‑quality, friendly service. You’ll also contribute to safe, well‑organised buildings and smooth administrative and financial processes. This is a rewarding role for someone with library experience who enjoys working with people, leading by example and keeping services running effectively. The role is based within our library network in Milton Keynes.
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, offering a mix of full-day and extended shifts, along with some weekend working.
Week one
- Monday: Off
- Tuesday: 8.30am – 6.00pm
- Thursday: 12.30pm – 8.00pm
- Friday: 8.30am – 6.00pm
- Saturday: Off
Week two
- Monday: Off
- Tuesday: 8.30am – 6.00pm
- Thursday: 8.30am – 6.00pm
- Friday: 8.30am – 6.00pm
- Saturday: 8.30am – 5.00pm
This working pattern includes regular daytime shifts, one late evening each week, and a Saturday shift every other week.
Key Responsibilities:
- Promoting the library service and building positive relationships with customers and the wider community.
- Supporting and supervising colleagues and volunteers, including recruitment, training and regular one‑to‑one meetings.
- Managing day‑to‑day library operations when required, including responsibility for the building and health and safety.
- Ensuring administrative and financial routines are followed, including regular banking procedures.
- Maintaining accurate staff records and resolving routine pay and human resources matters.
- Making sure there is sufficient paid and volunteer cover to keep libraries open during advertised hours.
Ideal Candidate:
- You’ll need GCSEs in Maths and English at grades A to C, or equivalent experience that demonstrates strong literacy and numeracy skills.
- Have a good understanding of how libraries work and the needs of library customers.
- Can manage and prioritise their own work and support others to do the same.
- Communicates clearly and confidently with a wide range of people.
- Has strong customer care skills and a calm, approachable manner.
- Is comfortable using information technology systems, including Microsoft Office and library‑specific software.
- Is flexible, adaptable and willing to support change and share knowledge with others.
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.
Senior Library Assistant in Milton Keynes employer: MILTON KEYNES COUNCIL
Milton Keynes City Council is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive work environment that prioritises employee well-being and professional growth. With generous holiday benefits, a robust pension scheme, and a commitment to family-friendly policies, we ensure our staff feel valued and empowered. Working at Milton Keynes Central Library not only allows you to make a meaningful impact in the community but also provides access to a range of employee benefits and opportunities for career development within a dynamic and inclusive team.
