Senior Library Assistant (Home Library Service)

Job Reference: SOL/TP/180/2393

Number of Positions: 1

Contract Type: Permanent

Salary: £26,824 - £29,540 pro rata per annum (pay award pending)

Incremental progression subject to performance.

Working Hours: 22.5

Location: Solihull

Job Type: Libraries

Sector: Local Councils

Business Unit: Economy and Infrastructure Directorate

Job Introduction

Deliver Books. Build Connections. Make a Difference. Are you passionate about customer service, community engagement and improving people's lives? Do you enjoy working independently, meeting people from all walks of life and sharing a love of reading? Solihull Council is looking for a compassionate and motivated Senior Library Assistant to join our Home Library Service team. This rewarding role provides vital access to library services for residents who are unable to visit their local library due to age, disability, illness or other circumstances. As part of our dedicated team, you'll do far more than deliver books. You'll help reduce isolation, support wellbeing and ensure some of our most vulnerable residents remain connected to their community through reading, information and library services.

About the Role

Working primarily Monday to Wednesday and every Friday, you'll select and deliver library materials tailored to individual customer interests and needs. You'll build positive relationships with customers, provide outstanding service and act as an ambassador for Solihull Libraries within the community.

Key responsibilities include:

• Delivering books and library resources directly to customers across Solihull.
• Driving the Home Library Service vehicle and carrying out routine vehicle checks.
• Supporting customers with library resources, services and digital enquiries.
• Selecting and recommending library stock based on customer preferences.
• Maintaining library stock and completing administrative records.
• Promoting library services, reader development activities and wider council services within the community.

What We're Looking For

We're seeking someone who combines excellent customer service skills with a genuine desire to support local residents. You will have:

• 4 GCSEs (Grade C/4 or above), including English, or equivalent qualifications.
• Significant customer service experience working with a diverse range of people.
• An understanding of the needs of vulnerable adults, including those affected by age, disability or mental health challenges.
• Excellent communication and listening skills.
• Strong organisational skills and the ability to work independently and prioritise competing demands.
• Confidence using ICT, Microsoft Office and digital technologies.
• A passion for books, reading and the role libraries play in supporting communities.
• A current, valid driving licence and the ability to drive a small transit van.

Working Arrangements

Based at The Core Library, Solihull. Home Library Service working pattern: Monday to Wednesday between 8:30am and 5:00pm (exact hours confirmed upon appointment). Additional support for the library transit service on Fridays. This role involves regular lone working, driving and manual handling activities, including loading and unloading library materials.

Why Join Solihull Council?

• Generous annual leave entitlements with the opportunity to purchase up to 10-days additional leave per year.
• Access to our Employee Assistance Programme – a 24-hour independent, free and confidential advice and support service.
• Family and carer friendly policies.
• Access to the Local Government Pension Scheme.
• Employee benefits including staff discounts, subsidised travel passes and Cycle 2 Work Scheme.

If you have a specific question regarding this post, please contact Alison Tyers, Library Manager (The Core) at atyers@solihull.gov.uk.

Closing date: 31 August 2026. Please be advised that should we receive a sufficient number of applications, we reserve the right to close this vacancy prior to the advertised closing date. We therefore encourage early submission of your application to avoid disappointment. Interviews will be held 10 or 11 September 2026. CV's will not be accepted for this role.

Please note: As part of our compliance and safer recruitment requirements, references will be sought for all successful candidates following interview. A reference must be provided by the candidate's current or most recent employer or training provider. Where this does not cover the last three years, an additional reference will be required from the candidate's next most recent employer or training provider. Posts subject to statutory regulation may require additional scrutiny. Personal/character references will only be accepted in exceptional circumstances.

This post is covered by the Fluency Duty, as outlined in the Code of Practice on the English language requirements for public sector workers. Solihull Council is proud to be an Equal Opportunities Employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees - a place where we can all be ourselves and succeed on merit.