Find a job 
Featured Companies 
Featured Universities 
For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Manage libraries and deliver services that meet community needs.
- Company: Join South Gloucestershire Council, making a real difference in local communities.
- Benefits: Generous leave, wellbeing support, staff discounts, and flexible work-life balance.
- Why this job: Shape the future of libraries and enhance community wellbeing.
- Qualifications: Relevant degree or experience in library management and strong interpersonal skills.
- Other info: Dynamic role with opportunities for professional growth and community impact.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
As a Group Librarian, you will manage a small group of libraries to deliver their services. Liaising with local communities, you will ensure that the libraries are meeting local information, reading, wellbeing, cultural and educational needs.
As an advocate for libraries, you will have a good understanding of the role that public libraries play in supporting the health and wellbeing needs of people in all areas of society.
What you will be doing
Working closely with the Library Supervisors at Thornbury and Downend libraries, you will ensure you’re delivering high quality services across these locations. It will be your responsibility to develop health and wellbeing activities and initiatives, promoting and delivering these in libraries. It will be key for you to build and develop relationships within the community and your group of libraries.
What we need from you
We require you to hold or be working towards a relevant degree or postgraduate qualification such as a Master’s in Library and Information Science, or have equivalent relevant professional experience. It is essential that you have some experience of staff management, including experience of supervising, motivating and developing a team. You must have an understanding of health and wellbeing in public libraries, and an ability to develop this within the service. Given the elements of the role, you will have strong interpersonal skills to be able to persuade, influence and build relationships with employees and customers. It is essential you have good IT and digital skills, alongside the ability to use a range of software packages.
What you need to know
Your salary is pro-rata to hours worked. You will belong to a team delivering the services from Downend and Thornbury libraries although you will be expected to work in other libraries as and when required. As part of your normal working week you will be required to work approximately one Saturday morning in four. Interviews will be held on 16th February 2026.
How a career at South Gloucestershire Council is different
As part of our benefits package, you will receive generous annual leave (pro rata), employee wellbeing support and you will have access to a range of staff discounts, including eye tests, travel, shopping and leisure activities. We recognise that our diverse team of skilled and dedicated people make us a great place to work. We welcome applications from everyone and ensure that individuals are selected, promoted and developed on the basis of their merits and abilities. We know our team work best when they have balance in their lives, and we offer genuine flexibility to help them achieve that work/life balance. We value our staff as individuals, investing in their careers and we are recognised for the quality, breadth and depth of our training and development offer, which helps make the greatest long-term difference in work. Our teams at South Gloucestershire Council are making a real difference to the lives of people who live, work and learn here. We’re building and shaping communities which people are proud of. We’re planning for the future; building and improving the roads, railways, schools, green spaces, and houses. We’re providing essential services across our communities to ensure they are safe and well maintained. We’ve achieved a great deal, but we need talented and dedicated people to ensure we continue to make a difference. We’re making a difference, be part of it.
Group Librarian in Bristol employer: South Gloucestershire Council
Contact Detail:
South Gloucestershire Council Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Group Librarian in Bristol
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the library sector or local community. Attend events, join online forums, and don’t be shy about asking for informational interviews. The more people you know, the better your chances of landing that Group Librarian role!
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! Prepare a portfolio showcasing your past projects, especially those related to health and wellbeing initiatives. Bring it along to interviews to demonstrate your experience and passion for the role. We want to see how you can make a difference!
✨Tip Number 3
Research is key! Familiarise yourself with the libraries you’ll be managing and their communities. Understand their needs and think about how you can enhance their services. This will not only impress during interviews but also help you hit the ground running if you get the job!
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive and engaged. Don’t forget to tailor your application to highlight your management experience and community engagement skills!
We think you need these skills to ace Group Librarian in Bristol
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to highlight how your experience aligns with the Group Librarian role. Use keywords from the job description to show that you understand what we’re looking for.
Showcase Your Skills: Don’t forget to emphasise your interpersonal and IT skills! We want to see how you can build relationships and use technology effectively in a library setting.
Share Your Passion: Let us know why you’re passionate about libraries and community wellbeing. A personal touch can really make your application stand out and show us your commitment to making a difference.
Apply Through Our Website: Remember to submit your application through our website. It’s the best way to ensure it gets to the right people and helps us keep track of all applications efficiently!
How to prepare for a job interview at South Gloucestershire Council
✨Know Your Libraries
Before the interview, take some time to research Thornbury and Downend libraries. Understand their current services, community engagement initiatives, and any health and wellbeing activities they offer. This will show your genuine interest and help you discuss how you can contribute to their goals.
✨Showcase Your Management Skills
Be prepared to discuss your experience in staff management. Think of specific examples where you've supervised, motivated, or developed a team. Highlight how these experiences have equipped you to lead a group of libraries effectively.
✨Demonstrate Community Engagement
Since building relationships within the community is key, come ready with ideas on how to engage local residents. Share any past experiences where you've successfully connected with communities through library services or other initiatives.
✨Highlight Your IT Skills
Given the importance of digital skills in this role, be ready to talk about your proficiency with various software packages. Mention any specific tools you've used in previous roles that could benefit the libraries, especially in delivering health and wellbeing initiatives.
