Library Assistant

Overview

As a Library Assistant, you will help customers to use the library facilities and IT resources, provide information and promote reading in the community. South Gloucestershire libraries are vibrant, welcoming spaces in the heart of their communities, providing activities and events for adults and children, books in a range of formats and free internet access.

What you will be doing

• Providing library services to the community, assisting with requests and enquiries by searching information through a range of resources.
• Using the library management system, self‑service equipment and helping customers use IT and information resources.
• Keeping the library tidy and in good order by sorting and shelving books and materials, assisting with promotions and displays, preparing new materials and maintaining existing stock.
• Taking part in a wide range of promotional activities and outreach work with all ages, including active involvement in rhyme and story times, undertaking craft sessions, supporting reading groups, organising author events and making school visits.
• Performing physical tasks such as shelving and counter work, lifting and carrying books and other materials, unpacking and packing crates from deliveries.
• Handling cash payments when required.

We require you to have a minimum of three GCSEs (level 4 or above) or equivalent qualifications, including English and maths. You must have strong customer‑service experience, particularly with children, the elderly and people with disabilities. You must understand equal opportunities in service delivery and be able to communicate effectively with colleagues and customers. You should have experience of using ICT equipment, applications and the internet.

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 works 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.

Additional information

• 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!
• Bradley Stoke Library – 25.75 hours per week. Rolling 2‑week rota. Week 1 – Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday: 10 am – 5 pm and Saturday: 9 am – 12:30 pm. Week 2 – Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday: 10 am – 5 pm. Bradley Stoke and Filton Library – 13.63 hours per week. Rolling 2‑week rota. Week 1 – Wednesday (Filton): 10 am – 4:30 pm, Thursday (Bradley Stoke): 10 am – 4 pm and Saturday (Filton): 9:45 am – 1 pm. Week 2 – Wednesday (Filton): 10 am – 4:30 pm, Thursday (Bradley Stoke): 10 am – 4 pm and Saturday (Bradley Stoke): 9:30 am – 12:30 pm.
• These are part‑time roles; your salary will be pro‑rated to hours worked.
• You will belong to a team delivering the services from your specific library, although you will be expected to work in other libraries as and when required.
• Interviews will be held on 23rd and 24th April 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.