Library Assistant in Bristol

Library Assistant in Bristol

Bristol Full-Time 20000 - 28000 £ / year (est.) No working from home possible
South Gloucestershire Council

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.
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South Gloucestershire Council

Contact Details:

South Gloucestershire Council Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Library Assistant in Bristol

Connect with Local Educational Institutions

Get involved with universities and colleges in your area, especially those that offer adult continuing education programmes. Attend open days or even guest lectures to network with faculty members and find out about potential job openings before they even get advertised.

Leverage Professional Education Networks

Join professional networks focused on adult education, such as the Adult Learning Australia or the International Society for Technology in Education. These communities often have job boards or can point you towards opportunities at places like South Gloucestershire Council just waiting for the right candidate!

Showcase Your Passion for Lifelong Learning

In your interviews, share your own experiences and thoughts on lifelong learning. Highlight any courses or workshops you've taken recently to demonstrate your commitment to personal development and the importance of education. This is a big plus for roles in this field!

Apply Through Our Website

Don't forget to check out our careers page at South Gloucestershire Council. Applying directly through our website not only makes your application stand out but also shows you're genuinely interested in joining us. We love seeing candidates who take that extra step.

Some tips for your application 🫡

Highlight Your Experience in Education:When crafting your CV for the Library Assistant role, make sure to emphasise any relevant experience in adult or continuing education. This could be teaching credentials, training sessions you've facilitated, or programmes you’ve developed. The more specific you can be about your contributions and outcomes, the better!

Showcase Your Interpersonal Skills:In the adult continuing education sector, strong communication and interpersonal skills are key. Use your cover letter to share specific examples of how you’ve worked with diverse groups or handled different learning styles. Let us see how you've engaged learners—you’re selling your teaching style here!

Connect Your Passion to Our Mission:At South Gloucestershire Council, we value candidates who resonate with our mission to empower lifelong learners. Make sure your cover letter reflects your passion for adult education and your alignment with our goals. A genuine connection can really make your application stand out!

Keep it Professional Yet Personable:While it’s important to maintain professionalism in your application, don’t be afraid to let your personality shine through. We’re looking for someone who can connect with our learners, so a friendly, approachable tone can help convey that vibe in your written materials. Apply through our website and let us see the real you!

How to prepare for a job interview at South Gloucestershire Council

Showcase Your Passion for Lifelong Learning

When interviewing for a role in adult continuing education at South Gloucestershire Council, it's super important to highlight your passion for lifelong learning. Share personal anecdotes or experiences that demonstrate your commitment to education and how you've fostered a love for learning in others – this is something hiring managers love to see!

Prepare for Adult Education Methodologies

Be ready to dive into your knowledge of andragogy and educational theories during the interview. Expect questions about how you would adapt your teaching styles for adult learners – think about specific strategies you’ve used in the past and be prepared to discuss how they positively impacted your students.

Discuss Your Experience with Diverse Learners

At South Gloucestershire Council, you’ll likely encounter a diverse range of adult learners, so don’t shy away from discussing your experience with different demographics. Be prepared to share your successes in engaging learners from varied backgrounds, and how your approach has adapted to meet their unique needs.

Demonstrate Your Ability to Collaborate

Given that this is a full-time role, teamwork will be essential. Be ready to talk about your experiences working in collaborative settings, whether it be with fellow educators, administrators, or community partners. Highlight specific projects where your collaborative efforts contributed to successful educational outcomes.