At a Glance
- Tasks: Support library services, assist customers, and promote a love of reading.
- Company: Join a community-focused organisation dedicated to leisure and culture.
- Benefits: Competitive pay, generous leave, pension scheme, and employee discounts.
- Other info: Flexible working options and opportunities for personal growth.
- Why this job: Make a positive impact in your community while enjoying a friendly work environment.
- Qualifications: Customer service experience, good computer skills, and a passion for reading.
The predicted salary is between 13 - 14 £ per hour.
Location: Hamilton Town House Library, 102 Cadzow Street, Hamilton.
Hours: 14 hours per week.
Shift pattern: Tuesday 1pm – 8pm, Saturday 9am – 5pm (1 hour unpaid break).
Salary band: £13.33 – £14.33 per hour.
Duration: Fixed term until 30 September 2026.
Join our team and help make a difference in your community. We are looking for a friendly, motivated, and customer‑focused Library Assistant to support the daily running of our library service and deliver an excellent experience for all visitors. As a Library Assistant, you will be the welcoming face of the library—helping customers access our services, discover new books, use digital resources, and enjoy the library as a safe and inclusive community space. You’ll play an active role in creating a positive atmosphere, supporting events, and promoting a love of reading.
What You’ll Do
- Provide a warm and helpful first point of contact for all library users
- Assist customers with borrowing, returning, and reserving library materials
- Offer guidance on digital resources, computers, printing, and online services
- Support readers in choosing books and promote new or recommended titles
- Encourage reading through reader‑development activities, promotions, and events
- Maintain tidy, attractive shelves and displays throughout the library
- Handle enquiries in person, online, and by phone in a friendly, professional manner
- Carry out cash handling for library transactions accurately
- Contribute to library events, activities, and community programmes
What You’ll Bring
- Experience working with the public in a customer‑focused environment
- Good computer skills and evidence of digital literacy
- Clear and confident communication skills
- An enthusiastic, proactive attitude and a genuine interest in reading
- Reliability, attention to detail, and accurate handling of cash
- A positive, adaptable attitude and willingness to learn
Why Join Us?
You’ll be part of a supportive team that values creativity, community, and lifelong learning. This role is ideal for someone who enjoys working with people, cares about access to information, and wants to contribute to a welcoming community service.
Please note this post will involve manual handling, including shelving and moving stock. Please note we do not accept CVs; any submitted will be disregarded. If you require to submit additional information to support your application, please upload this under supporting documents.
Additional Information
South Lanarkshire Leisure and Culture SCIO is a Scottish charitable incorporated organisation responsible for the delivery of leisure and cultural activities on behalf of South Lanarkshire Council.
Enrolment in award winning local government pension scheme
Salary Sacrifice Shared Cost AVC scheme option
Up to 33 days annual leave calculated into hours on commencement of the role
Public holiday entitlement (up to 10 days)
Occupational sick pay
Family friendly policies – flexible working and leave, maternity/paternity leave, enhanced leave
Employee discounts at the cinema and other outlets
Cycle to Work Scheme, physiotherapy, employee assistance programme for practical and emotional support
Please Apply online – All correspondence will be via your email address.
Legislative Information
This post is excepted in terms of the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 2003.
Foreign Police Check Candidates should be able to detail any gaps in employment and provide a foreign police check where applicable if you have lived or worked for 3 months or more consecutively abroad in the last 10 years.
SLLC 3915 - Library Assistant employer: South Lanarkshire Council
Join South Lanarkshire Leisure and Culture SCIO as a Library Assistant at the Hamilton Town House Library, where you'll be part of a dedicated team that prioritises community engagement and lifelong learning. Enjoy a supportive work culture with flexible family-friendly policies, generous annual leave, and opportunities for personal growth while making a meaningful impact in your local community. With access to employee discounts and a commitment to staff wellbeing, this role offers a rewarding experience in a vibrant library setting.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land SLLC 3915 - Library Assistant
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the library and its services before your interview. Familiarise yourself with the resources available, and think about how you can help customers access them. This will show your genuine interest in the role and make you stand out.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice your communication skills! As a Library Assistant, you'll be the friendly face welcoming visitors. Try role-playing common scenarios with friends or family to boost your confidence in handling enquiries and assisting customers.
✨Tip Number 3
Show your enthusiasm for reading and community engagement during the interview. Share any personal experiences or ideas you have for promoting reading events or activities. This will demonstrate your proactive attitude and passion for the role.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application is seen by the right people. Plus, it gives you a chance to showcase your skills and qualifications directly in the application process.
We think you need these skills to ace SLLC 3915 - Library Assistant
Some tips for your application 🫡
Get to Know the Role:Before you start your application, take a moment to really understand what being a Library Assistant is all about. Check out the job description and think about how your skills match up with what we’re looking for. This will help you tailor your application and show us why you’re the perfect fit!
Show Off Your Customer Skills:Since this role is all about helping people, make sure to highlight any experience you have in customer service. Whether it’s working in a shop or volunteering, let us know how you’ve made a positive impact on others. We love seeing that friendly, proactive attitude!
Be Clear and Concise:When filling out the application form, keep your answers clear and to the point. Use simple language and avoid jargon. We want to see your personality shine through, so don’t be afraid to let us know what makes you unique!
Apply Through Our Website:Remember, we only accept applications through our website, so make sure you submit yours there. Double-check everything before hitting send, and if you have any extra info to share, upload it under supporting documents. We can’t wait to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at South Lanarkshire Council
✨Know Your Library
Familiarise yourself with the library's services, resources, and community programmes. Being able to discuss specific events or initiatives during your interview will show your genuine interest and enthusiasm for the role.
✨Showcase Your Customer Service Skills
Prepare examples from your past experiences where you provided excellent customer service. Highlight how you handled enquiries or resolved issues, as this is crucial for a Library Assistant role.
✨Demonstrate Digital Literacy
Brush up on your computer skills and be ready to discuss your experience with digital resources. You might be asked about how you would assist customers with online services, so think of scenarios where you've done this before.
✨Be Enthusiastic and Personable
As the welcoming face of the library, your attitude matters! Practice conveying your passion for reading and community engagement. A friendly, approachable demeanour can make a big difference in how you’re perceived during the interview.
