At a Glance
- Tasks: Assist library visitors, organise events, and maintain book stock in a vibrant community space.
- Company: Surrey Libraries, dedicated to enriching local communities through access to knowledge and culture.
- Benefits: Generous holiday, pension scheme, wellbeing support, and discounts on lifestyle services.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in your community while gaining valuable customer service experience.
- Qualifications: Experience in customer service and a passion for community engagement.
- Other info: Flexible working hours with opportunities for personal growth and development.
Based at Epsom Library, the salary for this role is £3,887 per annum working 6 hours per week (Saturdays). The full-time equivalent salary is £23,322 per annum. We are looking for an enthusiastic and self-motivated Weekend Library Assistant to join our dedicated team. You will also be required to work at Ashtead, Banstead and Ewell Libraries.
Libraries are spaces for social interaction, learning and cultural experiences, acting as an economic enabler providing support for local communities and businesses. Surrey's libraries offer vital services to all members of their communities.
Our Offer to You:
- 26 days' holiday, rising to 28 days after 2 years' service and 31 days after 5 years' service (prorated for part time staff)
- Option to buy up to 10 days of additional annual leave
- A generous local government salary related pension
- Up to 5 days of carer's leave and 2 paid volunteering days per year
- Paternity, adoption and dependents leave
- An Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) to support health and wellbeing
- Learning and development hub where you can access a wealth of resources
- Wellbeing and lifestyle discounts including gym, travel, and shopping
- A chance to make a real difference to the lives of our residents.
About the Team:
Surrey Libraries hold a unique place in our communities. They provide universal access through a programme of reading, learning digital, health and wellbeing activities. Our vision is for our libraries to become hubs of the community that all are proud of. With excellent customer service at its heart, we need people who share this passion to become more successful.
About the Role:
There is something for everyone at Surrey's libraries and the same day never happens twice. The library is many different things to many different people. Curious readers come looking for their next adventure. Students meet to revise for their exams. Families gather for Storytime and Rhymetime. Special interest groups share their passions and older people access resources and secure their bus pass.
Weekend Assistants greet each person with a positive attitude and resilient approach to any request. Customer service is at the forefront of the library service. They are busy, lively places to work, requiring flexibility, creativity, and initiative. This could mean helping someone with a reading recommendation, thinking up new themes for book displays, planning events or assisting people with information and virtual services. Maintaining, presenting, and processing book stock is also a major part of the role. The role may include leading craft events, Rhymetime and Storytime sessions, and assisting with other activities directed at both children and adults. From time to time there will be a need for lone working or single staffing at this and other libraries in the area.
Your Application:
In order to be considered for shortlisting, your application will clearly evidence the following criteria and align with our behaviours:
- Proven experience in providing or receiving excellent customer service
- Evidence of observing or contributing to a community service that made a positive impact
To apply, we request that you submit a CV and you will be asked the following 4 questions. Please highlight your strengths and any transferable skills or experience:
- What has motivated you to apply for the Surrey Library Service? (150 words)
- Can you please provide an example when you either provided, or received, excellent customer service? (150 words)
- Our libraries are a vital community resource. Describe an instance where you observed or contributed to a community service making a positive impact. (150 words)
- Can you name 3 things you would do to attract more people to our libraries and what skills you have to help with this? (150 words)
Before submitting your application, we recommend you read the job description and our Life at Surrey handbook to get an insight into working at Surrey. If shortlisted for interview, you will be sent interview questions in advance and you will be asked to read a short story.
Contact Us:
Please contact us for any questions relating to the role. This could be to discuss flexible working requests, transferable skills or any barriers to employment. The job advert closes at 23:59 on 08/02/2026 with interviews planned for 17/02/2026. We look forward to receiving your application.
We are a disability confident employer which means if you have shared a disability on your application form and have evidenced you meet the minimum criteria, we guarantee you an interview. Your skills and experience truly matter to us. From application to your first day, we're committed to supporting you with any adjustments you need, we value inclusion and warmly welcome you to join and help build a workplace where everyone belongs.
Weekend Library Assistant in Ashtead employer: Surrey County Council
Contact Detail:
Surrey County Council Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Weekend Library Assistant in Ashtead
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the libraries in your area! Familiarise yourself with Epsom, Ashtead, Banstead, and Ewell Libraries. This way, you can chat about what makes each one special during your interview.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your customer service skills! Think of specific examples where you've gone above and beyond for someone. We want to hear how you made a positive impact on someone's day.
✨Tip Number 3
Be creative! Come up with fun ideas for events or book displays that could attract more visitors to the library. Share these ideas in your application to show your enthusiasm.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you're serious about joining our team at Surrey Libraries.
We think you need these skills to ace Weekend Library Assistant in Ashtead
Some tips for your application 🫡
Read the Job Description Thoroughly: Before you start writing, give the job description a good read. It’ll help you understand what we’re looking for in a Weekend Library Assistant and how to tailor your application to match our vibe.
Show Off Your Customer Service Skills: We want to see your experience in providing excellent customer service. Think of specific examples where you’ve gone above and beyond, and make sure to highlight them in your application!
Be Creative with Your Ideas: When answering how to attract more people to our libraries, don’t hold back! Share your innovative ideas and let us know what skills you bring to the table. We love fresh perspectives!
Apply Through Our Website: Make sure to submit your application through our website. It’s the easiest way for us to keep track of your application and ensures you don’t miss any important details!
How to prepare for a job interview at Surrey County Council
✨Know Your Libraries
Before the interview, take some time to familiarise yourself with Surrey's libraries and their community roles. Understand the services they offer and think about how you can contribute to making them even better. This will show your enthusiasm and commitment to the role.
✨Customer Service Examples
Prepare specific examples of when you've provided excellent customer service. Think about situations where you went above and beyond to help someone. This is crucial as the role heavily focuses on customer interaction, and sharing your experiences will demonstrate your suitability.
✨Engage with the Community
Reflect on any community service you've been involved in. Be ready to discuss how it made a positive impact. This aligns with the library's mission to serve the community, and showcasing your involvement will highlight your passion for community engagement.
✨Creative Ideas for Attracting Visitors
Think of three innovative ideas to attract more people to the libraries. Whether it's events, workshops, or partnerships, having these ideas ready will show your initiative and creativity, which are key traits for this role.