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- Tasks: Assist library visitors, lead events, and maintain book stock in a vibrant community space.
- Company: Surrey Libraries, a hub for learning and cultural experiences.
- Benefits: Generous holiday, pension scheme, wellbeing support, and discounts on lifestyle services.
- Other info: Flexible working opportunities and a chance to develop creative ideas.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in your community while gaining valuable experience.
- Qualifications: Customer service skills and a passion for community engagement.
The predicted salary is between 23900 - 23900 £ per year.
Based at Cobham Library, the starting salary for this role is £3,976.17 per annum for working 6 hours per week (10AM-5PM on Saturdays). The full-time equivalent salary is £23,857 per annum. We are looking for an enthusiastic and self-motivated Weekend Library Assistant to join our dedicated team. You may also be asked to work at Guildford Library.
Libraries are spaces for social interaction, learning, cultural experiences and act 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 (pro rata 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.
- Creative ideas for attracting more people to our libraries, aligned with the Surrey Way framework.
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. 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 24/05/2026 with interviews planned for 08/06/2026. We look forward to receiving your application, please click on the apply online button below to submit.
Local Government Reorganisation (LGR)
Surrey County Council is undergoing Local Government Reorganisation, moving from a two-tier system to two new unitary councils in April 2027. If you are employed by Surrey on 1st April 2027, your role will transfer with current terms and conditions to one of the new organisations, supporting local devolution and greater powers for our communities. Join our dynamic team and shape the future of local government. Make a lasting impact with innovative solutions and improved services for our community. Help us build a brighter future for our residents!
Our Commitment
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 Cobham 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 Cobham
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the library scene! Visit Cobham Library and Guildford Library before your interview. Familiarise yourself with their services, events, and community activities. This will show your genuine interest and help you stand out.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice your customer service stories! Think of specific examples where you've gone above and beyond for someone. Libraries thrive on excellent service, so be ready to share how you can contribute to that vibe.
✨Tip Number 3
Bring your creativity to the table! Think of fun ideas for events or ways to attract more visitors to the library. Show us how you can make the library a lively hub for the community!
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you're tech-savvy and ready to embrace the digital side of library services.
We think you need these skills to ace Weekend Library Assistant in Cobham
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Enthusiasm: When you're writing your application, let your passion for libraries shine through! We want to see why you're excited about joining our team and how you can contribute to making our libraries vibrant community hubs.
Be Specific with Examples: For those questions about customer service and community impact, don’t just say you’ve done it—show us! Use specific examples that highlight your skills and experiences. This helps us see how you fit into our library culture.
Get Creative: We love fresh ideas! When you’re thinking about how to attract more people to our libraries, don’t hold back. Share your creative thoughts and any unique skills you have that could help bring those ideas to life.
Read the Job Description Thoroughly: Before hitting that submit button, give the job description a good read. Make sure your application aligns with what we’re looking for. It’ll help you tailor your responses and show us you’re the right fit for the role!
How to prepare for a job interview at Surrey County Council
✨Know Your Library Stuff
Before the interview, brush up on your knowledge of Surrey Libraries and their community impact. Familiarise yourself with their services, events, and how they engage with the local community. 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, so showcasing your experience here will set you apart.
✨Creative Ideas for Engagement
Come up with a few creative ideas on how to attract more people to the library. Whether it’s themed events, book clubs, or community partnerships, having these ideas ready will demonstrate your initiative and passion for making the library a vibrant community hub.
✨Practice Reading Aloud
Since you'll be asked to read a short story during the interview, practice reading aloud beforehand. Focus on your tone, pace, and engagement level. This will help you feel more confident and showcase your ability to connect with an audience, which is key for leading sessions like Storytime.