At a Glance
- 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.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in your community while gaining valuable experience.
- Qualifications: Customer service skills and a passion for community engagement.
- Other info: Flexible working opportunities and a supportive team environment.
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
- 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 08/02/2026 with interviews planned for 17/02/2026. 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 Epsom 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 Epsom
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the library scene! Visit Epsom Library and other local libraries to understand their vibe. Chat with staff and patrons to gather insights on what makes these spaces special.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your customer service skills! Think of specific examples where you've gone above and beyond for someone. Be ready to share these stories during interviews to demonstrate your passion for helping others.
✨Tip Number 3
Bring your creativity to the table! Prepare some fun ideas for events or activities that could attract more visitors to the library. This will show that you’re proactive and invested in 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 comfortable with digital platforms, which is a big plus in today’s world.
We think you need these skills to ace Weekend Library Assistant in Epsom
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Enthusiasm: When writing your application, let your passion for libraries and community shine through! We want to see why you're excited about joining our team at Surrey Libraries.
Be Specific with Examples: For those questions in the application, use real-life examples that highlight your customer service skills and community involvement. We love seeing how you've made a positive impact!
Get Creative: Think outside the box when suggesting ways to attract more people to our libraries. We’re looking for fresh ideas that align with our vision, so don’t hold back!
Check Your Application: Before hitting that submit button, give your application a good read-through. Make sure it aligns with the job description and showcases your strengths clearly. And remember, apply through our website!
How to prepare for a job interview at Surrey County Council
✨Know Your Libraries
Before the interview, take some time to familiarise yourself with the libraries in Surrey, especially Epsom, Ashtead, Banstead, and Ewell. Understand their unique offerings and community roles. This will help you demonstrate your enthusiasm and knowledge about the position.
✨Showcase Your Customer Service Skills
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 be ready to share your experiences.
✨Get Creative with Ideas
Since the job requires creativity in attracting more visitors, brainstorm a few innovative ideas before your interview. Whether it's themed events or new book displays, having concrete suggestions will show your initiative and passion for the library's mission.
✨Practice Reading Aloud
As you'll be asked to read a short story during the interview, practice reading aloud to ensure you're comfortable and engaging. This will not only help you with delivery but also showcase your ability to connect with an audience, which is key for leading sessions like Storytime.