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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Assist with customer service, book displays, and community events at various libraries.
- Company: Join Surrey Libraries, a vital community hub promoting learning and cultural experiences.
- Benefits: Enjoy 26 days holiday, lifestyle discounts, and a supportive Employee Assistance Programme.
- Other info: Flexible working hours and opportunities for personal development await you!
- Why this job: Be part of a lively team making a positive impact in the community through engaging activities.
- Qualifications: Experience in customer service and community involvement is essential.
The predicted salary is between 8091 - 8091 £ per year.
This role has a starting salary of £8,350 per annum (pro rata to £25,052 FTE), based on a 12 hour working week.
We are looking for an enthusiastic and self-motivated Library Assistant to join our dedicated team. You will be based at Reigate Library, you will also be required to work at Redhill, Merstham and Horley libraries when required.
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
- 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 Role
Surrey Libraries hold a unique place in our communities offering something for everyone, and no two days are the same. They provide universal access through a programme of reading, learning, digital, and 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.
Library Assistants greet each person with a positive attitude and resilient approach to any request. Customer service is at the forefront of our library service, making them busy, lively places to work. Flexibility, creativity, and initiative are key.
Your responsibilities will include:
- Helping with reading recommendations
- Creating new themes for book displays
- Maintaining, presenting, and processing book stock
- Leading craft events, Rhymetime, and Storytime sessions
- Engaging with schools to organise visits and class assemblies
- Assisting with or leading activities for both children and adults
- 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 skills 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 highlight how they align with aspects of our Surrey Way framework? (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. You will be asked to share an idea for a library event and be asked to read a short story.
Rota
Week 1
Week 2
Monday
Tuesday 12pm – 5pm
Wednesday
10am – 5pm
Thursday
10am – 2pm
Friday 1pm – 5pm
Saturday
12pm – 5pm
Sunday
This rota is subject to temporary or long-term revision to meet the needs of the library service. This may include occasionally covering until 7pm. You may be required to travel to other locations to support the wider library network as required.
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.
For an informal discussion please contact Kate Ferrier via E-mail on kate.ferrier@surreycc.gov.uk.
The job advert closes at 23:59 on 04.05.2026 with interviews planned for 12.05.2026.
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! Please see more information here: Information for applicants on Local Government Reorganisation – Surrey County Council
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.
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Library Assistant employer: Surrey County Council
Contact Detail:
Surrey County Council Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Library Assistant
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the local community and its needs. Understanding what makes Reigate Library special and how it serves its patrons will help you connect better during interviews and discussions.
✨Tip Number 2
Engage with current library events or activities, such as Rhymetime or Storytime sessions. This hands-on experience will not only enhance your understanding of the role but also give you practical examples to discuss in your interview.
✨Tip Number 3
Network with library staff or volunteers to gain insights into their experiences. This can provide you with valuable information about the library's culture and expectations, which you can leverage in your application process.
✨Tip Number 4
Prepare to discuss innovative ideas for attracting more visitors to the library. Think creatively about events or services that could engage the community, as this aligns with the role's responsibilities and demonstrates your initiative.
We think you need these skills to ace Library Assistant
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Read the job description thoroughly to understand the responsibilities and requirements of the Library Assistant position. This will help you tailor your application to highlight relevant experiences.
Craft Your Responses: When answering the application questions, be concise and specific. Use examples from your past experiences that demonstrate your customer service skills and community involvement, ensuring each response is within the 150-word limit.
Highlight Transferable Skills: In your CV and application responses, emphasise any transferable skills that align with the role, such as teamwork, creativity, and flexibility. These are key attributes for a Library Assistant.
Proofread Your Application: Before submitting, carefully proofread your application for spelling and grammatical errors. A well-presented application reflects your attention to detail and professionalism.
How to prepare for a job interview at Surrey County Council
✨Show Your Passion for Libraries
Make sure to express your enthusiasm for libraries and community service during the interview. Share specific reasons why you want to work at Surrey Libraries and how you can contribute to their vision of being community hubs.
✨Prepare Customer Service Examples
Since excellent customer service is crucial for this role, come prepared with examples from your past experiences. Think of situations where you provided or received outstanding service, and be ready to discuss them in detail.
✨Engage with Creative Ideas
Be ready to share your ideas for library events that could attract more visitors. Think creatively about themes or activities that align with the Surrey Way framework, and demonstrate how these ideas can enhance community engagement.
✨Practice Reading a Short Story
As part of the interview, you'll be asked to read a short story. Choose a story that you enjoy and practice reading it aloud. Focus on your delivery and expression to engage your audience, as this will reflect your ability to lead storytime sessions.