Find a job 
Featured Companies 
Featured Universities 
For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Engage with the community, provide excellent customer service, and lead fun library activities.
- Company: Surrey County Council, dedicated to enhancing community life through libraries.
- Benefits: Generous holiday, health support, lifestyle discounts, and professional development opportunities.
- Other info: Dynamic role with opportunities to work across multiple library locations.
- Why this job: Make a positive impact in your community while enjoying a flexible work environment.
- Qualifications: Experience in customer service and a passion for community engagement.
The predicted salary is between 12526 - 15031 £ per year.
Overview
This role has a starting salary of £12,526 per annum (pro rata to £25,052 FTE), based on an 18 hour working week. We are looking for an enthusiastic and self-motivated Library Assistant to join our dedicated team. You will be based at Woking Library, and you may be required to work at Addlestone, Chertsey, Knaphill and West Byfleet Libraries. Surrey Libraries offer vital services to communities, providing social interaction, learning and cultural experiences as well as economic support for local communities and businesses.
Rewards And Benefits
- 26 days’ holiday (pro rated for part time staff), 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
- An extensive Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) to support health and wellbeing
- Up to 5 days of carer’s leave per year
- Paternity, adoption and dependents leave
- A generous local government salary related pension
- Lifestyle discounts including gym, travel, shopping and many more
- 2 paid volunteering days per year
- Learning and development hub where you can access a wealth of resources
About The Role
Surrey Libraries provide universal access through a programme of reading, learning, digital, and health and wellbeing activities. Our vision is for 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.
Responsibilities
- 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
Shortlisting Criteria
- 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
Application Questions
- What has motivated you to apply for the Surrey Library Service? (150 words)
- Can you provide an example when you either provided, or received, excellent customer service? (150 words)
- 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)
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: Monday 10 – 5 WO, Week 1: Tuesday 10 – 5 WO, Week 1: Wednesday Off, Week 1: Thursday 10 – 5 KN, Week 1: Friday Off, Week 1: Saturday Off, Week 1: Sunday Off
- Week 2: Monday 10 – 5 WOT, Week 2: Tuesday 10 – 5 WOW, Week 2: Wednesday Off, Week 2: Thursday 10 – 5 KN, Week 2: Friday Off, Week 2: Saturday Off, Week 2: Sunday Off
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 Heather Eades via email at heather.eades@surreycc.gov.uk.
The job advert closes at 23:59 on Sunday 14th September with interviews planned for Week commencing 22th September. We look forward to receiving your application.
Local Government Reorganisation
Surrey County Council is preparing for Local Government Reorganisation which will allow us to implement the Government led policy of devolution, giving more powers to local areas. Surrey has a two-tier council system; all councils will be reorganised into a smaller number of new unitary councils in April 2027. At that point, this role will be transferred with existing terms and conditions intact into one of the new unitary councils.
Join our dynamic team and shape the future of local government. Please see more information here: Information for applicants on Local Government Reorganisation – Surrey County Council.
Our Behaviours
The Surrey Way behaviours guide how our council works with customers, communities, and colleagues. Discover more about our behaviours. Before submitting your application, we recommend reading the job description. Our Life at Surrey handbook provides insights into the culture at Surrey and how you can help shape our Council.
Our Commitment
Surrey County Council is proud to be a Disability Confident Employer. A guaranteed interview will be offered to all disabled applicants where the candidate has evidenced the minimum criteria for the role and has chosen to share that they have a disability on the application form. Our application process will provide an opportunity to request reasonable adjustments for the interview and/or the role. We are committed to being an inclusive and diverse employer and welcome applications from all underrepresented groups.
#J-18808-Ljbffr
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
Get to know the libraries in your area! Visit Woking, Addlestone, Chertsey, Knaphill, and West Byfleet Libraries. Familiarising yourself with the spaces and their activities will help you speak confidently about how you can contribute.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your customer service skills! Think of specific examples where you've gone above and beyond for someone. This is your chance to shine, so be ready to share those stories during interviews.
✨Tip Number 3
Be creative! Come up with fun ideas to attract more visitors to the libraries. Whether it’s themed events or community partnerships, having a few suggestions ready will show your initiative and passion.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, you’ll find all the info you need about the role and the amazing benefits we offer.
We think you need these skills to ace Library Assistant
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion: When you're writing your application, let your enthusiasm for libraries and community service shine through. We want to see how much you care about helping others and creating a welcoming space for everyone.
Be Specific with Examples: For those application questions, don’t just say you’ve provided excellent customer service—tell us a story! Share specific instances that highlight your skills and experiences. This helps us see the real you.
Align with Our Values: Make sure to connect your ideas for attracting more people to our libraries with the Surrey Way framework. We love creativity, so think outside the box and show us how your ideas can make a difference!
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the easiest way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it’s super straightforward!
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 Libraries and their community initiatives. Understand their focus on reading, learning, and wellbeing activities. This will help you demonstrate your enthusiasm and show that you’re genuinely interested in contributing to their mission.
✨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 for the Library Assistant role, as they value a positive attitude and resilience in handling requests.
✨Creative Ideas for Engagement
Come up with three creative ideas to attract more people to the libraries, aligning them with the Surrey Way framework. This shows your initiative and understanding of community needs, which are key attributes for this position.
✨Ask Questions
At the end of the interview, don’t forget to ask questions! Inquire about the library's future projects or how they measure the success of their community initiatives. This not only shows your interest but also helps you gauge if the role is the right fit for you.