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- Tasks: Assist in library activities, engage with the community, and provide excellent customer service.
- Company: Surrey Libraries, a vital community resource promoting learning and cultural experiences.
- Benefits: 26 days holiday, lifestyle discounts, and professional development opportunities.
- Why this job: Join a dynamic team and make a positive impact in your community.
- Qualifications: Experience in customer service and a passion for community engagement.
- Other info: Flexible working hours and opportunities for creativity and initiative.
The predicted salary is between 10438 - 12500 £ per year.
- Salary: £10,438.33 per annum, pro-rata to £25,052
- Category: Libraries
- Contract type: Permanent
- Working hours: 15 hours per week
- Posted on: 2 September 2025
- Directorate: Resources
Description
This role has a starting salary of £10,438 per annum (pro rata to £25,052 FTE), based on a 15 hour working week.
We are looking for an enthusiastic and self-motivated Library Assistant to join our dedicated team. You will be based at Ewell Library, you will also be required to work at Ashtead, Epsom and Banstead 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.
Rewards and Benefits
- 26 days\’ holiday (prorated 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 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
Shortlisting Criteria
To be considered for shortlisting for this position, your application will clearly evidence the following:
- Proven experience in providing or receiving excellent customer service.
- Evidence of observing or contributing to a community service that made a positive impact.
As part of the application process, you will be asked to upload your CV and answer the following 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)
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 Closed Closed
Tuesday Off Off
Wednesday 10-4 Off
Thursday 10-4 10-5
Friday 12-5 12-5
Saturday Off 12-4
Sunday Closed Closed
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.
The job advert closes at 23:59 on 28/09/2025 with interviews planned for w/c 6th October 2025.
We look forward to receiving your application, please click on the apply online button below to submit.
Local Government Reorganisation
Surrey County Council is preparing for Local Government Reorganisation which will allow us to implement the Government led policy of devolution, which is all about giving more powers to local areas.
Currently, Surrey has a two-tier council system, with 11 district and borough councils and a county council, all responsible for different services. All these councils will be reorganised into a smaller number of new unitary councils which will come into effect in April 2027. At this point, this role will be transferred, with all existing terms and conditions intact into one of the new unitary councils.
The Surrey Way behaviours are a guide that supports our council to work together effectively and deliver our best for our customers and communities, and for each other. Discover more about our behaviours.
Before submitting your application, we recommend you read the job description. Our Life at Surrey handbook also provides insights of the culture at Surrey and how as a valued employee, 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 through their application
- The candidate has chosen to share that they have a disability on the application form
Our application form and onboarding process will provide an opportunity to request any reasonable adjustments for the interview and/or the role. We want to be an inclusive and diverse employer reflecting the community we serve and particularly welcome applications from all underrepresented groups.
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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
Get to know the libraries in your area! Visit Ewell, Ashtead, Epsom, and Banstead Libraries to understand their vibe and community needs. This will help you tailor your approach during interviews and show that you're genuinely interested.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice your customer service stories! Think of specific examples where you've gone above and beyond for someone. Being able to share these experiences confidently can really set you apart from other candidates.
✨Tip Number 3
Show off your creativity! Come up with a few fun ideas for library events or displays that could attract more visitors. This not only demonstrates your initiative but also aligns with the library's mission to engage the community.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. 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 Library Assistant
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Libraries: When you write about why you're motivated to join Surrey Library Service, let your enthusiasm shine through! We want to see your love for libraries and how you can contribute to making them vibrant community hubs.
Customer Service is Key: In your application, share a specific example of when you provided or received excellent customer service. We’re all about creating positive experiences, so make sure to highlight your skills in this area!
Community Impact Matters: Don’t forget to mention any experiences where you contributed to a community service that made a difference. We value those who understand the importance of community engagement, so tell us your story!
Be Creative with Ideas: For the question about attracting more people to our libraries, think outside the box! Share three innovative ideas that align with our Surrey Way framework, and show us how you can help bring fresh energy to our libraries.
How to prepare for a job interview at Surrey County Council
✨Know Your Libraries
Before the interview, take some time to research Surrey Libraries and their community impact. Familiarise yourself with their services, events, and how they engage with the public. This will show your genuine interest in the role and help you answer questions more effectively.
✨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 or made a positive impact in your community. These stories will demonstrate your skills and align with the library's focus on customer care.
✨Creative Event Ideas
Since you'll be asked to share an idea for a library event, brainstorm a few creative concepts that could attract more visitors. Consider themes that resonate with the community and align with the Surrey Way framework. This will showcase your initiative and understanding of the library's mission.
✨Practice Reading Aloud
As part of the interview, you'll need to read a short story. Practise reading aloud to ensure you're comfortable and engaging. Focus on your tone, pace, and expression to make the story come alive. This will help you feel more confident during the interview.
