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- Tasks: Assist in creating a vibrant library experience through events and customer engagement.
- Company: Join Surrey Libraries, a community hub fostering learning and creativity.
- Benefits: Enjoy 26 days holiday, lifestyle discounts, and professional development opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a positive impact in your community while working in a lively environment.
- Qualifications: Passion for customer service and community engagement is essential.
- Other info: Flexible hours and a supportive team await you!
The predicted salary is between 12526 - 25052 £ per year.
- Salary: £12,526 per annum (pro rata to £25,052 per annum)
- Category: Libraries
- Contract type: Permanent
- Working hours: 18 hours per week
- Posted on: 10 September 2025
- Directorate: Resources
- Location: Leatherhead Library, Leatherhead, KT22 8DP and Bookham Library, Leatherhead, KT23 4DQ
Description
This role has a starting salary of£12,526per 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 Leatherhead and Bookham Libraries, you will also be required to work at Dorking Library.
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 Off Off
Tuesday 09:00 – 17:00 (Leatherhead) Off
Wednesday Off 10:00 – 16:00 (Leatherhead)
Thursday 09:30 – 13:00 (Bookham) 14:00 – 17:00 (Bookham)
Friday 09:30 – 17:00 (Leatherhead) 09:00 – 17:00 (Leatherhead)
Saturday Off 09:00 – 13:00 (Leatherhead)
Sunday Off 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.
The job advert closes at 23:59 on 05/10/2025 with interviews planned for 16/10/2025.
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. OurLife 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 Leatherhead and Bookham Libraries, chat with staff, and soak up the vibe. This will help you understand their community focus and give you some great talking points for interviews.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your customer service skills! Think of specific examples where you've gone above and beyond for someone. Whether it’s helping a friend find a book or organising an event, these stories will make you stand out.
✨Tip Number 3
Be creative with your ideas! When asked about attracting more people to the library, think outside the box. Maybe suggest themed reading nights or community craft events. This shows you’re proactive and passionate about engaging the community.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, you can easily keep track of your application status and any updates from us.
We think you need these skills to ace Library Assistant
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Libraries: When you're writing your application, let your enthusiasm for libraries shine through! Talk about why you love them and how you see them as community hubs. We want to know what motivates you to be part of our library service.
Customer Service is Key: Make sure to highlight any experience you've had with excellent customer service. Share a specific example that showcases your skills. Remember, we’re all about creating positive experiences for our visitors!
Community Impact Matters: We’re looking for evidence of your involvement in community services. Share a story where you made a difference or observed someone else doing so. This shows us you understand the vital role libraries play in the community.
Be Creative with Ideas: Think outside the box when it comes to attracting more people to our libraries. Share three innovative ideas and explain how they align with our Surrey Way framework. We love fresh perspectives and creativity!
How to prepare for a job interview at Surrey County Council
✨Know Your Libraries
Before the interview, do some research on 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 about why you want to work there.
✨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 resolved a difficult issue. This is crucial since customer service is at the heart of the Library Assistant role.
✨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. Make sure these ideas align with the Surrey Way framework, showcasing your understanding of community needs and engagement.
✨Practice Reading Aloud
As part of the interview, you'll need to read a short story. Practice reading aloud to ensure you're comfortable and engaging. This will not only help you with the task but also demonstrate your enthusiasm for storytelling and working with children and adults alike.