Find a job 
Featured Companies 
Featured Universities 
For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Assist in creating engaging library experiences and support community activities.
- Company: Join Surrey Libraries, a vibrant hub for learning and culture.
- Benefits: Enjoy 26 days holiday, pension, wellbeing support, and discounts.
- 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 hours and opportunities for creativity in a dynamic environment.
The predicted salary is between 11600 - 17400 £ per year.
This role has a starting salary of 13,917 per annum (pro rata to 25,052 FTE), based on a 20 hour working week.
We are looking for an enthusiastic and self-motivated Library Assistant to join our dedicated team. You will be based at Redhill Library, you will also be required to work at Merstham and Reigate 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 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 11:00 – 13 00 – 13:00
Tuesday 11:00 – 17 00 – 17:00
Wednesday 09:30 – 17 30 – 17:00
Thursday 09:30 – 13 30 – 13:00
Friday OFF OFF
Saturday 10:00 – 17:00 OFF
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.
The job advert closes at 23:59 on 12/10/2025 with interviews planned for 22/10/2025 and 23/10/2025.
Local Government Reorganisation (LGR)
Surrey County Council is undergoing Local Government Reorganisation, moving from a two-tier system to new unitary councils in April 2027. Your role will transfer with current terms and conditions to one of these new councils, 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.
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 Redhill, Merstham, and Reigate Libraries to see how they operate. This will give you a feel for the environment and help you come up with creative ideas for your application.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice your customer service skills! Engage with people in your community, whether it’s at local events or even just chatting with neighbours. The more you interact, the better you'll be at showcasing your experience in your application.
✨Tip Number 3
Think about how you can make a positive impact in the library. Jot down some fun event ideas or themes for book displays that could attract more visitors. This shows your initiative and creativity, which are key for this role!
✨Tip Number 4
When you're ready to apply, do it through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, you’ll find all the info you need to ace those interview questions we send out in advance.
We think you need these skills to ace Library Assistant
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Enthusiasm: When writing your application, let your passion for libraries and community service shine through. We want to see that you're genuinely excited about the role and how you can contribute to making our libraries vibrant spaces.
Be Specific with Examples: For those questions, don’t just say you’ve provided excellent customer service—give us a specific example! We love hearing about real experiences that showcase your skills and how they align with what we’re looking for.
Align with Our Values: Make sure to connect your ideas for attracting more people to our libraries with the Surrey Way framework. We’re all about creativity and community, so show us how your suggestions fit into that vision!
Proofread Before You Submit: Before hitting that submit button, take a moment to read through your application. Typos and errors can distract from your message, and we want to focus on your strengths and experiences. Apply through our website and let’s get started!
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's libraries and their community impact. Understand their services and think about how you can contribute to making them even better. This will show your enthusiasm and commitment to the role.
✨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 as the role heavily focuses on customer interaction, and sharing these experiences will highlight your suitability.
✨Creative Ideas for Engagement
Come up with a few creative ideas for events or activities that could attract more visitors to the libraries. Align these ideas with the Surrey Way framework to demonstrate your understanding of their values and your ability to think outside the box.
✨Practice Reading Aloud
Since you'll be asked to read a short story during the interview, practice reading aloud beforehand. Focus on your tone, pace, and engagement level. This will help you feel more confident and showcase your ability to connect with an audience, especially if you're leading Storytime sessions.
