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- Tasks: Assist with customer service, book displays, and community events in a lively library environment.
- Company: Surrey Libraries are community hubs offering vital services and cultural experiences to all.
- Benefits: Enjoy 26 days holiday, lifestyle discounts, and a supportive Employee Assistance Programme.
- Why this job: Join a passionate team making a positive impact in the community through creativity and excellent service.
- Qualifications: Experience in customer service and a passion for community engagement are essential.
- Other info: Flexible working hours and opportunities for personal development await you!
The predicted salary is between 12000 - 16000 £ per year.
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 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.
- Creative ideas for attracting more people to our libraries, aligned with the Surrey Way framework.
Application Questions
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.
The job advert closes at 23:59 on 05/10/2025 with interviews planned for 16/10/2025.
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.
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
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.
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 your library unique and how it serves the community will help you demonstrate your passion for the role during interviews.
✨Tip Number 2
Engage with current library events or activities. By participating, you can gain insights into what works well and what could be improved, allowing you to present creative ideas that align with the Surrey Way framework.
✨Tip Number 3
Network with library staff and volunteers. Building relationships with those already in the field can provide valuable information about the role and may even lead to a referral, increasing your chances of landing the job.
✨Tip Number 4
Prepare for the interview by thinking of specific examples from your past experiences that showcase your customer service skills and community involvement. Tailoring your responses to reflect the library's mission will make a strong impression.
We think you need these skills to ace Library Assistant
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in customer service and community engagement. Use specific examples that demonstrate your skills and enthusiasm for the role of Library Assistant.
Answer Application Questions Thoughtfully: When responding to the application questions, be concise but detailed. Use the 150-word limit wisely to showcase your motivation, customer service experience, and creative ideas for attracting more visitors to the library.
Showcase Your Creativity: In your application, include innovative ideas for book displays or events that could engage the community. This will demonstrate your creativity and alignment with the library's vision.
Proofread Your Application: Before submitting, carefully proofread your application for any spelling or grammatical errors. A polished 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 their role in the community. Share personal experiences that highlight why you believe libraries are essential spaces for learning and social interaction.
✨Prepare Customer Service Examples
Since excellent customer service is crucial for this role, come prepared with specific examples of when you've provided or received outstanding service. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your responses.
✨Be Creative with Ideas
Think of innovative ways to attract more visitors to the library. Prepare three creative ideas that align with the Surrey Way framework, as this will demonstrate your initiative and understanding of the library's mission.
✨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 tone, pacing, and engagement to make it enjoyable for your audience.