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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.
- Other info: Flexible working hours and opportunities for personal development await you!
- 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.
The predicted salary is between 12000 - 16000 £ per year.
Overview
This role has a starting salary of £8,350 per annum (pro rata to £25,052 FTE), based on a 12 hour working week.
We are looking for an enthusiastic and self-motivated Library Assistant to join our dedicated team. You will be based at Reigate Library, and you will also be required to work at Redhill, Merstham and Horley libraries when required.
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
- 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
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)
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.
The job advert closes at 23:59 on 04.05.2026 with interviews planned for .
Local Government Reorganisation (LGR)
Surrey County Council is undergoing Local Government Reorganisation, moving from a two-tier system to two new unitary councils in April 2027. If you are employed by Surrey on 1st April 2027, your role will transfer with current terms and conditions to one of the new organisations, supporting local devolution and greater powers for our communities.
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.
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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
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.