Find a job 
Featured Companies 
Featured Universities 
For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Manage the library, run events, and support prisoners in their reading journey.
- Company: Join Surrey Libraries, dedicated to providing enriching library services in prisons.
- Benefits: Enjoy 26 days holiday, lifestyle discounts, and a supportive Employee Assistance Programme.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on rehabilitation through literacy and cultural engagement.
- Qualifications: Strong communication skills, passion for reading, and experience in supervision required.
- Other info: Flexible working options and a commitment to diversity and inclusion.
The predicted salary is between 27093 - 37830 £ per year.
This role has a starting salary of £27,093 per annum, based on a 30-hour working week.
We are excited to be recruiting for an enthusiastic and self-motivated Prison Librarian to manage our library at HMP Send Library. Surrey Libraries are responsible for four prison libraries in Surrey – HMP Coldingley, HMP Downview, HMP High Down, and HMP Send. You will become part of this team sharing advice and ideas to ensure a comprehensive library service. Within Send Library, you will manage four Prisoner Orderlies.
Our aim within prison libraries is to provide an accessible service with a focus on expanding knowledge, finding pleasure in learning, developing crucial literacy skills, and enabling effective rehabilitation. It also promotes reading as a source of pleasure and provides prisoners with opportunities for wider cultural engagement. Equipping prisoners with reading skills allows them to embark on a path towards reintegration into society.
Rewards And Benefits
- 26 days’ holiday (prorated for part-time staff), rising to 28 days after 2 years\’ service and 30 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
As the Prison Librarian, you will run lively events and activities programmes, including book groups, writing groups, reading initiatives such as Reading Ahead, and author events. You will also promote family reading by encouraging prisoners to record a story to send home, arranging workshops, and involvement in family days.
You will be expected to work independently, using your initiative, taking full responsibility for the library, including supervising the Prisoner Orderlies. You will work closely with the Education Department and partner agencies to provide an integrated Library service. Adherence to all prison security guidance and attending training as necessary are essential. The role involves heavy lifting and often requires being on your feet for long periods.
This is a challenging but highly rewarding role, and enthusiasm for reading and learning is essential. You will play a key role in encouraging prisoners to use the library effectively for educational, recreational, and legal purposes.
Shortlisting Criteria
To be considered, your application should clearly evidence:
- Excellent oral and written communication skills
- The ability to remain calm under pressure in a sometimes-volatile environment
- Experience of supervising and mentoring
- Ability to work independently and manage a team
- A passion for reading and learning
- Experience of using IT systems and data collection
Application Questions
Alongside your CV, you will need to answer:
- What are your motivations for applying to be a Prison Librarian at Surrey County Council?
- How would you approach creating a diverse and inclusive library collection that reflects the needs of the prison population?
- How do you stay motivated and maintain a positive attitude in a demanding work environment?
- What personal qualities do you think are essential for a Prison Librarian, and how do you embody these qualities?
Please note an enhanced vetting process will be undertaken by the Prison Service before the successful candidate can start, which takes around eight weeks.
Rota
Week 1 hours: Monday 12:00-19:00, Tuesday 09:30-17:00, Wednesday 12:00-19:00, Thursday 09:30-17:00, Friday 09:00-14:00, Saturday off, Sunday off.
Week 2 hours: Monday off, Tuesday 12:00-19:00, Wednesday 09:30-17:00, Thursday 09:30-17:00, Friday 09:00-14:00, Saturday 10:00-17:00, Sunday off.
This rota may be subject to change to meet the library service needs.
Contact Us
For questions about the role, including flexible working requests, transferable skills, or barriers to employment, please contact Caroline Darby via email at caroline.darby@surreycc.gov.uk.
The job advert closes at 23:59 on 27/07/2025. Interviews will be scheduled later.
We look forward to your application. Please click the apply online button below to submit.
Local Government Reorganisation
Surrey County Council is preparing for Local Government Reorganisation, moving towards a smaller number of unitary councils by April 2027. This role will transfer to the new council with all terms and conditions intact. Learn more at Surrey County Council.
Our Values
Our values are integral to our identity. Discover more about our values and how you can contribute.
Our Commitment
We are proud to be a Disability Confident Employer. A guaranteed interview will be offered to disabled applicants meeting the minimum criteria and who choose to disclose their disability. We are committed to inclusive and diverse employment, reflecting our community, and welcome applications from underrepresented groups.
#J-18808-Ljbffr
Prison Librarian employer: Surrey County Council
Contact Detail:
Surrey County Council Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Prison Librarian
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the specific needs and challenges of the prison population. Understanding the unique environment and the importance of rehabilitation will help you demonstrate your commitment to the role during interviews.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in the field of prison education and library services. Engaging with current or former prison librarians can provide valuable insights and may even lead to recommendations that strengthen your application.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your strategies for promoting reading and literacy among prisoners. Think about innovative programmes or events you could implement, as this will show your proactive approach and passion for the role.
✨Tip Number 4
Highlight any experience you have in managing teams or mentoring others. Since you'll be supervising Prisoner Orderlies, showcasing your leadership skills will be crucial in making a strong impression during the selection process.
We think you need these skills to ace Prison Librarian
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Read the job description thoroughly to grasp the responsibilities and expectations of a Prison Librarian. Highlight your relevant experience and skills that align with the role.
Tailor Your CV: Customise your CV to reflect the specific skills and experiences mentioned in the job description. Emphasise your communication skills, ability to work under pressure, and any supervisory experience you have.
Answer Application Questions Thoughtfully: Take time to craft thoughtful responses to the application questions. Use specific examples from your past experiences to demonstrate your motivations, approach to inclusivity, and personal qualities relevant to the role.
Proofread Your Application: Before submitting, carefully proofread your application for spelling and 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 Reading
Make sure to express your enthusiasm for reading and learning during the interview. Share personal stories about how books have impacted your life or how you’ve encouraged others to read, especially in challenging environments.
✨Demonstrate Your Communication Skills
Since excellent oral and written communication skills are crucial for this role, prepare examples of how you've effectively communicated in previous positions. Think about situations where you had to explain complex information clearly or mediate discussions.
✨Prepare for Team Management Questions
Be ready to discuss your experience in supervising and mentoring others. Think of specific instances where you successfully managed a team or supported individuals in their development, particularly in a challenging environment.
✨Understand the Role's Challenges
Familiarise yourself with the unique challenges of working in a prison library. Be prepared to discuss how you would maintain a positive attitude and stay motivated in a demanding work environment, as well as how you would handle pressure.
