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- Tasks: Assist visitors, recommend books, organise events, and lead activities like Storytime.
- Company: Surrey Libraries enrich communities with access to learning, culture, and social interaction.
- Benefits: Enjoy 26 days holiday, lifestyle discounts, and a supportive Employee Assistance Programme.
- Why this job: Be part of a vibrant team making a positive impact in the community while gaining valuable experience.
- Qualifications: No specific qualifications required, just a passion for customer service and community engagement.
- Other info: Flexible working options available; perfect for students looking to gain experience.
- Category: Libraries
- Contract type: Permanent
- Working hours: 5 hours per week
- Posted on: 11 July 2025
- Closing date: 20 July 2025
- Directorate: Resources
- Location: Ash Library, Ash St, Aldershot, GU12 6LF
Description
Based at Ash Library, the starting salary for this role is £3,138 per annum working 5 hours per week (Saturdays). The full-time equivalent salary is £22,599 per annum.
We are looking for an enthusiastic and self-motivated Weekend Library Assistant to join our dedicated team. You will be based at Ash Library and will also be required to work at Farnham Library.
Libraries are spaces for social interaction, learning, and cultural experiences. They act as economic enablers 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 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 resources accessible through our hub
About the Team
Surrey Libraries hold a unique place in our communities. They provide universal access through a program of reading, learning, digital, 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 seek passionate individuals to help us become more successful.
About the Role
There is something for everyone at Surrey\’s libraries, and no two days are the same.
The library serves many functions: a place for adventure, study, family activities, interest groups, and resource access. As a Weekend Assistant, you will greet visitors with a positive attitude and resilient approach to requests.
Customer service is central to this role. The environment is lively and dynamic, requiring flexibility, creativity, and initiative. Responsibilities include assisting with reading recommendations, planning themed displays, organizing events, and maintaining the book stock. You may also lead craft sessions, Rhymetime, and Storytime activities, and occasionally work alone at different libraries.
Shortlisting Criteria
Applicants will need to upload a CV and answer the following questions, highlighting their strengths and transferable skills:
- Motivation for applying to Surrey Library Service (150 words)
- Example of providing or receiving excellent customer service (150 words)
- Contribution to or observation of a community service making a positive impact (150 words)
- Ideas to attract more visitors and relevant skills (150 words)
If shortlisted, interview questions will be provided in advance, and a short story will be included in the interview process.
Contact Us
For questions about the role, flexible working, transferable skills, or employment barriers, please contact us.
The application deadline is 23:59 on 20/07/2025, with interviews scheduled for the week of 4th August.
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 to implement devolution policies, which will result in a smaller number of new unitary councils from April 2027. This role will transfer to the new council with existing terms and conditions.
Join our team to shape the future of local government and improve community services. Help us build a brighter future for our residents!
Our Values and Commitment
We are committed to diversity and inclusion. Surrey County Council is a Disability Confident Employer, offering guaranteed interviews to disabled applicants who meet the minimum criteria and choose to disclose their disability. Reasonable adjustments can be requested during the application and interview process. We welcome applications from all underrepresented groups.
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Weekend Library Assistant employer: Surrey County Council
Contact Detail:
Surrey County Council Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Weekend Library Assistant
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the services and activities offered by Surrey Libraries. Understanding their community role and current initiatives will help you demonstrate your enthusiasm and alignment with their mission during the interview.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare specific examples of your customer service experience. Think about times when you went above and beyond to assist someone, as this will be crucial in showcasing your suitability for a role that revolves around excellent customer interaction.
✨Tip Number 3
Consider creative ideas to attract more visitors to the library. Whether it's themed events or community partnerships, having a few suggestions ready can set you apart and show your proactive approach to enhancing library engagement.
✨Tip Number 4
Be prepared to discuss your motivation for applying to Surrey Library Service. Reflect on what draws you to this role and how your values align with theirs, as this will help convey your genuine interest during the interview.
We think you need these skills to ace Weekend Library Assistant
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience and skills that align with the role of a Weekend Library Assistant. Focus on customer service experience, teamwork, and any previous library or community service involvement.
Craft Your Motivation Statement: In 150 words, clearly express your motivation for applying to Surrey Library Service. Mention what excites you about working in a library and how you can contribute to the community.
Showcase Customer Service Skills: Provide a specific example of a time you delivered excellent customer service in 150 words. Highlight your approach, the situation, and the positive outcome to demonstrate your suitability for the role.
Engage with Community Ideas: Think creatively about how to attract more visitors to the library. In 150 words, share your ideas and relevant skills that could help enhance community engagement and library usage.
How to prepare for a job interview at Surrey County Council
✨Show Your Enthusiasm
As a Weekend Library Assistant, your passion for libraries and community engagement is crucial. Make sure to express your enthusiasm for the role and how you can contribute to the library's mission during the interview.
✨Prepare for Customer Service Scenarios
Since customer service is central to this role, think of examples from your past experiences where you provided excellent service. Be ready to discuss these scenarios and how they relate to the library environment.
✨Highlight Your Creativity
The role involves planning themed displays and organising events. Prepare to share any creative ideas you have for attracting more visitors or enhancing library activities, as this will demonstrate your initiative and suitability for the position.
✨Familiarise Yourself with the Library's Values
Understanding the library's vision and values is key. Research Surrey Libraries and be prepared to discuss how your personal values align with theirs, especially regarding community service and inclusivity.