Description
This role has a starting salary of £18,206 per annum, based on a 27 hour working week (FTE £24,275 per annum).
This is a 12 month fixed term contract.
We are looking for an enthusiastic and self-motivated Library Assistant to join our dedicated team. You will be based at Farnham Library, you will also be required to work at Ash 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.
Rewards and Benefits
1. 26 days' holiday (prorated for part time staff), rising to 28 days after 2 years' service and 30 days after 5 years' service
2. Option to buy up to 10 days of additional annual leave
3. An extensive Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) to support health and wellbeing
4. Up to 5 days of carer's leave per year
5. Paternity, adoption and dependents leave
6. A generous local government salary related pension
7. Lifestyle discounts including gym, travel, shopping and many more
8. 2 paid volunteering days plus 1 team volunteering day per year
9. Learning and development hub where you can access a wealth of resources
About the Team
Surrey Libraries hold a unique place in our communities. They provide universal access through a programme 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 need people who share this passion to become more successful.
About the Role
There is something for everyone at Surrey's libraries and the same day never happens twice.
The library is many different things to many different people. Curious readers come looking for their next adventure. Students meet to revise for their exams. Families gather for Storytime and Rhymetime. Special interest groups share their passions and older people access resources and secure their bus pass. Library Assistants greet each person with a positive attitude and resilient approach to any request.
Customer service is at the forefront of the library service. They are busy, lively places to work requiring flexibility, creativity, and initiative. This could be helping someone with a reading recommendation, thinking up new themes for book displays, planning events or assisting people with information and virtual services. Maintaining, presenting, and processing book stock is also a major part of the role.
The role also includes leading craft events, Rhymetime and Storytime sessions, engaging with schools to organise visits and class assemblies, and assisting with or leading other activities directed at both children and adults. From time to time there will be a need for lone working or single staffing at this and other libraries in the area.
Rota
Week 1
Week 2
Monday
10 - 5.30
10 - 5
Tuesday
10.30 - 7
10 - 5
Wednesday
10 - 5
10 - 5
Thursday
Off
10 - 2
Friday
Off
10 - 5.30
Saturday
9.30 - 4
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.
Shortlisting Criteria
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:
10. What are your motivations for applying? (150 words)
11. What do you think good customer service looks like from a Library Assistant? (150 words)
12. Why do you feel the library is important to the community? (150 words)
13. What would you do to attract more people to the library? (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.
Contact Us
Please contact us for any questions relating to the role. This could be to discuss flexible working requests, transferable skills or any barriers to employment.
The job advert closes at 23:59 on 09/07/2024 with interviews planned for 23/07/2024.
We look forward to receiving your application,