Description
This role has a starting salary of £18,206 per annum (pro rata to £24,275 FTE), based on a 27 hour working week.
We are looking for an enthusiastic and self-motivated Library Assistant to join our dedicated team. You will be based at Farnham Library, and you will also be required to work at Ash 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
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 per year
9. 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:
10. Helping with reading recommendations
11. Creating new themes for book displays
12. Maintaining, presenting, and processing book stock
13. Leading craft events, Rhymetime, and Storytime sessions
14. Engaging with schools to organise visits and class assemblies
15. Assisting with or leading activities for both children and adults
16. 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:
17. Proven experience in providing or receiving excellent customer service.
18. Evidence of observing or contributing to a community service that made a positive impact.
19. Creative ideas for attracting more people to our libraries, aligned with the .
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:
20. What has motivated you to apply for the Surrey Library Service? (150 words)
21. Can you please provide an example when you either provided, or received, excellent customer service? (150 words)
22. 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)
23. 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 1Week 2Monday10-5.3010-5Tuesday10.30-710-5Wednesday10-510-5ThursdayOff10-2FridayOff10-5.30Saturday9.30-4OffSundayOffOff
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.
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 18/07/2025 with interviews planned for week beginning 28/07/2025. Please note that this role is anticipated to start in September 2025.
We look forward to receiving your application,