Casual Library Assistant

London Borough of Hillingdon; London; Hybrid; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A local government service in London seeks a Casual Library Assistant to provide flexible support across multiple library locations. The role involves serving customers, organizing stock, and covering for various staff absences. Ideal candidates are enthusiastic, have strong communication skills, and can adapt to changing schedules. This position is perfect for those looking for variable hours without a permanent commitment.

Benefits

Flexible Working Hours

Cycle to Work Scheme

Mental Health Support and Counselling Services

Local Government Pension Scheme

Qualifications

• Enthusiastic and comfortable working with diverse backgrounds.
• Able to organise self for pre-arranged and emergency shifts.

Responsibilities

• Serve library customers and assist with queries.
• Shelve and tidy stock to maintain organization.
• Cover for sickness, absence, training, and permanent vacancies.

Skills

Strong verbal and written communication skills

Flexibility in thinking and availability

Efficient and proactive

Ability to work independently and follow procedures

Quick learner of new skills

Job description

• About the role
• Hillingdon Library Service plays a key role in helping people enjoy reading for pleasure, access reliable information, and connect with their community. We have the largest network of council-operated libraries in London, with:
• 16 static branches
• A Mobile Library
• A Home Library Service
  
  
  

About The Role

This is a casual Library Assistant post with variable hours.

You could work in any of our 16 libraries across the borough, though we are currently prioritising the Hayes and West Drayton areas.

Casual Library Assistants:

• Cover for sickness, absence, training, and permanent vacancies
• Work shifts arranged both in advance and at short notice to ensure safe, efficient service delivery
• Serve library customers, shelve and tidy stock, assist with queries, and support branch teams
  
  
  

Please note:

• Hours are offered based on service needs and your availability, there is no guaranteed minimum
• You may be asked to work anywhere in the borough, but could be based in one or more areas depending on need and your circumstances
  
  
  

This role is ideal for those who cannot commit to a permanent contract but can offer good availability across the week. You will join an established pool of casual library assistants.

About You

We are looking for someone who is:

• Enthusiastic with strong verbal and written communication skills
• Comfortable working with colleagues and customers from diverse backgrounds
• Flexible in both thinking and availability, able to organise yourself for pre-arranged and emergency shifts
• Efficient and proactive, able to follow procedures and work independently
• Quick to learn new skills and able to build positive relationships across multiple library locations
  
  
  

If you’re passionate about customer service, adaptable, and enjoy working in a varied environment, we’d love to hear from you.

• About You
• About us
• We value our employees and are committed to ensuring that they enjoy a fulfilling and rewarding career with us. We understand that a happy and motivated workforce is essential for the success of our organisation. That is why we offer a wide range of employee benefits to enhance your work-life balance, financial wellbeing, health, and professional development.
  
  
  

Here’s a comprehensive overview of the fantastic benefits we provide:

• Flexible Working Hours – We recognise the importance of flexibility in managing your work and personal life.
• 36 Hour Week – Enjoy a standard 36-hour workweek for all full time staff.
• Generous Holiday Entitlement – increasing with length of service (for non-casual roles).
• Hillingdon Sports & Leisure – Stay active and healthy with discounts at council owned leisure centres and swimming pools across the borough.
• Salary Sacrifice Schemes – option to join schemes for cycle purchase, electric vehicle leasing and additional voluntary pension contributions (subject to scheme rules).
• Cycle to Work – Eco-friendly commuting with our cycle purchase scheme. We also provide bicycle parking, lockers, and showers at the Civic Centre.
• Local Government Pension Scheme – access to Local Government Pension Scheme and membership to the Credit Union.
• Vivup Benefits – Access a variety of offers and discounts through our Vivup Benefits.
• Mental Health Support and Counselling Services – Our mental health first aiders are trained to identify, understand, and help employees experiencing mental health issues. Access free 24-hour confidential advice and counselling as well as a legal advice service for you and your immediate family.
• Travel Support – Make your daily commute easier with our season ticket loans and free car parking.
  
  
  

Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Statement

At the London Borough of Hillingdon, we are committed to creating a diverse, inclusive, and equitable workplace. This commitment means that all employees, job applicants and others who work for us will be treated fairly.

The aim is for our workforce to be representative of all sections of society and Hillingdon residents so we welcome applicants from a wide variety of backgrounds. We strive to ensure that our recruitment process is free from discrimination and bias, and we are dedicated to providing reasonable adjustments to applicants with disabilities.

Join us in building a workplace where everyone feels respected, able to give their best and be themselves at work, whilst contributing meaningfully to our organisation's success.

Recruitment Information

Hillingdon Council operates a guaranteed interview scheme for candidates with disabilities that meet the essential criteria for the role and wish to be considered under this scheme. We believe in the option to choose, so candidates declaring a disability have the choice to opt in for consideration under this scheme, on a ‘per application’ basis.

We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable groups and expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.

Some posts are subject to The Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975 (Amendment) (England and Wales) Order 2019 and it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service.

In addition to verifying Right to Work in the UK and a new starter health questionnaire, the post is subject tothe following pre-employment screening:

• 3 years of Referencing
  
  
  

Please note:Priority will be given to those at risk of redundancy within Hillingdon Council. Current employees who are part of the redeployment pool must meet the essential criteria for shortlisting to be prioritised.

It may be necessary due to a high volume of applications to close this role early. We therefore recommend you apply as soon as possible to avoid disappointment.