Library Assistant

Surrey County Council; Ash; On-site; GBP 25,000; Part time

Job summary

Surrey County Council is seeking a Library Assistant for the Farnham and Ash Libraries. This role includes providing excellent customer service, engaging with the community, and supporting various library activities. The position offers 27 hours per week with a focus on making libraries vital community hubs.

Benefits

26 days' holiday

Employee Assistance Programme (EAP)

Paternity, adoption and dependents leave

Local government pension

Lifestyle discounts

Qualifications

• Proven experience in providing excellent customer service.
• Evidence of contributing to a community service positively.

Responsibilities

• Helping with reading recommendations.
• Creating themes for book displays.
• Leading craft events and sessions for children.

Skills

Customer Service

Teamwork

Flexibility

Job description

• Category: Libraries
• Contract type: Permanent
• Working hours: 27 hours per week
• Posted on: 27 June 2025
• Closing date: 18 July 2025
• Directorate: Resources
• Location: Farnham Library, Farnham GU9 7DR and Ash Library, Ash

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

• 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

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:

• Helping with reading recommendations
• Creating new themes for book displays
• Maintaining, presenting, and processing book stock
• Leading craft events, Rhymetime, and Storytime sessions
• Engaging with schools to organise visits and class assemblies
• Assisting with or leading activities for both children and adults
• 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:

• Proven experience in providing or receiving excellent customer service.
• Evidence of observing or contributing to a community service that made a positive impact.

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:

• What has motivated you to apply for the Surrey Library Service? (150 words)
• Can you please provide an example when you either provided, or received, excellent customer service? (150 words)
• 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)
• 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 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.

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, please click on the apply online button below to submit.

Local Government Reorganisation

Surrey County Council is preparing for Local Government Reorganisation which will allow us to implement the Government led policy of devolution, which is all about giving more powers to local areas.

Currently, Surrey has a two-tier council system, with 11 district and borough councils and a county council, all responsible for different services. All these councils will be reorganised into a smaller number of new unitary councils which will come into effect in April 2027. At this point, this role will be transferred, with all existing terms and conditions intact into one of the new unitary councils.

Our values are as important as our abilities and shape who we are as an organisation. Discover more about our values .

Before submitting your application, we recommend you read the job description. Our Life at Surrey handbook provides insights of the culture at Surrey and how as a valued employee, you can help shape our Council.

Our Commitment

Surrey County Council is proud to be a Disability Confident Employer. A guaranteed interview will be offered to all disabled applicants where:

• The candidate has evidenced the minimum criteria for the role through their application
• The candidate has chosen to share that they have a disability on the application form

Our application form and onboarding process will provide an opportunity to request any reasonable adjustments for the interview and/or the role. We want to be an inclusive and diverse employer reflecting the community we serve and particularly welcome applications from all underrepresented groups.