Library Assistant

Surrey County Council; Guildford; On-site; GBP 23,000 - 27,000; Full time

Job summary

A local government authority is seeking an enthusiastic and self-motivated Library Assistant to support libraries in Guildford. This role involves excellent customer service, engaging with the community, and organizing events for diverse audiences. The successful applicant will enjoy a salary of £25,052, generous leave, and the chance to contribute positively to the local community. This is a pivotal role that enhances library services and fosters community connections across multiple library locations.

Benefits

26 days' holiday, rising to 31 days

Generous local government pension

Employee Assistance Programme

Qualifications

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

Responsibilities

• Assist with reading recommendations and lead themed events.
• Engage with schools to organize visits and activities.
• Maintain and process book stock across libraries.

Skills

Excellent customer service skills

Community engagement experience

Creativity

Flexibility

Job description

• Location: Guildford Library, 77 North Street, Guildford, Surrey, GU1 4AL

Description

We are committed to the development of our workforce. This position is only available to applicants who already work for Surrey County Council.We thank you for your interest in our roles and would encourage you to review our vacancies which are open to all.

This role has a starting salary of £25,052 per annum, based on a 36 hour working week. This is a secondment opportunity until May 2026.

We are looking for an enthusiastic and self-motivated Library Assistant to join our dedicated team. You will be based at Guildford Library, you will also be required to work at Horsley and Cobham 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.

Our Offer to You

• 26 days' holiday, rising to 28 days after 2 years' service and 31 days after 5 years' service
• Option to buy up to 10 days of additional annual leave
• A generous local government salary related pension
• Up to 5 days of carer's leave and 2 paid volunteering days per year
• Paternity, adoption and dependents leave
• An Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) to support health and wellbeing
• Learning and development hub where you can access a wealth of resources
• Wellbeing and lifestyle discounts including gym, travel, and shopping
• A chance to make a real difference to the lives of our residents.

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

Your Application

In order to be considered for shortlisting, your application will clearly evidence the following skills and align with our behaviours:

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

To apply, we request that you submit a CV and you will be asked the following 4 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)

Before submitting your application, we recommend you read the job description and ourLife at Surrey handbook to get an insight into working at Surrey.

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 9:00-5:30 9:00-5:30

Tuesday 9:00-5:00 10:00-7:00

Wednesday Off 9:30-5:30

Thursday 9:00-5:00 9:30-5:30

Friday 9:30-5:30 9:30-5:30

Saturday 9:00-5:00 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 11/01/2026 with interviews planned for w/c 19/01/2026.

We look forward to receiving your application, please click on the apply online button below to submit.

Local Government Reorganisation (LGR)

Surrey County Council is undergoing Local Government Reorganisation, moving from a two-tier system to two new unitary councils in April 2027. If you are employed by Surrey on 1st April 2027, your role will transfer with current terms and conditions to one of the new organisations, supporting local devolution and greater powers for our communities.

We are a disability confident employer which means if you have shared a disability on your application form and have evidenced you meet the minimum criteria, we guarantee you an interview.

Your skills and experience truly matter to us. From application to your first day, we're committed to supporting you with any adjustments you need, we value inclusion and warmly welcome you to join and help build a workplace where everyone belongs.