Library Assistant

Surrey County Council; Reigate; On-site; GBP 10,000 - 40,000; Full time

Job summary

A local government authority in Reigate is looking for an enthusiastic Library Assistant to join their team at Farnham Library, with responsibilities including customer service, managing book displays, and engaging with the community. This role offers a starting salary of £25,052 per annum for a 36-hour work week. The position provides generous benefits, including 26 days' holiday and opportunities for development. Ideal candidates will demonstrate creativity and a passion for community service.

Benefits

26 days' holiday

Option to buy additional annual leave

Local government pension

Carer's leave

Paid volunteering days

Employee Assistance Programme

Learning and development resources

Wellbeing discounts

Qualifications

• Proven experience in providing or receiving excellent customer service.
• Evidence of contributing to a community service that made a positive impact.
• Creative ideas for attracting more people to our libraries.

Responsibilities

• 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.

Skills

Customer service

Creativity

Communication

Job description

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.

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.

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 a 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.

Responsibilities

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:

• Proven experience in providing or receiving excellent customer service.
• Evidence of observing or contributing to a community service that made a positive impact.
• Creative ideas for attracting more people to our libraries, aligned with the .

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 our 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 9-5 9.30 Tuesday 9-5 10-7 Wednesday 9-5 30 Off Thursday 9-5 10-9 Friday 9-5 9.30 Saturday Off 9-4 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 15/01/2026 with interviews to follow.

We look forward to receiving your application.