Library Assistant

LB RICHMOND UPON THAMES & LB WANDSWORTH; Twickenham; On-site; GBP 25,000 - 32,000; Full time

Job summary

A local council library service is seeking a Library Assistant in Twickenham, offering competitive pay and flexible working. Ideal candidates should have strong customer service skills and experience in high-pressure environments. Responsibilities include assisting patrons, maintaining resources, and promoting library events. Apply by August 10th for this inclusive opportunity with generous benefits.

Benefits

40 days annual leave

Flexible working

Generous pension scheme

Qualifications

• Experience working in a high-pressure environment.
• Ability to contribute effectively as part of a team.
• Experience responding to queries and resolving problems.
• Ability to manage multiple tasks simultaneously.
• Confidence and resilience in challenging situations.

Responsibilities

• Shelving and tidying stock, promoting books.
• Supporting weekly reading events.
• Using IT systems confidently and effectively.
• Responding to customer enquiries.

Skills

Customer service

Communication

Team collaboration

IT systems proficiency

Problem-solving

Resilience

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

Job Title: Library Assistant

Salary Range: £25,998 - £31,469 per annum pro rata (2025/26 pay award pending)

Employment Type: Permanent, Full-time and Part-time

Location: Twickenham Libraries

Work Pattern: Permanent, Part-time 18 hours per week pro rata. Includes two weekdays and every other Saturday: weekdays 9.15am – 6.15pm/7.15pm and Saturdays 9.15am– 4.15pm.

Objective of Role

OUR VISION: How Richmond upon Thames Libraries see the future.

‘Communities within Richmond upon Thames will realise their potential through the personal, professional, social, and cultural development opportunities provided by their library service.’

We operate a high-performing library service that is highly regarded by the community. As a Library Assistant, your role will be to support the delivery of this borough-wide service by ensuring excellent customer service and carrying out a range of administrative duties to facilitate day-to-day operations.

Modern public libraries are vibrant and inclusive spaces, open to all members of the community. Our staff must be resilient, confident, and resourceful to manage often complex and challenging situations that can arise in such dynamic customer-facing environments.

Most of your work will involve frontline customer service, including issuing and returning items, maintaining and caring for resources, assisting with information searches and enquiries, supporting events, and helping visitors access the full range of services offered by the library.

About the Role

Are you passionate about helping people and creating welcoming community spaces? Richmond upon Thames Libraries are looking for a friendly, confident, and resourceful Library Assistant to join our high-performing team.

Our libraries are vibrant, inclusive spaces that serve a wide range of community needs. As a Library Assistant, you’ll be at the heart of this service—providing excellent customer support, helping visitors access resources, and ensuring the smooth day-to-day running of the library.

Candidate Criteria

The ability to communicate clearly and with understanding when working with the public—including via telephone, email, and social media—is essential. You should also be confident in dealing with challenging situations calmly and effectively.

Daily Responsibilities

• Shelving and tidying stock, promoting books, and assisting customers in selecting titles, ensuring collections are well-organised, attractive, and accessible.
• Supporting the delivery of a wide range of reading events, including weekly Rhyme Times and author talks.
• Using various IT systems and services confidently and effectively.
• Responding to enquiries from customers and colleagues, both in person and over the phone.

You will be required to work at any of the 12 libraries within the borough, including 3 open on Sundays. You must be able to travel to and undertake duties at any library, occasionally at short notice.

Essential Qualifications, Skills, and Experience

• Experience working in a high-pressure environment where high standards of service are expected, whether paid or voluntary.
• Ability to contribute effectively as part of a team.
• Experience responding to queries and resolving problems effectively.
• Ability to manage multiple tasks simultaneously in a fast-paced setting with minimal supervision.
• Confidence and resilience, maintaining professionalism and composure in challenging situations involving service users.

Application Details

Closing Date: Sunday 10th August (midnight)

Shortlisting Week: w/c 11th August

Interview Date: TBC

Selection Process: Includes a test to assess proficiency in Microsoft Office and information retrieval skills.

Note: The vacancy may close early once sufficient applications are received. Apply promptly to avoid disappointment.

Additional Information

Richmond & Wandsworth Better Service Partnership is committed to inclusive recruitment practices. We value diversity and are an equal opportunities employer.

We are a Disability Confident employer. If you require reasonable adjustments during the recruitment process, please inform us.

We are dedicated to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people, and vulnerable adults. Successful applicants may be subject to a DBS check, where applicable.

Benefits include benefits such as 40 days annual leave (including Bank Holidays), flexible working, and a generous pension scheme.