Library Assistant

There is something for everyone at Surrey's libraries and the same day never happens twice.

The library is many different things to many different people. Curious readers come looking for their next adventure. Students meet to revise for their exams. Families gather for Storytime and Rhymetime. Special interest groups share their passions and older people access resources and secure their bus pass. Library Assistants greet each person with a positive attitude and resilient approach to any request.

Customer service is at the forefront of the library service. They are busy, lively places to work requiring flexibility, creativity, and initiative. This could be helping someone with a reading recommendation, thinking up new themes for book displays, planning events or assisting people with information and virtual services. Maintaining, presenting, and processing book stock is also a major part of the role.

The role also includes leading craft events, Rhymetime and Storytime sessions, engaging with schools to organise visits and class assemblies, and assisting with or leading other activities directed at both children and adults. From time to time there will be a need for lone working or single staffing at this and other libraries in the area., 2. Can you please provide an example when you either provided, or received, excellent customer service? (150 words)
3. 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)
4. 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.

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.

We are looking for an enthusiastic and self-motivated Library Assistant to join our dedicated team. You will be based at Horley Library, you will also be required to work at other Surrey Libraries in the area.

• 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 plus 1 team volunteering day per year


• Learning and development hub where you can access a wealth of resources


About the Team

Surrey Libraries hold a unique place in our communities. They provide universal access through a programme of reading, learning digital, 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.