Job Introduction

The salary for this role is £12.04 per hour (pro rata to £22,599 FTE), working 5 hours per week (Saturdays).

We are looking for an enthusiastic and self-motivated Weekend Library Assistant to join our dedicated team. You will be based at Guildford Library, you may 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.

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
• 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
• 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.

About the Role

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. Weekend 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 mean 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 may include leading craft events, Rhymetime and Storytime sessions, and assisting with 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.

Shortlisting Criteria

As part of the application process, you will be asked to upload your CV 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 what skills you have to help with this? (150 words)

If shortlisted for interview, you will be sent the interview questions in advance and you will also be asked to read a short story.

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.

For an informal discussion please contact Nicky Lawrence-Gravestock by e-mail at Nicola.Lawrencegravestock@surreycc.gov.uk.

The job advert closes at 23:59 on 6th April 2025 with interviews planned for the week commencing 14th April 2025.

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

Our Values

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.

O ur Commitment

• 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