Library Assistant

This role has a starting salary of £12,939.50 per annum (pro rata to £25,879 FTE), based on an 18 hour working week.

We are looking for an enthusiastic and self-motivated Library Assistant to join our dedicated team. You will be based at Ashford and Stanwell Libraries, you will also be required to work at other libraries as may be needed operationally.

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 (prorated for part time staff)
• 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.
• Creative ideas for attracting more people to our libraries, aligned with the Surrey Way framework .

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:

1. What has motivated you to apply for the Surrey Library Service? (150 words)
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)

Before submitting your application, we recommend you read the job description and our Life 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

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.

For an informal discussion please contact Stephen Bentley via email at  View email address on surreycc.gov.uk .

The job advert closes at 23:59 on 25/10/2026 with interviews planned for the week beginning 16/11/2026.

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 and will move to new authorities in April 2027. This role is currently employed by Surrey County Council and will remain so until then. If you are employed by Surrey County Council on 1 April 2027, your employment will transfer under TUPE arrangements to one of the new councils, with your current terms and conditions protected. The provisional allocation for this post is West Surrey Council, subject to final confirmation through the wider transition process later this year. Please see more information here:  Information for applicants on Local Government Reorganisation - Surrey County Council.

Our Commitment 

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 shortlisting criteria as displayed on the advert, 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.