Library Assistant

This role has a starting salary of £15,096 per annum (pro rata to £25,879 FTE), based on a 21 hour working week.

We are looking for an enthusiastic and self-motivated Library Assistant to join our dedicated team. You will be based at Dorking Library, you will also be required to work at Leatherhead and Bookham 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.

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:

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 Surrwy 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:

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.

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.

The job advert closes at 23:59 on 20/09/2026 with interviews to follow.

We look forward to receiving your application, please click on the apply…