Senior Library Assistant - Localities

Employer: Wokingham Borough Council
Salary: £29,542 – £32,047 Per Annum, Plus Benefits
Location: Woodley Library, Headley Road, Woodley
Contract: Permanent
Working Pattern: Evenings/Weekends/Full Time
Hours: 37 hours per week. Average working week.
DBS Check: Yes
Closing Date: 11/09/2026 at 23:00
Reference: 713054

We have an exciting opportunity for an experienced and highly motivated Senior Library Assistant to help deliver our popular library service which is constantly evolving to meet the changing needs of our communities. We deliver traditional library services as well as new digital technologies, and also supporting the delivery of wider council services.

This is a permanent post, working an average of 37 hours over a three week rota which includes Saturdays. The role is initially based at Woodley Library, and the hours worked will be focussed around library opening hours.

The successful candidate will require excellent communication skills and take responsibility for the day to day operation of the library, delivering excellent customer service and supporting the Library and Community Area Lead in managing the site and staff, and implementing change across the team. The successful candidate will also be required to cover other libraries, so must be willing to travel.

General experience of working in a public library or similar customer service environment would be an advantage, however most important is the ability to deliver excellent customer care. An understanding of library policy at a local and national level would also be an advantage.

• The post involves regular lone working, as well as evening and weekend work.
• The role is based at Woodley Library, but the post holder will be required to work at other sites across the borough.

Not only is this an excellent opportunity, but it’s a fantastic time to join our team. You will receive an extensive range of employee benefits including:

A generous annual leave entitlement of 27 days (rising to 32 days after 5 years continued local government service), plus Bank Holidays

Enrolment to an excellent local government pension scheme

An employee assistance programme including 24/7 wellbeing helpline

A range of local & lifestyle discounts

Use of a free onsite gym (located at Shute End office)

Salary sacrifice car & cycle to work schemes

And much more!

Key Responsibilities:

• Keyholder for library sites, often acting as the most senior member of staff on site, including lone working where required.
• Act as the senior responsible officer on site, making day-to-day operational decisions, resolving issues independently, and escalating where appropriate.
• Responsible for the safe and effective day-to-day operation of the library, including coordinating staff and volunteer deployment to ensure adequate service cover, resolving complex Library Management System (Spydus) queries, and handling escalated customer complaints.
• Build and maintain relationships with council departments and community groups to support delivery of library services and events.
• Undertake administrative tasks delegated by Area Leads that support the effective operation of the service.
• Oversee frontline customer service delivery, ensuring a high standard of resident experience, including direct customer interaction to resolve enquiries, provide guidance on library services and digital resources, and signpost to wider council services where appropriate.
• Health and safety and safeguarding responsibilities

Candidate Requirements:

• Good general standard of education (e.g. GCSEs), including literacy and numeracy skills.
• Practical work experience in a similar environment.
• Good IT skills including office software such as Microsoft Word, Outlook, PowerPoint and Excel
• Good interpersonal and written and verbal…