Job Introduction
Based at Farnham Library, the starting salary for this role is £12.83 per hour.
We have 2 vacancies:
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5 hours per week on a permanent basis
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6 hours per week on a fixed term contract until 31st March 2027.
We are looking for an enthusiastic and self-motivated Weekend Library Assistant to join our dedicated team. You will be based at Farnham Library, you will also be required to work at Ash Library.
Libraries are spaces for social interaction, learning, cultural experiences and act 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
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26 days’ holiday, rising to 28 days after 2 years' service and 31 days after 5 years’ service (prorated for part time staff)
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Option to buy up to 10 days of additional annual leave
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A generous local government salary related pension
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Up to 5 days of carer’s leave and 2 paid volunteering days per year
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Paternity, adoption and dependents leave
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An Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) to support health and wellbeing
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Learning and development hub where you can access a wealth of resources
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Wellbeing and lifestyle discounts including gym, travel, and shopping
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A chance to make a real difference to the lives of our residents.
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.
Your Application
In order to be considered for shortlisting, your application will clearly evidence the following criteria and align with our behaviours:
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Proven experience in providing or receiving excellent customer service.
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Evidence of observing or contributing to a community service that made a positive impact.
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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:
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What has motivated you to apply for the Surrey Library Service? (150 words)
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Can you please provide an example when you either provided, or received, excellent customer service? (150 words)
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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)
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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)
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 and you will 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 Sandra Hughes by e-mail on [email protected]
The job advert closes at 23:59 on 2nd August 2026 with interviews to follow.
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, moving from a two-tier system to two new unitary councils in April 2027. If you are employed by Surrey on 1st April 2027, your role will transfer with current terms and conditions to one of the new organisations, supporting local devolution and greater powers for our communities.
Join our dynamic team and shape the future of local government. Make a lasting impact with innovative solutions and improved services for our community. Help us build a brighter future for our residents! 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 criteria, 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.
