Our libraries are at the heart of our communities, and we are looking for creative and enthusiastic people to join our library team.
This role consists of assisting in the delivery of a comprehensive range of library services, promoting the aims of the service and taking part in a full range of activities for children and adults to help encourage literacy, learning and social inclusion through library use. We encourage applications from those with strong customer focussed approach who will contribute to ensuring that our libraries continue to be the focal point for our communities.
Day to day work will be varied and will demand a high quality of customer service at all times. Administrative tasks, supporting users to access the library appropriately, and helping with information, signposting and ICT will be commonplace. Postholders will also be involved in a full range of library events and promotional activities for adults and children, including supporting author visits, creating displays, story-telling and craft activities helping all groups to discover the joy of reading and learning. Library Assistants will also be regularly delivering Bookbug sessions for babies and families, encouraging and supporting literacy through singing, rhymes and stories.
Whilst we recruit to individual branches, staff may occasionally be expected to work at any library if required to.
KNOWLEDGE
The post holder must provide evidence of competency in literacy and numeracy skills such as a minimum of three Standard Grade level 3 passes, including English and Mathematics, or an SVQ2 or equivalent. The European Computer Driving Licence is a desirable qualification for this position.
CLOSING DATE - Sunday 9th August 2026
INTERVIEW DATE - Tuesday 18th & Wednesday 19th August 2026
Position Title: Library Assistant x3
Directorate: Place
Contract Status: Permanent
Post 1 - 16.h per week at Danderhall Library - Mondays 10-5pm, Thursdays 10-7pm, and alternate Saturdays 10-1 pm
Post 2 - 18h per week at Dalkeith Library - Thurs 10am – 7pm / Fri 10am – 5pm / Sat 10-1
Post 3 - 18.5h per week at Dalkeith Library - Mon 9:45am – 5pm / Thurs 1:30pm – 5pm / Fri 9:45 – 5pm
Weeks per year: 52
Please note that it is Midlothian Councils policy that successful applicants will be appointed to the first point on the salary scale.
Based on 16.5 hours over 52 weeks per year, the minimum actual salary for this position is £12,768.16 per annum.
Based on 18 hours over 52 weeks per year, the minimum actual salary for this position is £13,928.93 per annum.
Based on 18.5 hours over 52 weeks per year, the minimum actual salary for this position is £14,315.84 per annum.
This post is considered Regulated Work with Children under the Protection of Vulnerable Groups (Scotland) Act, 2007. Therefore, it is an offence to apply if you are barred from working with children.
Successful candidates will require PVG Scheme membership for Regulated Work with Children. You will be required to join the Scheme or undergo a PVG Scheme Update check prior to commencing employment with Midlothian Council, the cost of which will be met by you. For further information on the PVG Scheme please visit www.disclosurescotland.gov.uk
Please note that Disclosure Scotland has changed the way PVG certificates are issued. You will be notified by email from Disclosure Scotland that your certificate is available to view. Once you have viewed your certificate you will be allowed to share this with your employer and it is only available for 14 days from the first day you have viewed the certificate. If you do not grant access to Midlothian Council to view before access is removed, a further application will need to be generated, and this will incur an additional cost.
PLEASE NOTE: If you have spent more than 3 months working or living outwith the UK in the last 5 years then you will also be required to present a copy of an overseas criminal record check. Details of how to apply and contact details can be found on the GOV.UK website.
If you have difficulty applying for this post or accessing attached documents, or if you have a disability and reasonable adjustment is required, please email [email protected] to speak to a member of the Recruitment Team stating the post reference number.
Midlothian Council is currently undergoing a period of transformation, changing and improving the way it delivers services in Midlothian. As a consequence, there are a number of existing employees for whom we are committed to seeking suitable alternative employment within the Council in accordance with our legal obligations. Candidates are advised that, for some vacancies, internal candidates in this situation will be interviewed before the wider selection pool and a slightly longer delay may be experienced before application outcomes can be advised to you. Thank you for your patience in this matter.
If you are a trainee of a Midlothian Council Training Programme, have a disability or you are a care experienced young person who has previously been a looked after child you are eligible for a guaranteed interview if you meet the essential criteria for the post.
