Children's and Outreach Librarian

• Children_s_and_Outreach_Librarian_JD_Person_Spec_June_2025
• Candidate_Pack_-_Communities_Directorate_-_June_2025

Please apply online via the link provided.

Please note, we do not accept CVs submitted without a fully completed online application form.

Do you have what it takes to deliver inspiring services for our children, young people and their families?

We have an exciting opportunity for a Children's and Outreach Librarian to join our team.

At Bracknell Forest, we pride ourselves on being a council which is stable and well-managed where our employees can thrive in a supportive environment. We understand the importance of a healthy work-life balance.

About you...

We are looking for a Children's and Outreach Librarian who…

• has the skills and drive to support the development of children’s literacy, by promoting and marketing targeted services, and engaging in outreach activities within the local community and within local schools.
• can develop and lead a varied programme of events for children, young people and their families.
• has excellent skills and knowledge in the use of ICT and digital resources.
• is confident in engaging with customers of all ages and talking to groups.

About the team...

This is an exciting time to join the Bracknell Forest Library Service as we look to develop our libraries into hubs for our communities.

You will join a team focused on delivering our core offers and a wide-ranging events programme, whilst looking for opportunities to expand and improve our services.

Your ‘home’ library will be Bracknell Library, however, you will work across all libraries in our Borough. You must be able to work flexibly and travel between branches. You will also be required to cover events such as school assemblies and Saturday workshops at libraries on an ad hoc basis.

As a rough guide, the hours of work will be approximately as follows:

Week 1

Monday 9.00 a.m. - 5.00 p.m.

Tuesday 9.00 a.m. - 5.00 p.m.

Wednesday 9.00 a.m. - 5.00 p.m.

Thursday 9.00 a.m. - 7.00 p.m.

Friday 9.00 a.m. - 7.00 p.m.

Week 2

Monday 9.00 a.m. - 5.00 p.m.

Tuesday 9.00 a.m. - 5.00 p.m.

Wednesday 9.00 a.m. - 5.00 p.m.

Thursday 9.00 a.m. - 7.00 p.m.

Friday 9.00 a.m. - 5.00 p.m.

Week 3

Monday 8.00 a.m. - 5.00 p.m.

Tuesday 9.00 a.m. - 5.00 p.m.

Wednesday non-working day

Thursday 9.00 a.m. - 7.00 p.m.

Friday 9.00 a.m. - 5.00 p.m.

Saturday 9.00 a.m. - 4.00 p.m.

Key responsibilities...

• To ensure that a varied programme of events for children, young people and their families takes place across the Borough, in line with the Library and Information Service’s strategic vision, and the council’s wider objectives.
• To lead on internal engagement and to be a key contact within the organisation with services, such as, education and learning to ensure a joined up organisational approach.
• Developing and promoting services to children and young people in all libraries and working in partnership with local schools to raise awareness and increase issues and visits.
• Seeking alternative sources of funding e.g., from the Arts Council, and preparing applications for funding.
• To represent the Library Service regionally at professional associations, such as ASCEL and the Youth Libraries Group.

Our benefits...

• 25 days* annual leave increasing to 28 days* after 3 years’ continuous service, with the opportunity to buy up to 10 and sell up to 5 days*.
• Hybrid working opportunities to support your wellbeing and work-life balance. NOT USED FOR CSC ROLES
• Local government pension scheme, with life insurance cover.
• Electric vehicle salary sacrifice scheme (subject to eligibility).
• Recognition of continuous service attained within the NHS and UKHSA when calculating some benefits. (Terms and Conditions apply)
• Career development through internal and external training opportunities.
• Enhanced maternity, paternity, adoption and fostering leave.
• Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) to support your health and wellbeing
• Inclusive and social working environment with a variety of staff networks and a sports and social club.

*(pro rata for part time)

Find out more about all our benefits or see the candidate pack.

Our values...

At Bracknell Forest Council our values define who we are and what is important to us. Our core values are inclusive, ambitious, and always learning. These values influence the way we work with each other and the way we serve our residents and engage with our communities. We make our values real by demonstrating them in how we behave every day. If you are excited about joining a diverse team that celebrates learning and strives for excellence, we would love to hear from you.

Reasonable adjustments...

We are committed to ensuring an inclusive recruitment process for all applicants. If you require any reasonable adjustments to support your application or interview, please let us know by contacting recruitment@bracknell-forest.gov.uk. We will work with you to support you throughout the process. Find out more about reasonable adjustments.

Interview date

Interviews will be held on Thursday 21 August

Interviews will be conducted in person, providing candidates with the chance to personally meet the team and experience our work environment. The interview process will include leading a children’s Storytime/singing session.

We will be reviewing applications regularly and reserve the right to close the advert early if suitable candidates are identified. To avoid disappointment, you are advised to submit your application as soon as possible.

Candidates need to apply completing the standard application form in full. Whilst CVs may be included with an application, the application form will be used to short list candidates.

Please note AI is prohibited during the interview, any candidate using AI will be withdrawn from consideration.

Want to ask us a question?

For an informal discussion or to ask any questions about this role, please contact:

Sharon Sandford, Library Services Operations Manager

Email: ls.management@bracknell-forest.gov.uk

Tel.: 07825208163

Bracknell Forest Council is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults. We expect everyone employed with us to share this commitment. All successful candidates for this role will be subject to a DBS (Disclosure & Barring Service) check as part of our pre-employment checks process.

We can only accept applications from candidates currently residing in the UK.

Candidates currently residing in the UK who require sponsorship to work are encouraged to assess their eligibility for a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) based on the relevant criteria. Please be aware that sponsorship availability varies and is subject to eligibility requirements and budget limitations. As a result, we cannot guarantee sponsorship for all roles and will evaluate sponsorship requests on a case-by-case basis.

No agencies please.