Library Assistant

South Gloucestershire libraries are vibrant, welcoming spaces at the heart of their communities, offering activities and events for adults and children, books in a range of formats, and free access to digital services and the internet.

As a Library Assistant, you will play an important role in supporting customers to make the most of these services. You will provide information and assistance, help customers access library facilities and IT resources, promote reading and learning, and contribute to the delivery of activities and events that encourage community engagement and wellbeing. Through excellent customer service and a friendly approach, you will help create an inclusive and welcoming environment for people of all ages.

• It will be your responsibility to provide library services to the community, assisting customers with enquiries and requests by accessing information through a range of resources.
• Using the library management system and self-service equipment, you will help customers use IT and information resources.
• You will keep a welcoming and well-presented library environment, maintained through the sorting and shelving of books and materials, the preparation of new stock, and the creation of displays and promotions.
• Contributing to a varied programme of activities and outreach events for all ages, you will coordinate rhyme and story times, craft sessions, reading groups, author events and school visits.
• A key aspect of your role will be undertaking the physical aspects of the job, including shelving and counter duties, lifting and carrying books and materials, and unpacking and packing delivery crates.
• You will handle cash payments and other library transactions, ensuring they're processed accurately and a high standard of customer service is maintained at all times.

• It is essential that you hold 3 GCSEs at grade 4/C or above, including English and maths, or hold an equivalent qualification.
• You will have strong customer service experience, particularly when working with children, older people and people with disabilities.
• We are looking for someone who has a good understanding of equal opportunities in service deliver, alongside the ability to work effectively with people of all ages and backgrounds.
• You must be able to communicate clearly and professionally with customers and colleagues, adapting your approach to meet a range of needs.
• To support the delivery of library services, you will need to have experience of using ICT equipment, software applications and the internet.

• You will work on a rolling 2 week rota across Bradley Stoke and Filton.
  • Week 1: Wednesday (Filton): 10am - 4:30pm, Thursday (Bradley Stoke): 10am - 4pm and Saturday (Filton): 9.45am - 1pm.
  • Week 2: Wednesday (Filton): 10am - 4:30pm, Thursday (Bradley Stoke): 10am - 4pm and Saturday (Bradley Stoke): 9:30am - 12:30pm.
• Salary will be pro-rated to hours worked.
• You will belong to a team delivering the services from your specific library, although you will be expected to work in other libraries as and when required.

Interviews will be held on 30th November and 1st December 2026.

• As part of our benefits package, you will receive generous annual leave (pro rata), employee wellbeing support and you will have access to a range of staff discounts, including eye tests, travel, shopping and leisure activities.
• We recognise that our diverse team of skilled and dedicated people make us a great place to work. We welcome applications from everyone and ensure that individuals are selected, promoted and developed on the basis of their merits and abilities.  
• We know our team work best when they have balance in their lives, and we offer genuine flexibility to help them achieve that work/life balance.
• We value our staff as individuals, investing in their careers and we are recognised for the quality, breadth and depth of our training and development offer, which helps make the greatest long-term difference in work.

Our teams at South Gloucestershire Council are making a real difference to the lives of people who live, work and learn here.  

• We're building and shaping communities which people are proud of. 
• We're planning for the future; building and improving the roads, railways, schools, green spaces, and houses. 
• We’re providing essential services across our communities to ensure they are safe and well maintained.  

We've achieved a great deal, but we need talented and dedicated people to ensure we continue to make a difference.  
We’re making a difference, be part of it!   
To view the full job description, please click this link: Library Assistant - Job Description