Senior Library Assistant

Package Description

In addition to your salary, we offer a range of benefits including:

• Great holiday benefits - most roles include 28 days annual leave every year on top of public (bank) holidays, increasing to 32 days after five years. In addition, there is a holiday purchase scheme allowing staff to purchase up to 5 additional days of leave each year.
• Excellent pension – everyone who works for us can join the national Local Government Pension Scheme, widely regarded as one of the best available.
• A full range of family friendly policies including enhanced maternity, adoption and paternity support and a childcare subsidy.
• Access to an award-winning employee benefits programme that includes a health cash plan, a low-cost bike purchase scheme as well as high street discounts and money off entertainment and travel.
• Salary sacrifice car scheme - eligible employees can access low‑cost leasing of electric and low‑emission vehicles.
• Blue Light Card - employees working within social care can qualify for an additional range of discounts from national retailers and local businesses.

Why join us? Along with more on our Benefits, discover why Working at the City Council could be the right move for you here Working at the Council | Milton Keynes

Our roles are either designated ‘site based’ or ‘home based’. ‘Site based’ roles can include up to two days a week working from home whilst ‘home based’ roles are based at home four days a week. Of course, managers designate which category roles are in based on the needs of the service and the circumstances.

Job Introduction

We’re recruiting a Senior Library Assistant to play a key role in supporting our library service and helping local communities across Milton Keynes access welcoming, inclusive and well‑run libraries.

Our libraries sit at the heart of our communities. They’re places where people come to learn, connect and feel supported. As part of Milton Keynes City Council, we’re focused on making our city a better place to live by providing services that are accessible, responsive and rooted in local need.

In this role, you’ll help manage the day‑to‑day operation of a library, support and supervise colleagues and volunteers, and ensure customers receive a high‑quality, friendly service. You’ll also contribute to safe, well‑organised buildings and smooth administrative and financial processes.

This is a rewarding role for someone with library experience who enjoys working with people, leading by example and keeping services running effectively. The role is based within our library network in Milton Keynes.

Site-Based role

This is a Site-Based role, and you’ll be expected to work from the designated workplace.

You’ll work a two-week rolling pattern, offering a mix of full-day and extended shifts, along with some weekend working.Week one

• Monday: Off
• Tuesday: 8.30am – 6.00pm
• Wednesday: 8.30am – 6.00pm
• Thursday: 12.30pm – 8.00pm
• Friday: 8.30am – 6.00pm
• Saturday: Off

Week two

• Monday: Off
• Tuesday: 8.30am – 6.00pm
• Wednesday: 8.30am – 6.00pm
• Thursday: 8.30am – 6.00pm
• Friday: 8.30am – 6.00pm
• Saturday: 8.30am – 5.00pm

This working pattern includes regular daytime shifts, one late evening each week, and a Saturday shift every other week.

Interviews for this role will be held on 29th July 2026

At Milton Keynes City Council, we aim to make a difference every day. We’re dedicated, respectful and collaborative. We act as one council, and we work hard to create cleaner, safer and healthier communities while tackling inequalities and supporting people to thrive.

Find out more about working with us here: www.mkcounciljobs.org.uk

Role Responsibilities

• Promoting the library service and building positive relationships with customers and the wider community
• Supporting and supervising colleagues and volunteers, including recruitment, training and regular one‑to‑one meetings
• Managing day‑to‑day library operations when required, including responsibility for the building and health and safety
• Ensuring administrative and financial routines are followed, including regular banking procedures
• Maintaining accurate staff records and resolving routine pay and human resources matters
• Making sure there is sufficient paid and volunteer cover to keep libraries open during advertised hours

Ideal Candidate

• You’ll also need GCSEs in Maths and English at grades A to C, or equivalent experience that demonstrates strong literacy and numeracy skills.
• Has a good understanding of how libraries work and the needs of library customers
• Can manage and prioritise their own work and support others to do the same
• Communicates clearly and confidently with a wide range of people
• Has strong customer care skills and a calm, approachable manner
• Is comfortable using information technology systems, including Microsoft Office and library‑specific software
• Is flexible, adaptable and willing to support change and share knowledge with others

As part of the pre-employment checks, should you be offered the role, we’ll carry out a Basic Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check.

About The Organisation

Milton Keynes City Council is a large, modern and financially stable employer with around 2,500 people working across our eight areas. Together we provide local residents and businesses with a wide range of important round-the-clock services and aim to make our city a better place to live.

We work hard because of the demands placed on us, like protecting children from harm or preventing homelessness. However, working for the city is always rewarding and everyone has the opportunity to make a real difference.

We’re very proud of our diversity and are committed to having a workforce that reflects the community we serve. Whatever your background, you will be welcome here if you share our values of being dedicated, respectful and collaborative.

We offer great training and support and because of the size and scale of the organisation there are always new opportunities to explore when it’s time for a new role.

If you’d like to know more about how we do things and what matters to us, take a look at our short booklet What makes us Milton Keynes City Council, see attached.