Are you looking for a role where you are not always sat behind a desk?
West Sussex Libraries are looking for a friendly, confident, and resourceful Library Assistant to join our high-performing team at Henfield Library. Our libraries are vibrant, inclusive spaces that serve a wide range of community needs. As a Library Assistant, you will be at the centre of this service, providing excellent customer support, helping visitors access resources, and ensuring the smooth day‑to‑day running of the library.
Salary: £25,583 to £25,989 per annum, £13,558 to £13,774 (pro rata for part time) and entitlement to Saturday Enhancement for working 4 hours 20 minutes, 1 in 2 Saturdays.
Contract Type: Permanent
Working Pattern: Part-time (19.61 hours per week)
Location: Henfield Library Off High Street, Henfield BN5 9HN
Interview Date: Tuesday 09 June 2026
Shifts
- Week 1
- Monday OFF
- Tuesday 1:15pm to 5:05pm
- Wednesday 09:40am to 5:05pm
- Thursday OFF
- Friday 1:00pm to 5:05pm
- Saturday 09:45am to 2:05pm
- Week 2
- Monday OFF
- Tuesday 1:15pm to 5:05pm
- Wednesday 09:40am to 5:05pm
- Thursday 09:55am to 5:00pm
- Friday 1:00pm to 5:05pm
- Saturday OFF
About the Job
We are looking for friendly, enthusiastic, and resourceful individuals who have exceptional digital skills and a genuine passion to make a difference to the local community.
It’s not just about the books! We are looking for someone who understands the power of community and the importance of fostering a love for reading in people of all ages.
Library Assistants welcome everyone with a positive attitude and a resilient approach to every request. Providing excellent customer service is central to our library service, creating dynamic and engaging environments. Flexibility, creativity, and initiative are essential qualities for success.
Responsibilities
- Being the dedicated go‑to person for customers at the library, passionately helping them with their questions and sincerely guiding them to other services.
- Undertake Lone working or single staffing often supported by a volunteer.
- Supporting the delivery of a wide range of reading events, including Rhyme Times and author talks.
- Using a variety of IT systems and services confidently and effectively including entering basic data into the library system, such as registering new members.
- Responding to enquiries from customers and colleagues, both in person and over the phone.
- Helping with reading recommendations.
- Creating new themes for book displays.
- Maintaining, presenting, and processing book stock.
The successful candidate will have the opportunity to lead engaging Rhyme Time sessions lasting 30 minutes. We are looking for a confident individual who will play a vital role in inspiring a love of music and language in children through nursery rhymes, songs, action rhymes, musical instruments, and puppets.
Required Qualifications and Skills
- 4 GCSEs with 9-4 / A-C passes including Maths and English, or equivalent qualification/experience.
- Experience working collaboratively within a team to complete shared tasks.
- Digital skills to effectively assist customers, including navigating emails and accessing the library website, app, and eLibrary.
- Strong communication and customer service skills to engage effectively with the public.
- Good interpersonal skills with the confidence to engage effectively with children, families, and customers of all ages.
- Capable of consistently meeting deadlines and adapting to the varied demands of each day, ensuring smooth and effective service.
- Skilled in taking initiative and applying sound judgment, while unwaveringly adhering to library practices and procedures.
Rewards and Benefits
From access to our Employee Assistance Programme to training and development opportunities, we aim to create a supportive and dynamic working environment where employees can achieve their full potential, maintain a healthy work‑life balance, and are rewarded for the work they do.
We think libraries are great places to work, where you can make a difference to local communities every day.
You will benefit from 25 days annual leave (pro rata for part time) rising to 28 days (pro rata for part time) after 5 years’ service, plus the opportunity to buy additional leave, an excellent local government pension scheme, and a range of discounts that give staff access to hundreds of offers.
Commitments to Equality, Diversity and Inclusion
We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults. This post is subject to the right to work within the UK, satisfactory references, and a health check.
Equity, inclusion and accessibility is very important to West Sussex County Council. We welcome and encourage applications from everyone, as this helps us build a diverse and talented workforce that reflects the communities we serve. Our approach to recruitment is flexible and supportive to enable all applicants to be at their best.
We operate a guaranteed interview scheme for applicants that have a disability, are a veteran or are a care leaver. More information can be found on our application help page.
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