Location
London Borough of Newham

Hours
30 hours per week

Salary
£30,408 - £30,843 pro rata

About the Role
Newham Libraries is an ambitious library service that plays a pivotal role in improving the quality of life of our residents. Prior to the pandemic, the number of visits to libraries and books borrowed were increasing year on year and are now bouncing back again. The service is well placed within the Council and works closely with Public Health and other services. Key priorities include ensuring our book stock is representative of and relevant to our communities; encouraging Reading for Pleasure for all; developing our Digital Lending offer; building on our innovative approach to the Summer Reading Challenge; enhancing our Under 5s offer; and delivering a high quality library experience. There are 10 libraries across the borough delivering extensive opening hours and a large number of events and activities.

Library Assistants have an essential role in delivering this ambition. Responsibilities include assisting customers with transactions; shelving books and creating book displays; providing digital assistance and basic digital skills sessions; information provision and sign-posting; running or supporting events and activities including Under 5s storytimes; and promoting books and reading. Occasionally, Library and Senior Library Assistants may support outreach activities or resident forums. Senior Library Assistants, as duty managers, may be required to open and close buildings; take bookings and payments; oversee staff activity; and carry out cashing up and banking functions.

The successful candidate will have excellent customer care skills and experience, enjoy helping people, and be genuinely passionate about the role of libraries in providing a range of opportunities for residents.

About Us
The London Borough of Newham is located only 5 miles east of London and is well connected by bus, tube, DLR, and soon Crossrail, with stations at Custom House and Stratford providing easy access to central London. London City Airport is nearby at Royal Albert Dock. Newham has the youngest overall population in the country and was one of the six host boroughs for the 2012 Summer Olympics, containing most of the Olympic Park including the London Stadium. The borough has a thriving arts quarter with venues such as Theatre Royal Stratford East and Stratford Circus Arts Centre. It is home to the University of East London with two campuses and the large Westfield shopping centre in Stratford. Newham also has a large housing regeneration programme building over 1,000 new council homes by 2022.

Experience
Libraries or similar customer-focused experience is essential. Experience of running activities and providing digital assistance is desirable.

About you
You will have excellent customer care skills, enjoy helping people, and be passionate about libraries and reading. You should enjoy STEM and digital engagement, have a good level of literacy, numeracy, and IT skills, and enjoy working with the public.

Qualifications
No specific qualifications are stated as mandatory; however, a positive attitude and enthusiasm for the role are essential.