Community Library Service Officer

Part Time of 18 hours

In Hackney we’re incredibly proud of our Library Service. We have eight libraries across the borough as well as our Community Library Service which delivers books to those who cannot come to the library due to illness, caring responsibilities or disability. Our libraries form an important part of our social and cultural infrastructure across the borough; they are free to access and are trusted places offering a range of quality services that are used by thousands of residents every year.

We’ve just started on a new four-year-plan for our libraries which focuses on ensuring our libraries deliver a sustainable service that is fit for the modern digital world and accessible to all. The strategy includes plans to; Introduce partnerships with local organisations and national reading agencies to increase support for reading and lifelong adult learning.

Improve the provision of help and information for people seeking employment and training opportunities. Transform library spaces into local digital hubs with library staff trained in digital skills. Improve access to digital resources and study space for learners and young people with a view to piloting extended opening hours.

Establish libraries as welcoming community hubs and warm spaces to support residents by providing advice and information in a comfortable environment.Offer residents activities that promote good health and provide information to make informed choices about their wellbeing.Transform our libraries into cultural hubs, where children and adults can take part in creative workshops Offer more activities for older residents to volunteer, socialise and meet friends, to help tackle isolation and reduce loneliness.

Our libraries are at the centre of our communities and they’re great places to work. We’re looking for passionate people to join our management team, front line service, community library service and development team to help us deliver our new strategy. If you are interested in applying for new roles in the library service please enter your email and we will notify you when recruitment goes live.

Our award winning Community Library Service delivers a library service to customers in their homes and in hospitals, day centres, hospices and nurseries across the borough.

As a Community Library Service Officer you will work as part of a small team selecting, bundling and delivering books to elderly and disabled customers, carers and housebound residents who are permanently or temporarily unable to access the library.

Based in a library and out and about in the community, you will have great communication skills with colleagues and with a wide range of customers, including those who face barriers to communication. You will enjoy working as part of a team, have experience answering enquiries and using databases and you will have a full, clean driving licence.

If you would like to discuss the role further, please do not hesitate to contact Jana Bondoian: jana.bondoian@hackney.gov.uk

Hackney is one of the most dynamic and progressive local authorities in the UK. We are a resilient, vibrant, and creative borough in the heart of London, with strong, diverse communities and a powerful set of shared values.

But the work doesn’t stop there, we are proactive in our approach to bringing fairness to all aspects of life including gender, neurodiversity and across the poverty divide.

As a Council, our most outstanding asset is our staff, who are highly dedicated to serving our residents and committed to our goals as an organisation.

If you want to work in a place where you can represent our values so we achieve the best for our residents, please click on the apply button below.

We operate a fair and open anonymous selection process. Therefore, we do not accept supporting statements or CV’s.

To proceed with your application, you will need to create an account and submit your application.

As part of the application process, you will need to complete a number of competency based questions. These questions allow you to demonstrate your suitability for the role and provide examples of your skills, knowledge and experience outlined in the job description.

We understand the benefits of using AI in the workplace. However, if you are thinking of using this tool to submit your application, we ask you to think about what value it will add. AI tools tend to lack the personal touch and authenticity we value in candidates. We encourage you to showcase your unique knowledge and skills using your own voice.

Closing date for applications: 13 July 2025 22.59)

Interview and assessment date:W/C 28 July 2025

We are also working towards our vision, which is to be a place for everyone; where residents and staff can be proud; a place that celebrates diversity and where everyone can feel valued, included and involved. In order to achieve this, we look for people who are: Proud; Ambitious; Pioneering; Open; Proactive and Inclusive.

Hackney Council works to eradicate discrimination on the basis of race, religion, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, disability, pregnancy and maternity, age and marital status. We also recognise that people can be disadvantaged by their social and economic circumstances, so we will also work to eliminate discrimination and disadvantage caused by social class. We also welcome those interested in flexible working. We particularly welcome applications from disabled people, as this group is currently under represented in our workforce.

The Council has a dedicated employment support service (Hackney Works), which offers Hackney residents guidance in relation to applying for jobs. If you are thinking about applying for a job, please contact the Hackney Works team to find out what support is available: hackneyworks@hackney.gov.uk