Lead Library Assistant

Job Introduction

We're recruiting a Lead Library Assistant to help our libraries remain welcoming, well-run places where people can discover reading, access information and connect with their community.

Our library service promotes literacy and the enjoyment of reading, while helping people access information that can enrich their lives.

As Lead Library Assistant, you'll provide excellent frontline support and help manage the library's day-to-day operation.

You'll support activities such as story times and reading promotions, and you'll help junior colleagues and volunteers deliver a high standard of customer care.

You may occasionally take responsibility for the building while working alone.

Site-Based role

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

Interviews for this role will be held on 12th November 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:

Main Responsibility

• Promote and celebrate reading, helping people develop literacy skills, enjoy books and access useful information.
• Provide friendly frontline support at library service points and help deliver promotional activities, including story times.
• Manage the library's day-to-day operation and occasionally take responsibility for the building as a lone worker.
• Support the training and supervision of junior colleagues and volunteers, maintaining high standards of service and customer care.
• Complete administrative tasks and regular banking procedures accurately and securely.
• Help maintain a healthy and safe environment for colleagues and customers.

The Ideal Candidate

• GCSEs in English and maths at grades A to C, or equivalent literacy and numeracy demonstrated through relevant experience.
• Confident using information and communications technology, including Microsoft Office, databases and specialist library applications.
• Able to supervise and train junior colleagues and volunteers in a supportive and respectful way.
• A clear and friendly communicator who enjoys helping people from a wide range of backgrounds.
• Flexible and willing to adapt when priorities change or the service needs support in another location.
• Committed to working in a dedicated, respectful and collaborative way while providing excellent customer care.

Full UK Driving Licence and access to a vehicle

To be successful in this role, you'll need a full UK driving licence and access to a vehicle. If we offer you the role, we'll ask you to provide evidence of your driving licence and vehicle insurance, including cover for business use. We're unable to confirm an appointment until these documents are received.

Safer Recruitment

Safer Recruitment applies to this role. This means that, before any appointment is confirmed, we'll carry out a range of pre-employment checks to help ensure the safety and wellbeing of children, young people and vulnerable adults. These checks may include identity verification, where candidates will be required to provide original identification documents, including a full birth certificate, employment history and reference checks, qualification checks and an Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check , (unless you are currently registered with the DBS Update Service). check where required.

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.
• 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 lease an electric or low-emission vehicle at a reduced cost through salary sacrifice, subject to National Minimum Wage and other eligibility requirements.
• 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

Roles are either 'site based' or 'home based'.

Site based roles are mainly based at the workplace, with the option to work from home for up to two days a week, depending on service needs.

Home based roles are mainly based at home, with the expectation of attending the workplace up to one day a week.

The working arrangement for each role is set by the manager, based on service requirements.

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.

Please note that this role is not eligible for visa sponsorship. Applicants must already have an independent and unrestricted right to work in the UK, without the need for employer sponsorship now or in the future.

Attached documents

• What makes us MKCC 2026.pdf...