Newmarket Library and Information Advisor

Job Description

• Suffolk County Council
• Address: Newmarket Library, Newmarket, Suffolk CB8 8EQ, on-site working
• Salary: £25,185 per annum (pro rata)
• Hours: 27.75 hours on average over 2 weeks, see below for work pattern
• Contract: Permanent

At Suffolk County Council we’re passionate about improving the future for our customers, our communities and the environment. 

If you are too, join us as a Library and Information Advisor and make a huge and meaningful impact. 

Your innovation and drive will help us to continue improving and evolving. Our opportunities and support will enable you to make a difference and leave a positive, lasting legacy.

Reimagine the possibilities.

Your role and responsibilities

As a Library and Information Advisor, you’ll be at the heart of your local community, helping people of all ages access the services, support and inspiration that libraries offer.

On a typical day, you might:

• Deliver excellent customer service to a wide range of visitors, including children, families and older adults.
• Support customers with using library services, from borrowing books to navigating digital resources.
• Run and support activities such as children’s story time, crafts, and community events.
• Help customers with IT queries, including using mobile devices, email, and social media.
• Work closely with volunteers and community groups to raise the library’s profile and deliver outreach services.
• Carry out core library tasks such as shelving, stock management, taking payments, and creating displays.

This is a physically active role that involves bending and lifting.

Your working pattern will be:

Week 1: Wednesday 8.45am–5.00pm, Thursday 8.15am-5.00pm, Friday 9.30am-4.00pm, Sunday 9.45am–4.00 pm = 26.75 hours.

Week 2: Tuesday 9.00am–6.00 pm, Wednesday 8.45am–5.00pm, Thursday 8.15am–5.00pm, Sunday 9.45am– 4.00pm = 28.75 hours.

You will need

We’re looking for someone who:

• Can deliver great customer service to people of all ages.
• Communicates effectively and builds positive, supportive relationships with customers, colleagues, and the wider community.
• Is confident engaging with young people and enthusiastic about delivering activities like children’s crafts and story sessions.
• Is IT literate and comfortable using the internet, social media, email, mobile devices and apps—and can guide others in using them too.
• Works well as part of a team and is happy to support colleagues.
• Is willing to learn and carry out the full range of library procedures, including shelving, lending, self-service support, taking payments, stock work, displays, and rearranging the library space when needed.

If you’ve worked in a customer-facing role, enjoy helping people, and have experience working with children, we’d love to hear from you. An interest in books and computers is a big plus.

You can view a full list of requirements in the Job and Person Profile, please see the how to apply section below. If you believe you can succeed in this role, apply. Even if you don't meet all requirements, still apply. We would appreciate the opportunity to consider your application.

The team

You’ll be joining a friendly, supportive team that’s passionate about making the library a welcoming and inclusive space for everyone. We work closely with volunteers, community groups, and schools to deliver a wide range of services and events. Our team values collaboration, creativity, and a shared commitment to helping people thrive.

Empowering Everyone

We’re big believers in potential, possibility and the power of different ideas. We’re always searching for ways to encourage, respect and enable everyone to be the best they can be. We want to represent the diverse communities we serve. We welcome applications from all individuals, especially those from groups that are currently underrepresented in the organisation, as shown in our Workforce Equality Report.

For more information

Please contact Chris Howard for a casual conversation. You can reach them by emailing [email removed]

How to apply

Step 1 - Read the Job and Person Profile (Word).

Step 2 - Click ‘Apply Now’ to start your online application.

Step 3 - Upload a supporting statement answering the following questions below (no more than 400 words per question). You should use the Supporting Statement template (Word).

1. Can you describe a time when you went above and beyond to help a customer? What was the situation and what was the outcome?
2. Tell us about a time you had to explain something complex to someone unfamiliar with the topic. How did you ensure they understood?
3. Give an example of an activity or event you’ve run or supported for children. What did you do to keep them engaged?
4. Can you share an experience where you had to deal with a difficult customer or situation? How did you maintain professionalism and resolve the issue?

Step 4 - Upload a CV (without name and personal details).

Please note: Without a supporting statement and CV, your interest will not be progressed. Any supporting documents must be in either PDF or MS Word format.

For guidance on completing your application, please see our How to Apply page.

Planning to use Artificial Intelligence (AI)? Please ensure your application still reflects your own skills, experience and ideas. If used inappropriately, your application may not be processed. Please read our guidance for using AI to understand what’s acceptable.

Do you need any reasonable adjustments to help you to apply? If you are disabled and/or have additional support needs, you can request reasonable adjustments. You can do this by contacting our Recruitment Team by either emailing [email removed]or calling [phone removed].  You can find examples of possible adjustments on our Reasonable Adjustment pages.

Closing date: 11.30 pm, 24 September 2026.

Interview date: 15 October 2026.

Promoted as SPJ (Standard Plus Job) on Suffolk Jobs Direct.

This authority is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service) checks or police vetting will be required for relevant posts. #LI-Onsite

About us

As a modern and effective council,