Area Library Manager

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.

Our libraries are at the centre of our communities and they’re great places to work. We are recruiting to full-time permanent Area Library Manager to join our management team to help us deliver on our strategy.

As an Area Libraries Manager you will work with a Customer Service Manager to lead a team of Library Officers, Weekend Assistants and Relief Assistants to deliver a community-focussed library service. This is a strategic role and the successful post holder will be expected to work with colleagues to develop the service in line with corporate priorities and the Library Strategy.

The postholder will have a track record of managing a team, taking responsibility for buildings and a good grounding in H&S. They will have experience delivering excellent customer care, good IT knowledge, a keen interest in stock knowledge, event delivery experience and a strong focus on community. Being able to manage small projects will be a key part of the role.

The Library Service is split into three clusters, which comprise of either two or three branch libraries. You will be expected to be able to work across your cluster to lead and motivate the team. You will have direct line management responsibility for a Customer Service Manager and a team of Libraries Officers and be responsible for the overall management of the libraries in your cluster. The current vacancy is based at Dalston CLR James and Shoreditch Libraries.

If you wish to talk about the role in more detail, please contact the recruiting officer, Catherine De Abaitua via email [email protected] or call her on 07957 611725.

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.

This application process replaces a supporting statement.

Closing date for applications: 13 November, 2026 (22:59)

Interview date: 02 & 03 December , 2026

Please note; we reserve the right to close applications early if we receive a high number of applications.

We are also working towards our vision, which is to be a place for everyone; where residents and staff can be proud. In order to achieve this, we are seeking individuals who embody our “ PROUD” values: Purpose and Respec t, where we foster belonging through active inclusion, kindness, and open dialogue; Ownership, where we champion proactive collaboration and accountability for our shared success; and Unity and Diversity, where we work as one Council to break down silos and champion anti-racist behavior.

Hackney Council works to eradicate discrimination on the basis of age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, sex, and sexual orientation. 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: [email protected]