Library Development Worker

Help Ealing Law Centre develop the beautiful public library that it manages, where it is also based!

Ealing Council has decided to hand over a number of branch libraries to community-based organisations, so now Hanwell Community Library (HCL) is managed by the community. The intention is to have a library that is a thriving centre for literature and the arts, and a community hub where people can go when they need information and advice. The library is about to reopen its doors on 23 June, following the easing of pandemic restrictions.

The new role of Library Development Worker will involve recruiting, supporting and leading a team of Hanwell Community Library (HCL) volunteers. The post holder will work closely with the local community and partner organisations to ensure that HCL develops a range of activities and services, which fully use the potential of a fantastic Carnegie building, and which are rooted in the needs of local people.

The ideal candidate would be an exceptional person who could make this vision into a reality. They must have:

• An interest in reading and an enthusiasm for books

• A passionate commitment to the role of libraries in meeting local needs

• An ability to think creatively and solve problems

• Networking and communication skills to build strong working relationships with volunteers, partners, the wider community and potential funders

• An understanding of what it takes to develop effective community services

• Good organising abilities to manage their own time, and maintain a rota of volunteers to ensure that all the Library’s services are properly resourced

The successful candidate will join HCL at an exciting period will help shape it as well as developing their own skills and experience.

To apply, visit the library's website (https://hanwellcommunitylibrary.org.uk/vacancies/) or the Law Centre's website (https://ealinglawcentre.org.uk/vacancies/) for a job description and an application form to be downloaded or completed online.

Deadline for applications: 4pm on Monday, 5 July 2021. Applications not through the website can be emailed to operations@ealinglaw.org.uk or sent by post to Head of Operations at Ealing Law Centre, Hanwell Community Library , Cherington Road, London W7 3HL.

Applicants are invited to apply at the earliest opportunity.  Ealing Law Centre will close this call for applications if it receives a large number of applications or a suitable candidate applies.

The successful applicant will be working for Ealing Law Centre, which is responsible for delivering the Hanwell Community Library. ELC is a well-established local charity at the heart of Ealing’s advice community. It provides free, high quality legal advice and representation to Ealing residents. In 2018, it got an award for best non-profit legal aid provider in the country.