Open Book is looking for a part time Resources Assistant to support the provision of reading materials for use in Open Book groups. Our groups meet weekly, fortnightly and monthly to read stories and poems together and are always in need of new material to read! As Resources Assistant, you will help improve the quality and scale of the resources we provide by keeping the Open Book Library updated, producing new packs of materials and creating resources to help Lead Readers choose the right materials for their group. This role would be suitable for students or recent graduates looking to gain experience working with books, or in the third sector.
This is a part-time, fixed term role (6-month contract) of 8 hours per week between approx 1 October 2026 and 31 March 2027. We envisage these hours will be split over two 4-hour periods on different days of the week but are open to discussing this with the successful applicant. There is also some flexibility as to the days worked. This is an in-person, office-based role at the Open Book office (11 Tipperlinn Road, Edinburgh EH10 5ET).
This is a freelance position paid at £15ph on receipt of a monthly invoice addressed to Open Book. The successful applicant will be self-employed and responsible for their own tax and National Insurance contributions.
About Open Book
Since March 2013 Open Book (openbookreading.com) has run shared reading and creative writing sessions for adults. In our 2026/2027 year, we will deliver over 1,000 sessions – working with around 70 groups from Shetland to Stranraer, and in places like Aberdeen, Inverness, Dundee and in the Central Belt. We work in a number of sectors – libraries, health care settings, with the elderly, refugees and migrants, community groups, and in prisons, libraries and other public settings. Stories and poems are read aloud then discussed in a relaxed, informal setting, with about half of the groups adding creative writing.
Key Responsibilities:
You will support the Office Manager to maintain and update the Open Book Library, including:
- Helping to maintain and update the Open Book Library and resource archives
- Coordinating the production of reading material packs for Open Book groups
- Producing a bank of book reviews/trigger warnings etc. and useful guides to support Lead Readers in selecting materials for their groups
- Handling borrows and returns from the Open Book Library, including posting books out to groups
- Proofreading materials produced by Open Book
- Helping to improve Open Book’s provision of materials for members with access needs (including updating kindles and producing large print copies)
What we’re looking for:
- A love of reading, and particularly a love for reading diverse genres, styles and forms of writing
- Fantastic reading comprehension and written communication skills
- Strong organisational skills and ability to co-ordinate administrative tasks
- Ability to use initiative to see projects through to completion
- Ability to work as part of a small team
How to apply
If you would like to apply for this role, please send a CV and covering letter (no longer than a page), outlining why you are suited to the role to info@openbookreading.com. The deadline for receipt of applications is 12 noon on Monday 21 September. An online interview for selected candidates will take place shortly after this date.
We want to hear from you and prefer human mistakes to AI perfection! Please bear this in mind when putting your application together.
If you have any questions or would like to arrange a chat about the role, please get in touch with info@openbookreading.com.
Closing date
The closing date for applications is 12 noon, Monday 21 September 2026. Late applications will not be accepted.
Access Statement
Open Book is committed to equality, diversity, and inclusion. We actively encourage applicants from diverse backgrounds to apply, especially those who may be underrepresented within the workplace.
We are happy to discuss and put in place reasonable adjustments at all stages of the recruitment process and during employment. This may include adjustments to the application process, interview format or workplace environment.
If you have access requirements or would like to discuss adjustments, please contact us in confidence. We are committed to working collaboratively to ensure the role is accessible and welcoming.
Open Book has its registered office at 11 Tipperlinn Road Edinburgh EH10 5ET, and has charitable status, (SC 043827).