To apply for this job even though I don't meet the essential criteria?

[hippoherostandinghere]

I currently work as a HCA in a hospital ward, I am seriously demotivated. I need something new. I have good A Levels and GCSEs, A's in all but 2 subjects.

I have seen a job in my local high school as a library assistant, this is just what I've been looking for. Perfect hours, close to home and I love library's and books. Only problem is you need library experience . Should I just go for it anyway or is it a pointless waste of time if I don't meet the criteria?

Just don't go on about how much you love books and reading because library work is much more than that and you won't be sitting there reading books all day.

On the application form (and also in your covering letter) make sure that you use the correct spelling, grammar and punctuation, and that there are no mistakes whatsoever...

Apply, but don't be surprised if you don't get shortlisted. Library experience is pretty specific, speaking as someone as does recruitment for a company that has a library... that might be why they are readvertising.
Sorry to be negative - but good luck and I would be very happy to be proved wrong