Library Page Cover Letter

A library page is responsible for the general upkeep of the library, clerical duties, sorting and shelving books, and helping library patrons locate materials.

Here are some tips for how to write a library page cover letter:

Highlight library page skills

Because your main tasks as a library page revolve around performing administrative tasks and collaborating with library staff and patrons, several hard and soft skills are essential to this entry-level role.

Here are some soft skills you should include on your cover letter:

• Organizational skills
• Active listening
• Reading comprehension
• Multitasking
• People skills 
• Attention to detail
• Prioritization
• Critical thinking
• Communication skills
• Interpersonal skills
• Customer service skills
• Teamwork
• Coordination

Additionally, here’s a list of hard skills and related software for a library page:

• Administrative assistant skills: Managing files and records and handling clerical procedures, transcription, and terminology
• Google Drive and Microsoft Office (Google Docs, Word, and Excel)
• Data entry: categorizing, verifying, and transcribing written and electronic information
• Knowledge of library software: cataloging software, ResourceMate Plus, Online Computer Library Center (OCLC), and automated circulation systems
• Information retrieval process, query software, and database user interfaces

Link your skills to your past achievements  to give employers a better sense of what you can contribute to their facility. Adding numbers helps them understand how much you achieved.

For instance, you can talk about how you organized 12 information sessions on research methods each year for incoming students.

Open with a strong introduction

Leading with a strong introduction helps you differentiate yourself from candidates with similar qualifications.

If you’re unsure how to start your cover letter, research the library you’re applying at to understand its long-term goals. Recent headlines may also be valuable for starting your cover letter in an attention-grabbing way. For instance, if you pinpoint any challenges the library is facing, talk about how you can help it address them.

Here are some ways to write a strong introduction:

• Convey enthusiasm for the role or library
• Lead with an impressive accomplishment that emphasizes your relevant skills
• Use numbers to back up your achievements. For example, “I trained 15+ coworkers on using computer software to catalog library items.”

Show your passion for being a library page

Employers love working with people who are genuinely happy to be there. The best library page cover letters convey enthusiasm to show employers that you have not only the skills but also the passion excel as a library page.

Here are some ways you can show your passion for working in a library on your cover letter:

• Explain why you’re interested in the role, instead of just saying you’re interested (perhaps you’re a voracious reader).
• Make your statements more impactful by using the active voice and action verbs to highlight what can do.
• Use a storytelling approach to connect a personal passion to the job. For instance, you can talk about how you have fond memories of visiting the public library every weekend with your parents during your childhood.