ToC

Be sure you use the proper cover letter format to make your cover letter readable and professional.

Copy-and-Paste Library Assistant Cover Letter Template (Text Format)

(Your Address)

(Today’s Date)

Contact Person’s Name
(Library Address)
(Company Address)

Dear Mr/Ms/Mx Surname,

I’m writing to apply for the Library Assistant position within the Collections team at (Library Name). With a strong commitment to supporting academic excellence and a versatile skill set, I’m eager to contribute to the delivery of high-quality library services.

In my previous role, I gained valuable experience managing library resources, coordinating interlibrary loans, and maintaining digital subscription services. I’ve developed a keen attention to detail and exceptional organisational skills, ensuring accurate cataloguing and seamless service delivery. My ability to work collaboratively in team settings, as well as independently, aligns with the dynamic and innovative ethos of Kingston University.

In addition, my solid ICT literacy and sound numeracy skills enable me to manage electronic systems effectively and provide clear communication with users and external partners. While my professional background includes working in academic and public library environments, I’m particularly drawn to this role’s opportunity to contribute to the operation of the University Archive and specialist collections.

I am inspired by [Library Name]’s inclusive approach and its commitment to empowering staff and students in a diverse and interconnected world. I’d welcome the opportunity to bring my expertise, creativity, and enthusiasm to your team.

Thank you for considering my application. I look forward to discussing how my skills and experience align with the goals of Library and Learning Services.

Yours sincerely,

(Your Name)

How to write a cover letter for a library assistant job

Before you begin writing, make sure you know how to write a cover letter in a way that makes you seem like the best candidate for the job.

Your cover letter should show what makes you unique, whether it’s your strong organisational skills, your experience helping different patrons, or your knowledge of library systems.

It’s an opportunity to connect your love for libraries with your practical skills, showing how you can make a difference in this position. Employers want to see what you’ve done and how your contributions align with their mission to serve the community.

1. Start with a strong opening

A compelling cover letter opening sets the tone for your entire application, making it easier for busy hiring managers to notice yours.

So if you can, avoid the generic ‘I am writing to apply for the Library Assistant role.’

Instead, capture interest by giving a specific reason for wanting to apply or highlighting relevant skills right off the bat:

As someone who has always valued libraries as essential community spaces, I am eager to bring my organisational skills and customer service experience to [Library Name] as a Library Assistant.

This example demonstrates enthusiasm and ties the applicant’s motivation to the library’s role in the community. It’s a powerful way to start a job application in a sector where passion matters, sometimes even outweighing technical experience.

2. Highlight relevant skills

Include key skills like organisation, resource management, IT proficiency, and teamwork to grab the hiring librarian’s attention.

In my previous role, I gained valuable experience managing library resources, coordinating interlibrary loans, and maintaining digital subscription services.

This example demonstrates a good grasp of tasks relevant to a library assistant role. When you highlight relevant skills in your cover letter, you give the employer a reference point for reviewing your CV, ensuring that they don’t miss any key details.

This approach is particularly effective if you’re writing a career change cover letter as it allows you to clearly relate your transferable skills to the job.

3. Show your passion for libraries

Your cover letter should express genuine enthusiasm for what libraries represent. Your passion can come from personal or professional experience:

Libraries have always been a source of inspiration for me, providing access to knowledge and a sense of community. I am particularly drawn to the opportunity to support initiatives like [specific library programme] that promote literacy and lifelong learning.

Sharing a meaningful connection with your target library can make your application memorable and show that you have similar goals and values.

4. Tailor your examples to the job

Tailoring your cover letter shows you’re genuinely interested in the specific job. Taking the time to align your examples with the employer’s needs instantly makes your application more engaging and credible.

In my previous role, I assisted customers in navigating online systems, troubleshooting basic technical issues, and providing guidance on digital platforms. I am confident this experience will enable me to support patrons in accessing the library’s digital catalogues and online resources.

This example uses the job description as your guide, addressing the qualities and experiences the employer values most.

Build My Cover Letter Now

Build a standout cover letter in just a few clicks using our cover letter builder.

Samuel Johns
Written by

Samuel Johns

Samuel Johns is a Certified Professional Resume Writer (CPRW) and senior career counsellor on the CV Genius team, with almost 5 years of experience in the career space. He has helped countless job hunters craft high-quality CVs and cover letters, exceed expectations at interviews, and obtain their dream jobs. Born and raised in County Durham in the beautiful North East of England, he graduated with a BA (Hons) in French Language and Literature from the University of Bristol in 2013 and has worked in Newcastle-upon-Tyne, London, Paris, and Taipei as a French–English translator. He’s determined to use his native English and fluent French skills to help UK and French candidates get the jobs they deserve. In addition to the British and French versions of CV Genius, Samuel’s job-hunt advice has been published on numerous websites, including Careers.org, the University of Warwick, the Enterprisers Project, and HR.com. If you’d like to collaborate, please reach out to Samuel through LinkedIn. Please note, we don’t accept guest posts and won’t reply to such requests.