Libraries are for everyone. One of the challenges all libraries face is reaching every person in their community. Information professionals are often faced with the question, “how [can we] connect with our users, find ways to be present in their lives, and let them know what we can do for them?” (Stephans, p. 41). Libraries can leverage technology to reach as many people as possible. Information professionals must come up with ways to interact with users “across virtual and physical planes” (Stephans, p. 41). Social media is a method in which libraries use to engage with their users. TikTok is one of the major social media platforms libraries can utilize to reach users. Jensen’s article about #BookTok, mentions how “students who might otherwise not have set foot in their libraries” are showing interest in reading through #BookTok recommendations (2022). I was curious to see if any local libraries in my area use TikTok to reach their users. The Woodland Public Library uses TikTok to interact with their community.
They engage with their community through TikTok videos to spread information about services and events. They have a TikTok video featuring former President Barack Obama and their library cat Henrietta.
@woodlandpubliclibrary Henrietta and her friends encourage you to explore all of the things your local library has to offer! 📚 Thank you to President Obama and the Obama Foundation for partnering with us and supporting the freedom to read. 📚 #LetFreedomRead #FreedomToRead #SummerReading #woodlandpubliclibrary
The Woodland Public Library posts videos that fun, engaging and informative.
A couple of my favorites below:
@woodlandpubliclibrary Can you tell we are excited for October? We love spooky season at the library! #woodlandpubliclibrary #californialibraries #librariesoftiktok #publiclibraries #locallibrary #spookyseason #octobermood
@woodlandpubliclibrary Henrietta the library cat has our hearts #woodlandpubliclibrary #henriettathelibrarycat #californialibraries #librariesoftiktok #corazondemelon
In contrast, several libraries in Oregon are partnering with the Oregon Humanities on a project called “Dear Stranger” (Tillamook County Library, n.d.). Oregon Humanities is an organization dedicated to cultivating a sense of community for Oregon residents. Residents of Oregon can exchange letters with complete strangers. People can include photos, recipes, and their thoughts on what kind of place they want Oregon to be. Through this partnership Oregon libraries can reach users through the mail. There is something about exchanging handwritten letters that allows people to connect with each other.
As technology evolves, libraries must also evolve to continue helping their communities; however, it is the people who make up the community, that essence of humanity who make all the difference.
References:
Jensen, K. (2022, February 10). As Seen on BookTok: Inspiring Young Readers, TikTok is a Boon for Books. School Library Journal. https://www.slj.com/story/as-seen-on-booktok-inspiring-young-readers-tiktok-is-a-boon-for-books-libraries
Stephens, M. (2016). Reaching All Users. In The Heart of Librarianship: Attentive, Positive, and Purposeful Change (p. 41). University of Chicago Press.
Tillamook County Library. (n.d.). Dear Stranger letter campaign comes to the Tillamook County Library. https://www.tillabook.org/library/page/dear-stranger-letter-campaign-comes-tillamook-county-library
Woodland Public Library. [@woodlandpubliclibrary]. (2022, September 30). Can you tell we are excited for October? We love spooky season at the library! #woodlandpubliclibrary #californialibraries #librariesoftiktok #publiclibraries #locallibrary #spookyseason #octobermood [Video]. TikTok. https://www.tiktok.com/@woodlandpubliclibrary/video/7149256289850314027
Woodland Public Library. [@woodlandpubliclibrary]. (2023, July 19). Henrietta and her friends encourage you to explore all of the things your local library has to offer! Thank you to President Obama and the Obama Foundation for partnering with us and supporting the freedom to read. #LetFreedomRead #FreedomToRead #SummerReading #woodlandpubliclibrary [Video]. TikTok. https://www.tiktok.com/@woodlandpubliclibrary/video/7257514181908516142
Woodland Public Library. [@woodlandpubliclibrary]. (2024, July 12). Henrietta the library cat has our hearts #woodlandpubliclibrary #henriettathelibrarycat #californialibraries #librariesoftiktok #corazondemelon [Video]. TikTok. https://www.tiktok.com/@woodlandpubliclibrary/video/7390816860712914222
Lilia,
I actually have never had a TikTok before, but BookTok has made me interested and thank you for sharing that. I also love “Dear Stranger” library project and the idea behind it. Penpalling has always been a hobby of mine, and it’s a great way to share information and get to know others.
Hi Lilia,
I loved this post. I grew up visiting Woodland on a regular basis because I have family nearby, but I had no idea they had such a vibrant and active TikTok account. I really enjoy seeing different libraries foray into the world of social media to reach library users, and the connection you made between Dr. Stephen’s quote about connecting “across virtual and physical planes” was great! Thanks for sharing.
Have you seen the TikTok’s where Gen Z employees write up the script? Check out @KCKPL video of Linda performing the script. I think it is hilarious. Thanks for sharing all of the other TikTok’s too – although the one I mentioned above is funny, yours are informative and useful. I think that by using TikTok, libraries are tapping in to yet another demographic.
Hi Lilia,
TikTok is really blowing up. I have heard that kids are starting to use TikTok as search engines. But I do agree, libraries that use social media, and in my opinion, use social media correctly can really leverage their platform to create better engagement and interaction with their community. As great as physical books are, people have started to migrate to more technological ways of reading such as using e-readers. Being able to share on TikTok, specifically #BookTok that they can access #BookTok books on their own personal devices expands the usage of library materials.
@catladylilia The “Dear Stranger” program struck a chord. So interesting to have that sort of exchange. Thanks for all the cool TikTok examples too!
Hi Lilia,
I had never even thought to check out any library’s TikTok account, but the examples you shared were really interesting to see how it is being utilized. While I may not fall within the target audience for these TikToks, it’s encouraging to see that some public libraries are broadening their reach and skillset to connect with more patrons than they might have otherwise.
Also, thank you for sharing the “Dear Stranger” project, which is such a beautiful way to remind us that, even as technology advances, there’s something profoundly meaningful in human connection through more personal, tangible mediums like handwritten letters. To me, this beautiful example highlights the importance of people as the heart of the community, and how libraries can be the bridge that brings that humanity to the forefront.