‘LibraryTok’ is Building School-Age Nostalgia on the Internet
‘LibraryTok’ has become a viral sensation, with librarians like Miller and Heather Grace sharing their daily activities and nostalgic moments on TikTok. Miller, based in North Carolina, has over 450,000 followers and showcases the often-overlooked tasks of librarianship, such as cataloging and repairing books. Her charm and humor have encouraged many to pursue library science, obtain library cards, or donate to enhance school collections.
The platform allows librarians to engage with younger audiences, particularly those aged 18 to 34, who are active on TikTok. According to the American Library Association (ALA), 54% of Gen Z and Millennials visited a physical library in the past year.
Librarians on ‘LibraryTok’ aim to redefine the image of librarians by highlighting their welcoming and diverse collections. They emphasize the importance of libraries in fostering imagination and self-worth through books that serve as “windows and mirrors” for readers.