As Seen on BookTok: social media platforms are increasing engagement in public libraries

BLOOMINGTON, Ill. – The Bloomington Public Library is welcoming the increase in engagement and library presence thanks to the help of TikTok and other social media platforms.

The increase of engagement is coming from Booktok, a subsection of Tiktok where users plug the books they’re currently reading, and encouraging viewers to read the books they’re enjoying.

After a surge in 2023, BookTok is not just getting people to read, it’s increasing popularity at public libraries. The BookTok hashtag currently has 37.7 million posts and is responsible for many of the most requested titles at BPL.

Sarah J. Maas’ “A Court of Thorns and Roses” is one of the most talked about fantasy novels on BookTok. The book has had 161 circulations so far and is currently has 12 holds and is on the “Most Wanted” display at BPL that rotates weekly. 

Brittany Adams works as a Library Technical Assistant. One of her main roles is to serve as a driver for the library’s Bookmobile, , also known as the “library on wheels,” 

“Patrons will say a lot that they heard about a book on TikTok and that they’re looking for that book at the library and that they’re excited to read it.” Adams said.

Adams also shares that social media as a whole is contributing to the excitement surrounding the library. The BPL Bookmobile has a Facebook page as well as an Instagram account. Content creators find that reels on Instagram garner the most views for the library. 

The book-centered content on any social media platform is responsible for much of the collection picking process. In libraries, books that are popular on BookTok or social media in general will often have more copies on the shelves in comparison to other titles.

Emily Henry, who is known as a popular BookTok Rom-Com author released a new book in April called “Funny Story”. At BPL there are a total of 260 circulations this year,  and it is also on the “Most Wanted” display.  Only three of BPL’s 17 copies are available for checkout.

The platform has become a common ground for patrons and library workers, both interested in hearing what is being recommended by content creators and serves as a great conversation piece.

“Booktok also is great when you work at a library because you can see what other people like,” Adams said “One of the beauties of it is that I can watch my own personal TikTok by myself… but when I come to work, other patrons will mention it.”

BookTok is increasing in popularity by the day, the increase in engagement and attention to public libraries is boosting a service for communities.

The Bookmobile schedule is available online on Instagram, Facebook or the BPL website.