Throw away any outdated ideas you have about libraries being quiet and stuffy, because Cincinnati & Hamilton County Public Library’s TikTok game is anything but.
One of the library’s TikToks even went viral recently, with over 2.4 million views and nearly 485,000 likes at the time of this writing. The video starts with a TikTok from Diana Belitskay (@belitskaydi), who has a unique method of grocery shopping, kicking one leg up to the tallest shelf to retrieve a pack of paper towels with her high-heeled clad foot as she pushes the cart.
Cut to Groesbeck branch library customer adviser Kelwin Hester going for the same look as he gathers holds. Swapping a grocery cart for a book cart and the paper towels for a copy of Fairy Tale Land by Kate Davies, Hester nudges the book until it falls off the shelf and onto the cart and he throws his hands up in victory.
@cincylibrary No books were harmed in the making of this film. #CincyLibrary #CincinnatiLibrary #Library #Fyp #LibraryTiktok @belitskaydi ♬ original sound - Cincy Library
Through the rest of the TikTok, you watch as Hester charmingly and hilariously mimes all of Belitskay’s moves, including splits and a cartwheel. And while some may worry about potential damage to the books, the library assures viewers the books are fine, writing in the caption, "No books were harmed in the making of this film."
Some commenters were also worried about the well-being of Hester after the stunts, with user Hannah writing, "I'm glad no books were harmed, but how is the librarian doing??"
"Recovering at home with a good book," the library quipped.
All the attention even caught the eyes of Barnes & Noble's TikTok, with them simply commenting, "Bless."
Cincinnati & Hamilton County Public Library says their social media specialist, Paul Wellington, shot the video. Wellington says TikTok is a great way for the library to engage with the community, especially the younger generations.
“While many of our videos have a humorous element, a lot are educational and shine a light on our collection, services, resources, and events. We're grateful for the strong support from community members in Cincinnati and Hamilton County, but we’re also really excited that millions of people from all over are engaging with our TikToks!" Wellington told CityBeat via email.
And Hester is no stranger to the library’s social media spotlight. He’s often featured in their “Storytime at Home,” a Facebook video series where library employees read children’s books.
You can follow the Cincinnati & Hamilton County Public Library's on TikTok here. More information about the library: chpl.org.
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