Chef Nick Benninger, owner of Ft Sp rrow Group, prep res pl te for the Tween Foodies progr mt Kitchener Public Libr ry.
NICK BENNINGER: JESSICA REDIKER
WHEN THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC shuttered libraries across Canada, librarians had to find new ways to engage with – and stay connected to – their patrons and readers. While many libraries expanded their online content, hosted virtual book clubs, and offered curbside pickup, some intrepid librarians saw an opportunity to engage their audience by turning to social media and one of its fastest-growing platforms.
TikTok is currently on track to amass nearly one billion active users by the end of this year. The video-based social media platform allows users to upload short clips, typically under one minute, that can be sped up, slowed down, and enhanced with music and graphics. The platform has proven especially popular with Gen Z. Readers and book reviewers have migrated their love of books onto the platform, creating a community of book enthusiasts under the hashtag #BookTok.