Many adults are reluctant to browse collections (in branch or online) or have not visited the library due to the pandemic. Some find books and reading to be boring, while others find the library’s myriad collections overwhelming. We sought a way to engage our customers and demonstrate staff’s book-related expertise. By highlighting our collections through short videos on social media, we sought to better capture their attention and provide reading recommendations for personal and family learning in an innovative way.

The VRV team produces regularly released, professional, commercial-like videos to promote library collections while projecting a fresh, upbeat image. Collection highlights often tie in with current social topics and events while each video features staff as well as our various VPL branches and local community hotspots. Specific standards exist for the tone, pace, and length of the videos and the cross-departmental team collaborates on concept development, script writing, acting, filming and editing.

Our videos have been viewed over 18,000 times and received many positive comments on our social media platforms. The 52 titles highlighted in the 16 videos released to date in 2021 have accumulated a total of 1539 loans and 84 holds. While the videos certainly received more attention during the lockdown, they consistently get likes and a positive response from customer and staff alike. One highlighted author commented that our video is “truly one of the best and funniest things I've ever seen. I am amazed by it!”