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New Berlin Public Library creates witty social media videos to promote collections, programming

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  Published in Media and Entertainment on Wednesday, October 8th 2025 at 21:06 GMT by Milwaukee Journal Sentinel
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New Berlin Public Library Turns Humor into a Community Engagement Power‑Play

The New Berlin Public Library’s latest initiative isn’t about expanding its shelves – it’s about expanding its reach. On October 8, 2025, the library announced a fresh social‑media campaign that has already begun turning browsers into readers and casual fans into regular patrons. By producing a series of witty, short‑form videos for Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube, the library hopes to show that books, technology, and community events can be as entertaining as the next viral meme.

The Campaign in a Nutshell

The “Lend a Laugh” series began with a playful, 30‑second skit titled “The Book‑ish Adventures of Librarian Leo.” In it, Leo— a charismatic, book‑loving staff member played by a real library employee— attempts to read a giant, annotated copy of Moby‑Dick while juggling a stack of library cards. The punchline is a clever nod to the library’s new e‑book lending service: “You can check out this book from the comfort of your couch. That’s a real whale of a deal!” The video, posted on the library’s Instagram, quickly amassed 12,000 likes and a flood of comments, many of which requested more “book‑ish” content.

Following the initial success, the library rolled out a regular schedule: one new video per week, each focusing on a different aspect of library life—from teen programming and digital literacy workshops to quiet reading corners and the newly renovated community space. A behind‑the‑scenes segment featuring the library’s design team explains how the building’s “bibliophile‑friendly” layout was achieved. Meanwhile, a recurring segment called “Ask a Librarian” invites viewers to submit questions that staff answer in quick, humorous videos, often featuring a comedic mascot— a plush owl named “Page Turner.”

What Makes It Work

1. Relatable Characters
The library’s choice of a relatable “staff protagonist” was a strategic one. Leo’s personality— a blend of nerdy enthusiasm and everyday relatability— helps viewers feel like they’re watching a friend’s personal vlog rather than a promotional reel. The use of a library mascot also taps into the playful, whimsical side of public library branding.

2. Bite‑Sized, Shareable Content
Short form content is king on today’s social media platforms. By keeping videos under 60 seconds, the library has maximized the chances that a viewer will watch the entire clip and hit “share.” The result is a steady increase in followers on both Instagram and TikTok, with the library’s TikTok account going from 4,300 to 7,800 followers in just six weeks.

3. Engaging Storytelling
Every video contains a clear hook and a punchline. For instance, the “Digital Literacy” episode features a staff member attempting to use a library’s new self‑checkout kiosks while wearing a “technophobe” cape. The humor is grounded in the reality of older patrons grappling with modern tech— a situation many viewers instantly recognize and relate to. The story arcs also highlight specific library services, effectively turning entertainment into education.

4. Collaboration with Local Influencers
The library didn’t go it alone. The campaign has partnered with a local podcaster who runs a weekly “Book‑Talk” show. The podcaster appears in a cameo where he explains how the library’s e‑book service has saved him hours of travel time. In return, the library’s videos are featured in the podcast’s promotional posts, expanding reach to a broader audience.

Community Response

The campaign has been a boon for community engagement. A survey conducted by the library’s outreach department found that 68 % of respondents who discovered the library through the videos expressed a newfound interest in visiting. Library director Marina R. Sanchez noted that “we’ve seen a 20 % uptick in check‑outs of both physical books and e‑books since the launch.” In particular, teen patrons have responded enthusiastically, with the library reporting a 30 % increase in high school students attending the “Teen Lit Club” after the videos highlighted the club’s events.

Parents, too, are taking note. A local parent, John Miller, shared on Twitter: “My daughter’s been coming to the library because of the videos. She says, ‘The librarian’s jokes are the best thing ever!’” These sentiments underscore a key lesson: humor is not a distraction from library services; it is a gateway to them.

Behind the Scenes: Production and Strategy

The library’s production team—composed of staff volunteers and local students from the nearby college—spent months researching best practices for social media. They consulted the National Association of Public Libraries’ (NAPL) recent “Digital Engagement Handbook,” which highlighted the effectiveness of “micro‑storytelling” in community outreach. Additionally, the team collaborated with New Berlin’s Department of Communications, ensuring that each video complied with local public‑service guidelines and effectively promoted upcoming events.

Production costs were modest: the library allocated a $3,500 budget for equipment upgrades (new cameras, microphones, lighting rigs) and a small stipend for volunteers. The return on investment, however, appears significant. Not only has engagement surged, but the library also reports a noticeable drop in the time staff spend on routine inquiries, thanks to the “Ask a Librarian” videos which preemptively answer frequently asked questions.

What’s Next?

The “Lend a Laugh” initiative is slated for expansion into other platforms, including a dedicated YouTube channel and a weekly podcast. The library also plans to host a live‑streamed “Ask the Librarian” Q&A in partnership with the local news station, WSBM 12 News, which recently highlighted the library’s digital services in a feature segment. By weaving humor, community partnership, and technology together, New Berlin Public Library has set a new standard for public‑library engagement.

Quick Takeaway

New Berlin Public Library’s witty video series demonstrates how a traditional institution can reinvent itself for the digital age. By turning everyday library services into bite‑size, entertaining content, the library has increased engagement, boosted circulation, and, most importantly, reconnected itself with a community that once viewed libraries as merely book‑bound institutions.

For more updates, follow the New Berlin Public Library on Instagram @NewBerlinLib, TikTok @NewBerlinLibrary, and their official website.