Woodland Public Library recently partnered with the Obama Foundation to feature President Barack Obama on its TikTok feed to emphasize the importance of public libraries and everyone’s freedom to read. The TikTok video featuring President Obama was released on July 19, 2023 to Woodland Public Library’s social media outlets, @woodlandpubliclibrary on Facebook, Instagram, and, of course, TikTok.
“The Obama Foundation reached out to us wanting to support libraries throughout the country and asked us if we wanted to be involved, as they have enjoyed our prior TikTok content,” says Children’s Librarian Sara Vickers. “We were on board for a collaboration!” Teen Librarian Sara Day believes that “it’s truly an honor to be asked. Woodland Public Library is a special place and it’s amazing that we are getting recognized for it.”
Along with Woodland Public Library, the Kankakee Public Library (Illinois), Harris County Public Library (Texas), and Prince George’s County Memorial Library System (Maryland) will also post TikToks featuring President Obama. As far as the future of TikTok and the Woodland Public Library, Circulation Supervisor Sylvia Moreno hopes to “collaborate more with other libraries around the country and locally as well as with the Obama Foundation.”
When discussing the importance of libraries and addressing the hard work of librarians, President Obama says, “it’s not just about books. You also provide spaces where people can come together, share ideas, participate in community programs, and access essential civic and educational resources. Together, you help people become informed and active citizens, capable of making this country what they want it to be.”
Woodland Public Library started its TikTok account in 2020 and has amassed over 300,000 views. The account was created to advertise resources and programs available during the pandemic, and staff members have posted content ever since. “It was important to reach out on different platforms to reach a wider audience,” says Moreno. Woodland Public Library received national acclaim and recognition when the New York Times featured the account in an article showcasing how libraries utilize TikTok.
Woodland Public Library does much more than simply circulate books. The Library features a wide variety of resources and materials to check out, including California State Library Parks Passes, Explore Packs, Health Literacy Kits, as well as the opportunity to learn and create in the Square One Makerspace.
As part of its ongoing celebration of all Woodlanders’ freedom to read, Woodland Public Library will celebrate Banned Book Week throughout October. The American Library Association describes Banned Book Week as a week to celebrate the freedom to read and spotlight current and historical attempts to censor books in libraries and schools.
For more information about Woodland Public Library, visit cityofwoodland.org/library or contact library@cityofwoodland.org.