If you’ve walked through our doors at the Mississippi County Library System (MCLS) in Blytheville, or any of our five smaller branches, (Wilson, Keiser, Manila, Leachville, Osceola) you may have noticed a trend—certain books are flying off the shelves faster than ever. Why? The answer might surprise you: TikTok, AI, and social media are changing the way we discover and read books.
BookTok: The Social Media Giant Behind Bestsellers
Social media, especially TikTok’s #BookTok community, has made books more popular than ever. Readers from around the world share emotional reactions, reviews, and recommendations that send books skyrocketing to bestseller lists—sometimes years after they were first published. Books like The Nightingale by Kristin Hannah or Where the Crawdads Sing have found new life thanks to viral videos.
At MCLS, we see the impact firsthand. Patrons of all ages are requesting Colleen Hoover’s contemporary romances, Taylor Jenkins Reid’s historical fiction, and gripping fantasy series like Fourth Wing by Rebecca Yarros—all of which have been trending on BookTok. If you’re looking for your next great read, you might need to scroll through TikTok—we probably have it waiting on our shelves! BookTok feels like a global virtual book club where readers can discuss books and connect with strangers who share their passion.
AI-Generated Books & Personalized Recommendations
Artificial intelligence (AI) such as ChatGPT is also shaking up the book world. AI can now generate book covers, help authors with writer’s block, and even write full-length novels. While some readers embrace AI-generated stories, many still prefer books written by human hands.
More excitingly, AI-powered recommendation systems are making it easier than ever to find books that match your taste. If you’ve ever used Goodreads or Amazon’s “Because You Liked…” feature, you’ve experienced this firsthand. But while AI is helpful, nothing beats the personalized touch of a librarian who knows your reading preferences.
Digital vs. Print: Are Libraries at Risk?
With so much digital content available, it’s fair to wonder: Are libraries in danger? The short answer—no! In fact, libraries are thriving by adapting to these new reading trends. Many readers still prefer the feel of a real book, and MCLS offers both print and digital options.
Want to try an eBook but don’t want to pay for Kindle Unlimited? Your library card gives you access to thousands of free digital books and audiobooks through Libby and Hoopla, offering a wide selection of titles to enjoy anytime. Prefer physical books? We’ve got those too!
What’s Trending Now?
Here are some of the most requested and trending books at MCLS right now:
• Iron Flame by Rebecca Yarros
• It Ends With Us by Colleen Hoover
• The Women by Kristin Hannah
• Remarkably Bright Creatures by Shelby Van Pelt
Come check them out before they disappear!
Your Library: The Best Place for Book Discoveries
AI and social media make discovering great books easier than ever, sparking imagination and connecting readers worldwide. At MCLS, we bring that excitement to life! Explore trending books, engage with fellow readers, and let technology guide you to your next favorite read. Stop by the library today and pick up a book that everyone’s talking about!
Stop by MCLS in Blytheville or any of our five branches to pick up a trending book and join the conversation today!
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