Five Free Library Content Ideas You Can Post This Week!

Five simple ways to boost your library’s social media game

Written by Julia Giantomasi

Published on November 13, 2025

Running out of ideas for your library’s social media feed? You’re not alone!

Between programs, reference questions, and community outreach, it’s easy for marketing to fall to the bottom of the list, especially when there’s no budget or dedicated marketing team. The good news is that you don’t need fancy tools or paid ads to keep your followers engaged. You already have the best marketing resource there is: a strong community. Here are five free, easy content ideas you can post this week to connect with that community and show off everything your library has to offer.

1. Share a Staff Pick or Book Recommendation

Show the people behind your library! Snap a quick photo of a staff member holding their favorite book, or post a photo of the book cover artwork, and share a short caption about why they love it. If staff members are camera-shy, create a graphic relating to the book while still giving credit to the staff member who chose it. This kind of content reminds your audience that librarians are readers too, plus it helps patrons discover new titles through trusted recommendations. Plus, you don’t have to pick just one staff member or book; you could turn it into a series! Try “#StaffPickSpotlight,” “What We’re Reading Wednesdays,” or “Friday Reads.”

Example: Staff Pick Spotlight – Sharon Rawlins’ book picks (opens in Instagram)

2. Give a Behind-the-Scenes Peek

People love to see what happens beyond the stacks! Share a short video or photo carousel showing how you set up for story time, process new books, decorate for a holiday, or plan an upcoming event. This type of post builds connection and transparency. It allows patrons to see the care, creativity, and work that make your library come alive!

Post Idea:

🍂 Ever wonder what it takes to bring a library event to life? Check out this time-lapse of our team transforming the space for our Fall Festival! 🎃📚 From setup to smiles, we love creating events that bring our community together. 💛

3. Highlight an Online Resource

Many patrons don’t realize the full range of digital tools available through their library card. Use social media to shine a spotlight on your e-resources, whether it’s databases, eBooks, or learning platforms. Keep your caption short and focused on the benefit to your users, not just the name of the service. You can either share a photo of the resource or do a video tutorial on how to use it.

Example: Post demonstrating how to access an online resource (opens in Facebook)

4. Tap Into Local History for #TBT

Librarians are natural storytellers, and that includes stories of the communities they serve. Share a vintage photo from your town, a local collection, or an archive project, and pair it with a fun historical fact or question. Compare what a place used to look like to what it has become through the years with a “Then and Now” series. It’s a great way to celebrate places that have been part of your community for centuries, while also highlighting your library’s genealogy or historical collections.

Example: #TBT local history photo: 105–107 Market St then-and-now (opens in Instagram)

5. Ask a Fun Question or Create a Poll

Engagement doesn’t always have to be educational, sometimes it’s just about creating connections. Try asking a simple, bookish question or running a quick poll to encourage comments and conversation. These lighthearted posts remind followers that the library is a place where all are welcome, and everyone should feel comfortable being themselves.

Post Idea:

“If you could have coffee with any fictional character, who would it be? ☕📚 #LibraryPoll #BookChat”

Hopefully these ideas can help you get started, but the most important thing is to be authentic in the content that you share. Even small updates can make a big impact when they show your library’s personality, passion, and connection to the community.

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