Milwaukee Public Library nominated for a Peabody Award for its social media

Milwaukee Public Library has been nominated for a prestigious Peabody Award for its innovative use of TikTok and Instagram.

MPL is a nominee in the Peabody's immersive & interactive category for storytelling achievements through new media forms.

In announcing the nomination, the Peabody committee wrote that MPL "uses TikTok and Instagram to educate their community on what libraries offer and get young people excited about books at a time when book bans are increasing across the country. Using memes, trending music, and pop culture references, the library’s accounts highlight real library users, librarians, and library features in fresh and fun ways."

MPL's TikTok hits include popular children's book character Amelia Bedelia visiting the library, roller derby queens in helmets and knee protection tussling over banned books, and a "Stranger Things" themed intro to the library's extensive research resources.

MPL is one of eight nominees in the category. The winner will be announced May 9.

Established in 1940 by a committee of the National Association of Broadcasters, the Peabody Awards honor excellence in television, radio, and online media.

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This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Milwaukee Public Library nominated for a Peabody Award