The rise of the late-night library: How Gen Z is ditching clubs for bookshelves and talks from ‘BookTok’ influencers to ‘make reading cool again’

Does a night out with craft beer, small snacks, DJ sets and a good book sound like something for you?

No, you didn’t read that wrong, a page-turner was on that list. While older generations may view reading as a more introverted activity, it’s quickly becoming an essential part of a Gen-Z night out.

More and more young people are ditching traditional clubs and bars and instead heading to the local library to let off steam.

These new establishments are looking to capitalize on the revival of reading as a popular hobby, offering a selection of books as well as locally brewed beer, cocktails and live music.

The locations, which can be found in London, Manchester, Leeds and Glasgow, also host a number of book launches and workshops, with popular BookTok authors reading live from their work in a bookshop-café environment.

Young people have been seen enjoying books and drinks at a Book Club Scotland event in Glasgow

More and more young people are ditching traditional clubs and bars and instead heading to their local late night libraries to let off some steam (Photo: The Bookish Babe Book Club event)

The locations also host a number of book launch events and workshops, with popular BookTok authors giving readings and talks in a bookstore-bar environment.

One such venue is the Hyde Park Book Club in Leeds, where people can watch up-and-coming musicians and comedians while enjoying a read.

On the site’s social media pages, you can see visitors enjoying a book or vegan food surrounded by plants in the trendy, intimate space that serves as a bookstore, bar and home to an independent record label.

In Manchester, people are encouraged to ‘read books, listen to records and drink wine’ during P3 Annihilation Eve.

Online, the place is described as a “cultural shop and drinking den,” but in reality it’s a library combined with a record store. On weekends, there are DJs playing until midnight and a “reading meeting” where people can enjoy food while they read.

Meanwhile, fashion-conscious Londoners flock to Reference.Point to browse rare artworks and iconic magazines from the 1990s, while sipping cocktails and listening to DJs or readings from poets, authors and BookTok influencers.

All of these locations also regularly host book club nights, where reading enthusiasts can discuss their latest book with like-minded people and enjoy delicious food and drinks.

The growth in the number of night libraries and reading in general among young people is largely attributed to BookTok, a subcommunity on the TikTok app that focuses on books and literature.

Creators make videos reviewing, discussing, and joking about the books they read. The platform has over 32 million posts and has been viewed over 167 billion times.

All of these locations also host regular book club nights, where reading enthusiasts discuss their latest read with other people while enjoying some food and drinks.

The growth of night libraries and reading in general among young people is largely attributed to BookTok, a subcommunity on the TikTok app that focuses on books and literature

The popularity of a book on TikTok can now determine the number of sales it generates (Photo: An author speaks at the Bookish Babe Book Club event)

Hyde Park Book Club (pictured) in Leeds offers a place to check out emerging musicians and comedians, as well as browse for something to read

In Manchester, people are encouraged to ‘read books, listen to records and drink wine’ during P3 Annihilation Eve

Nowadays, the popularity of a book on TikTok can determine the number of sales the book generates.

Popular BookTok books often contain the ‘romance’ genre – a combination of romance and fantasy – such as books by Sarah J. Maas.

In July last year, Iron Flame by Rebecca Yarros became Waterstones’ fastest-selling pre-order title ever, after the first book in the series went viral on TikTok.

The owners of Notting Hill Bookshop in London said their sales have increased by “100 percent” since the pandemic hit, a move they attributed to social media.

With over 167 billion views on TikTok, reviews and recommendations from the global BookTok community have inspired Gen Z to swap their screens for a good, old-fashioned book.