CURRENT POSITION Social Media Librarian, Los Angeles Public Library, Central Library DEGREE MLIS, California State University–San José, 2010 FOLLOW Twitter, Instagram, Facebook: @LAPublicLibrary Photo courtesy of Keith Kesler

Social Media Superstar

If you missed the viral video by teen punk Asian American–Latine band The Linda Lindas, streamed during the pandemic from a branch of the Los Angeles Public Library (LAPL), you can’t blame Keith Kesler. The social media librarian for LAPL, Kesler boosted the signal of one song, “Racist Sexist Boy,” which has now reached over 10 million people across the library’s channels via YouTube.

Kesler has placed his stamp on the library’s social media presence, growing followers across all major social media platforms, including Instagram. LAPL had 15,000 followers on Instagram prior to Kesler’s arrival six years ago; it now has more than 103,000. “Keith’s content is always good-natured and appropriate, but he sprinkles in a bit of gentle snarkiness that appeals to followers far and wide,” says nominator Lauren Skinner, LAPL director of public relations and marketing. His work has been noticed throughout the city. He now gives presentations on social-media outreach to other LA city departments—including a Mayor’s Cabinet Meeting for all general managers and senior staff—as well as local institutions such as UCLA. “He is always generous in sharing his time and insight to help others develop and enhance their own social-media accounts,” says Skinner.

Kesler recalls his first post, where he created a book list for fans of the television show Breaking Bad. It gained attention from major news outlets, including the LA Times. “That moment showed me the power of social media to reach a wider audience by tapping into popular trends while linking back to the library,” he says. “The part that drives me is trying to tell all the hidden stories of the library and how we continue to serve and work with the community.”