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Sault Librarians Fight to Join BookTok Despite TikTok Ban
Passionate librarians in Sault Ste. Marie aim to connect with young readers, but a city-wide prohibition on the popular social media platform stands in their way.
Apr. 12, 2026 at 4:00am
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Sault librarians aim to harness the power of BookTok to connect with young readers, despite a city-wide ban on the TikTok platform.Sault Ste. Marie TodayLibrarians in Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan are eager to leverage the power of BookTok, a vibrant community of book lovers on TikTok, to engage with younger readers. However, the city's ban on the TikTok app has left the library's leadership in a bind, as they must navigate concerns over data privacy and Chinese ownership while still promoting intellectual freedom and literacy.
Why it matters
BookTok has become a game-changer for the literary world, sparking a surge in reading interest among younger generations. Libraries see this as a crucial opportunity to connect with their communities, but the city's TikTok ban poses a significant obstacle to their digital outreach efforts.
The details
The Sault Ste. Marie Public Library, an independent entity with its own governance, is hindered by the city's computer system restrictions. TikTok, with its massive user base, has become a powerful tool for libraries to promote reading, especially among teenagers and young women. However, the city council's decision to ban the app has left the library's leadership, led by CEO Matthew MacDonald, in a difficult position.
- The city of Sault Ste. Marie implemented a ban on the TikTok app in 2025.
- In 2026, a federal court decision allowed TikTok to continue operating in Canada, potentially opening the door for the library to revisit the issue.
The players
Sault Ste. Marie Public Library
An independent public library system in Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan that is governed separately from the city's administration.
Matthew MacDonald
The CEO of the Sault Ste. Marie Public Library, who is advocating for a solution that respects privacy concerns while allowing the library to connect with younger readers on TikTok.
Sault Ste. Marie City Council
The governing body that implemented the city-wide ban on the TikTok app, citing concerns over data privacy and Chinese ownership of the platform.
What they’re saying
“We believe in the power of intellectual freedom and the right to promote literacy, but we must also navigate the complex world of data protection.”
— Matthew MacDonald, CEO, Sault Ste. Marie Public Library
What’s next
The library board is now faced with the decision of either convincing the city to lift the TikTok ban or finding a creative workaround that respects privacy concerns while still allowing them to connect with readers on the platform.
The takeaway
This story highlights the delicate balance between innovation and responsibility that libraries must navigate in the digital age. As technology continues to evolve, public institutions like libraries must find ways to embrace new tools for engaging their communities while also addressing legitimate concerns over data privacy and security.
