Books and looks: gen Z is ‘rediscovering’ the public library

Henry Earls uses the beaux-arts backdrop of the New York Public Library for his TikTok thirst traps. Photograph: TikTok user @henry_grey_earls

Henry Earls dresses up to go to the library. He’ll plan outfits after searching “dark academic” on Pinterest, taking inspiration from the internet subculture obsessed with higher education and literature. He picks out cozy knitted sweaters and accessorizes with well-worn copies of classic books. Earls looks like an adjunct English professor – or an extra in Saltburn.

“I want to cultivate an aesthetic when I go to the library,” the 20 year-old Cooper Union art student said. “And, honestly, I dress up to see if someone will come up to me and say hi.”