Kaia Gerber’s Library Science: Igniting a Literary Renaissance Among Young Readers

Kaia Gerber’s Library Science: Igniting a Literary Renaissance Among Young Readers

The 23-year-old model and actress expands her influential online book club, championing diverse narratives and fostering a vibrant community around often-overlooked literary gems.

LOS ANGELES, CA – In an age dominated by fleeting digital trends, actress and model Kaia Gerber, at just 23 years old, is spearheading a compelling return to literature with her thriving online book club, “Library Science.” What began as a casual endeavor in 2020 with friend Alyssa Reeder, sharing reading recommendations online, has blossomed into a dynamic and influential community dedicated to kindling a passion for books among young people worldwide.

A Curatorial Approach Beyond Bestsellers

Library Science distinguishes itself through a thoughtful curation process, purposefully sidestepping typical bestseller lists to illuminate a broader literary landscape. “Library Science will continue to curate books that aren’t on the typical bestseller lists in order to better highlight new voices, writers to watch, overlooked or underrepresented stories — and for greater context, we will occasionally throw in a classic that might better inform contemporary work,” the platform’s website articulates. This commitment ensures a rich tapestry of narratives, providing readers with fresh perspectives and a deeper understanding of both contemporary and foundational works. The club has notably featured selections by celebrated figures like Laura Dern and Emily Ratajkowski, alongside emerging literary talents such as Kaveh Akbar and Gabriel Smith, showcasing a blend of established and rising voices.

Fostering a Global Literary Community

More than just a list of recommendations, Library Science actively cultivates an interactive literary hub. The club hosts insightful conversations with selected authors, offering members direct engagement with the creative minds behind the books. These enriching interviews are archived on Library Science’s YouTube channel, providing an invaluable resource for literary enthusiasts. Furthermore, the club leverages its Instagram presence to foster daily discussions, creating a vibrant online space where readers can connect, share insights, and delve deeper into the chosen texts. This multi-platform approach ensures accessibility and broad participation, truly embodying its ethos: “We’ll cover writers and books from all points of view to reinforce the truth that ALL books are for everyone … and that we often learn the most from the stories that aren’t our own.”

Library Science’s Illuminating 2025 Selections

• ‘The Post-Office Girl’ by Stefan Zweig:
  

  This timeless novel, famously cited by director Wes Anderson as a partial inspiration for his acclaimed film *The Grand Budapest Hotel*, offers a poignant exploration of identity and societal shifts. It follows Christine, a disillusioned post office worker whose life is dramatically transformed through an encounter with the enigmatic veteran Ferdinand. Published in 1927, Zweig’s work delves into the psychological toll of post-World War I societal changes in Austria.

• ‘Bonjour Tristesse’ by Françoise Sagan:
  

  A 1954 French classic deemed “required reading” by Library Science, this evocative novel introduces readers to the unforgettable 17-year-old narrator, Cécile. During a summer retreat with her widowed father, Cécile and her own lover conspire to sabotage her father’s blossoming relationship with her late mother’s best friend, setting in motion a tragic and unforgettable sequence of events. The book’s exploration of youthful rebellion and moral ambiguity remains as captivating today as it was seven decades ago.

• ‘Early Thirties’ by Josh Duboff:
  

  This highly anticipated debut novel resonated deeply with the club, perfect for enthusiasts of authors like Dolly Alderton and Gabrielle Zevin. It meticulously chronicles the evolving friendship between Victor and Zoey, whose once inseparable bond faces unprecedented challenges as they navigate the complexities of adulthood. Library Science lauded the book on Instagram, stating it “perfectly captures the anxiety of outgrowing someone you love,” a sentiment many young adults can keenly relate to.

• ‘The Wickedest’ by Caleb Femi:
  

  As the club’s inaugural selection of the year, Femi’s work is a bold and experimental dive into contemporary urban life. Presented as a poetic examination of London’s longest-running house party, the book ingeniously blends sonnets, text messages, photographs, and other mixed media to create an immersive narrative. Library Science provocatively suggests that this unique reading experience will make readers “feel drunk just reading it,” highlighting its raw energy and visceral impact.

Through Library Science, Kaia Gerber is not merely recommending books; she is actively cultivating a vibrant intellectual space, urging a new generation to engage with diverse stories and discover the profound impact of literature on understanding themselves and the world around them.