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Touching success story: Cologne antiquarian becomes bookfluencer posthumously!
Find out about Klaus Willbrand, the antiquarian from Cologne-Sülz, who posthumously reached a new audience as a bookfluencer.
Touching success story: Cologne antiquarian becomes bookfluencer posthumously!
A touching success story has unfolded in a small antiquarian bookstore in Cologne-Sülz, which is not exactly known for fame and success. Klaus Willbrand, a passionate antiquarian and book lover, has died at the age of 83. His life has been shaped by books and authors, and although times have not always been easy for his business, he has found a remarkable turnaround in the last year. As the South German newspaper reports, Willbrand became a bookfluencer on TikTok overnight.
The idea for his social media presence came when a former publishing editor who was around 50 years younger suggested that he make short videos about literature. This decision turned out to be the right one. His comments on renowned authors such as Virginia Woolf and Thomas Bernhard were well received and gave him an enormous reach. A video with the question “Which book should a young person have read” alone reached 750,000 views and made him known far beyond the borders of Cologne. The Deutschlandfunk culture points out that Willbrand may have previously considered closing his used bookstore - but thanks to his new online presence, he found unexpected success.
A posthumous journey of memory
Although Willbrand's life came to an abrupt end, his memories are not lost. A book will be published posthumously that captures the essential experiences and insights of a man who knew how to share his love of literature with a wide audience. At a time when the market is dominated by the 16 to 29 year old generation WDR reports, Willbrand's videos were able to build a bridge to a new readership.
Social media has established itself as a real source of inspiration for young readers. The German Book Trade Association found that this age group's spending on books has increased. This development is reflected, among other things, in the constant discussion about favorite books and reading tips on platforms like TikTok. Such trends not only have positive aspects, but also bring challenges. Publishers and authors are under increasing pressure to adapt to the expectations of a social media-influenced audience.
Willbrand was a living example of how a passionate approach to literature can open up new perspectives, even in difficult situations. His extraordinary career illustrates the potential of culture and community in the digital era. May his story inspire many to never lose sight of the value of books and stories.