Younger Texans don’t always think about a library as a destination for a good time. They might think of them as a quiet place to study or check out a book. But for Alexzandra Stroud, libraries have become something much bigger: community spaces filled with creativity, technology, learning, and connection.

We first heard about Alexzandra during a call with several library directors who had just obtained funding from the Library Infrastructure and Facility Improvement (LIFI) Grant from TSLAC for privacy booths in their libraries. Angela Jones, director of the Euless Public Library, was excited to mention that Alexzandra had just posted a video about the library on social media. We tracked her down and set up a meeting to learn more.

A nurse and young mother in the Dallas-Fort Worth area, Alexzandra has built a growing audience on social media by visiting libraries across Texas and documenting what makes each one special. What started as casual videos quickly turned into a passion project that is now introducing thousands of viewers to the modern library experience.

“I always liked fantasy books. That was my thing as a kid,” she said. “Libraries were such an important place for me because they gave me access to so many stories.”

Years later, becoming a parent brought her back. “Last year I started going to the library more often with my toddler who is two years old,” she said. “It became a great place for him too, to play and learn.”

Discovering Library’s Life Hacks

Alexzandra’s videos showcase a side of libraries many people may not realize exists. She highlights maker spaces, children’s programming, technology labs, and unexpected amenities that make libraries feel more like community hubs.

“When I visit a new library, I like to look at their makerspaces,” she said. “I went to one place that had a UV printer and multiple embroidery machines.”

She also pays close attention to children’s spaces and family programming, which resonate strongly with other parents online.

One of her more popular series showcases Texas libraries that offer free library cards and how easy it is to get them. Some followers have even messaged her to say her videos inspired them to sign up for library cards or visit branches they had never explored before.

“I get a lot of people DMing me saying, ‘I’ve gotten five library cards because of you,’” she said.

She also highlights unique offerings from libraries. Many libraries in the DFW area have partnerships with the Texas Fish and Wildlife Commission and will sign you up for a fishing license and even rent out fishing poles to patrons. Another library stood out for something simple but memorable and Alexzandra had to post about it. “Cedar Hill has a coffee shop,” she said. “I wish every library had a coffee shop.”

For Texans looking to learn a new skill, explore a hobby, or try emerging technology without spending a fortune, local libraries have become one of the state’s most underrated life hacks, and Alexzandra is happy to get the word out.

Reaching a New Audience

What makes Alexzandra’s content especially interesting is that she is not a librarian or library employee. She represents a younger generation discovering libraries organically and sharing that experience with peers online. “People my age and younger learn on social media about things,” she said. “This is a great way to bring awareness to libraries. Your taxes are paying for this, so go use it.”

Her audience, more than 7,000 followers and growing, has helped shape the project as well. Followers regularly suggest new libraries to visit, and one viewer even created a spreadsheet of branches across the region for her to explore.

As her content has expanded and grown, Alexzandra has also gained a deeper appreciation for the work libraries do behind the scenes. She was recently invited to attend a luncheon hosted by Dallas Friends of the Public Library with a keynote speech from non-fiction writer Eric Kleinberg on the importance of public spaces in today’s world. She also learned more about how library foundations and friends groups help sustain programs during times of budget pressure. “I didn’t even realize the friends groups have to fund a lot of things because of budget cuts,” she said.

For Texas libraries looking to reach younger audiences, creators like Alexzandra offer a reminder that libraries still capture people’s imagination when they are seen as places to gather, create, or discover something new. Whether someone visits for storytime, a makerspace, a fishing pole rental, or simply a good book, the modern library continues to evolve into a destination for lifelong learning and just a great place for vibing.