The Library of Prince William County is viral with gene z-inspired video

Prince William County, va. – A short video created by a team at Prince William County Public Library System has conquered the Internet in the storm. He collected more than 2.7 million views on social media platforms and attracted the attention of the viewers from California.

At the center of the viral sensation is Gregg Grunow, the industry manager at Bull Run Regional Library, which appears in a 12-line comedy that was completely written in gen z slang. The unexpected popularity of the video has controlled both Grunow and the library system into the spotlight of social media.

“It also surprised me. I have never had a video online before,” said Grunow during an interview in the Podomac Local News Podcast. “It is very surprising … limp to use an older term.”

The video made his debut in the week of April 8th and has since been widespread on Facebook, Instagram, Threads, X (formerly Twitter), YouTube and even Reddit, where it appeared organically on several subreddits.

The vision of a teenager, a viral hit

The idea for the video came up with a youthful librarian in Bull Run Library near Manassas, who had imagined for a long time to highlight the offers of the library. The script was written by Shria, a teenager -who takes part in the library's consulting group and was brought to life by Emily, a media specialist in Rachel Johnson's communication team.

“We are very proud of our digital communication efforts and our social media,” said Rachel Johnson, communications manager of the library system. “But we have never seen the commitment at this level.”
The quirky script, which contained phrases such as “The New Books ATE and no crumbs” and “Slay”, was a foreign language for Grunow.

“I didn't even know how to say some of the words,” he admitted, explaining that he consulted the young librarian to the instructions. “No, I didn't really understand what I read.”

But this unknownness made the delivery even more funny when Grunow recited the lines with dry, serious timing – which could have been an inside joke into a viral cultural moment.

Although humorous, the video has serious foundations. It is part of a broader advance of Prince William County's public library system to connect to all demographic data – especially teenagers.

“We want our libraries to be as lively as the community of the William area,” said Johnson. “That means recognizing how to achieve all of our target demography.”

Many branches, including Bull Run, are now creating committed teenage rooms in their buildings. Projects such as the viral video are a way to welcome young people in the library community.

“We want teenagers to come in and have the feeling that this is their common room,” added Johnson.

Applause of the community, global reach

Grunow's leading role has not been unnoticed. A library patron has passed since the video was published to ask for him, and a caller from California called to deliver congratulations.

“I have also received congratulations from people in other district departments that I have never met,” said Grunow.

A Blooper's role followed the original video, and although it did not reach the same dizzying numbers, she distributed his own audience and brought additional laughter to the library fans.

“Greg was such a good sport,” said Johnson. “When we saw the script, we all knew somehow – it would be Greg.”

The library system is preparing for its 2025 summer reading program, which begins in June. This year's topic Color Our World will drive the same energy and creativity in the viral role.

“We always look for trends and wonder what the next funny thing we can do is,” said Johnson. “This video was a great opportunity to deal with our local community and a global audience.”

While no follow-up video is yet confirmed, the team is clearly supplied with energy and willing to continue experimenting with creative public relations.

“It was such a wonderful starting point,” said Johnson.

For his part, Grunow humbly remains over his sudden fame.

“This was my first video,” he said and still sounded a bit stunned. “It was shocking … and frankly, somehow amazing.”