Singing librarian says online reaction 'crazy'

Lara Harris said it was a "real blessing" to use social media to promote her music

A librarian who has been singing announcements to customers has said the reaction on social media has been "crazy".

Instead of keeping the noise down, Lara Harris was encouraged by colleagues to share her music at work, leading to people recognising her on the street and thousands viewing the videos online.

The 24-year-old is studying for a postgraduate degree at the University of Cambridge, but has ambitions to become a musician.

"I really wasn't expecting that kind of reception at all, but people seem to love them."

Some of her videos uploaded to TikTok have reached up to 160,000 views.

"I thought it would be really funny if at closing time, instead of making the normal announcement - saying 'we are closing the library, please check out your books and make your way out' - I sang it," said Ms Harris, who works at the library part time.

"Some days people will clap... other days it's just crickets and complete silence."

Lara Harris is studying a PhD in herbal treatments for gynaecology in medieval Scandinavia

She says her colleagues wish she started posting the videos months ago, and while some of them dread speaking over the intercom system, it is something Ms Harris loves.

While she grew up learning music theory, what she was never taught was how to make and record music.

"I was classically trained. My parents put me into music lessons when I was the age of three, so it's been a really long time coming," she explained.

"Last year I released a song and nothing happened. Then I released a second song and nothing happened. I didn't know anyone who was trying to pursue music... I didn't really have any idea of what I was doing."

She continued: "One day you come up with a good idea and people like it and suddenly you're getting exposure and people like it - it's been a real blessing to use social media for this."

'Huge Swiftie'

The 24-year-old says her music is inspired by female solo acts including Olivia Rodrigo and Chappell Roan

Ms Harris styles her announcements and melodies on music by artists including Chappell Roan, Olivia Rodrigo, Ariana Grande and Taylor Swift.

"I have always been a huge Swiftie. I would say Taylor Swift has been my musical mother. I have learnt a lot from that woman.

"I find that I'm always doing female solo acts and that's what I am. That's what I'm attracted to and want to be, so I guess I am trying to follow in their footsteps."