We’ve seen all kinds of group costume ideas, but a library? That’s a first for us.
That’s exactly what @bmeaderz showcases in their latest TikTok hit, set to the classic tune “Paperback Writer” by the Beatles. This whimsical parade of literary genres—from mystery to modernism—brings a whole new meaning to “dressing the part.” This isn’t limited to Halloween—how fun would it be for spirit week (or an underground spirit week)?
To pull off a library group costume, every member of this English department dressed up as a different book genre!
As the camera glides through this lively “library,” viewers are treated to a wide array of genres, each of the costume ideas cleverly reflecting their literary essence.
Mystery
Teachers cloaked in enigma, complete with detective hats and mysterious glares.
Film as Literature
Outfits that echo iconic movie scripts and characters. Fellow teacher @marlo says, “Film as literature slayed big time!”
Dystopian Literature
Garb that transports you to the stark, unsettling futures of Orwellian and Huxleyan visitors.
Modernism
Gasp! How fabulous is this teacher’s Gatsby dress?
Attire that breaks from tradition, characterized by abstract designs and splashes of bold color. Or just regular 1920s-1930s outfits! Teacher @daylaugher says, “Modernism’s elitist eyebrow raise got me!”
Historical Fiction
The collegiate “A” might be a bit anachronistic for The Scarlet Letter, but you know, it’s working for us in this case—especially with the warning eyes!
Western
Cowboy hats and boots, embodying the rugged spirit of the Old West.
Fantasy
“Now if you two don’t mind, I’m going to bed before you come up with another idea to get us killed or worse, expelled.”
Thriller
The staircase scene!! (If you know, you know.)
Children’s Literature
We love to see some D.W. representation!
Gothic Literature
Dark, brooding attire fitting for any haunting narrative. This teacher is the winner in my book! Commenter @laurameyer agrees, saying, “Gothic Literature is not getting the appreciation they deserve!” And @clara says, “Gothic Literature sent chills down my spine with that glance. So well done.”
Romance
For some students, YA romance is what keeps them coming back to the library—and we’re here for any kind of reading!
Comedy
The hair, the horns: 10/10. What a fabulous Puck (or Robin Goodfellow) from Shakespeare’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream! Teacher @Hannah says, “I want to be best friends with comedy!”
Cookbooks
This teacher is fully ready to cook up some delicious stories. Fellow teacher @Mackenzy says, “Cookbook has me laughing!”
Nonfiction
Practical, straightforward outfits that represent the truth-telling nature of their genre. I think this teacher definitely dressed the part for ESL writing!
Want to pull off this group costume at your school? Consider these tips:
This TikTok is more than just a fun showcase—use it as a celebration of literature and corral your coworkers to get into the creative spirit of teaching with you. These costume ideas encourage educators to think outside the book and story genres that shape our current youth. Surely after a student sees one of these teachers, they can’t help but feel inspired to read a good book and perhaps even become one! So gather your coworkers during your next dress-up day during spirit week, and inspire your students! Any age group of students will enjoy having this fun peppered into their day.
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