The New York Public Library is posting versions of classic books along with accompanying animations to its Instagram page in the form of Instagram stories to help encourage the digital generation to read more.
The Insta Novels are part of the NYPL’s new social media initiative to turn Instagram’s stories function into book pages. You can check out the new idea on their Instastory, right here.
Users on the platform will be able to read the Insta Novels by flicking through the animated visuals and text just like they would on an eReader and it’s hoped that the move will make some of the world’s most classic pieces of literature more accessible to the masses, according to a statement from the NYPL.
The first story to launch on the platform was Alice in Wonderland and that launched in two parts. You can watch and read Part 1 here, and part 2 here. As you can see, it’s a beautiful use of Instagram stories, bringing classics to Instagram users without any dumbing down at all. If the screen is moving too fast, simply place your thumb in the bottom right corner and the video will pause until you are ready for the next screen.
In the coming months the NYPL say they are intending to post two more Insta Novels. The Yellow Wallpaper by Charlotte Perkins, and The Metamorphosis by Franz Kafka.
We love this idea, and while it’s certainly not what Instagram was launched for, it’s perfect and we think it will be particularly great for those stuck on trains and buses without a book not to mention the possibility of bringing a whole collection of classic novels to an online generation!
What do you think?
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