BerkBuster: Berkley Library Transforms Media Section Into Video Rental Store Replica

Berkley Public Library opened BerkBuster in November 2025, as per Metro Mode Media. It's a video rental store-themed section that brings back the look of stores like Blockbuster. The project kicked off on Nov. 14, 2025, when more than 200 people showed up to celebrate.

Physical media librarian Lisabeth Posthuma thought up the idea after she spotted similarities between her old video store job and working at the library. She sent a proposal to the Friends of Berkley Library asking for funds, and it passed with no one voting against it.

Posthuma manages collections across adult television, film DVD, Blu-Ray, youth film and television DVD, Blu-Ray, all-ages music CD, and vinyl, plus all-ages books on CD. After getting approval, she spent months making the concept real.

"When I was in high school, I worked at a video store," said Posthuma to Metro Mode Media. "I couldn't help but notice the similarities between that job and working at the library — especially because we had such a great collection of film/television in circulation."

She asked patrons what they wanted. Questions covered physical media preferences, title requests, and memories of neighborhood video stores. Responses helped her build two collections: Friday Night features television comedies and dramas from 1950 forward, while Saturday Morning offers children's programming from the same era.

Posthuma shopped at thrift stores and media resale shops to build the collections without spending much. She added signage, branding, and paint to make it feel like a real store.

Circulation numbers jumped 40% in December 2025 compared to December 2024. That was BerkBuster's first full month. The space has a gumball machine that gives out movie recommendations instead of candy, scratch-and-sniff stickers, and a magnetic word board where patrons can leave responses.

"We also wanted to show our residents who may not see themselves as readers that the library is for them, too," Posthuma said, according to Metro Mode Media.

The facility charges nothing. No rental fees, late fees, or rewind fees. Berkley residents need proof of address to get a library card, while more than 40 Oakland County libraries participate in a partnership allowing card use across locations. Michigan residents can access materials through the MelCat system.