May 24th 2024.
Mychal Threets, a beloved librarian known for his social media presence, has dedicated his career to promoting books in a time where libraries are facing budget cuts and books are being banned for sharing diverse stories. As a former supervisor at a library in Solano County, California, Threets has been traveling around the country for the past five months, participating in panels and giving keynote speeches about the importance of books and their impact on young people.
In an interview with NBC News, Threets shared his passion for promoting books and encouraging people to embrace their uniqueness. "I've been able to talk to both children and adults in the library world and remind them to embrace their weirdness and that it's okay to not be okay," he said. Threets' own struggles with anxiety and depression led him to leave his job in March to focus on his mental health. He was facing criticism and negativity from online trolls and felt it was important to prioritize his well-being.
Threets has always turned to books during his toughest moments, and now he is using his platform to advocate for them. He believes that books are a constant friend in the battle with one's own mind. When he saw a rise in book bans in 2023, particularly targeting LGBTQ+ and people of color, Threets knew it was time to take action. "When we challenge or ban books, we take away opportunities for people to learn about themselves and others, because that's what books are all about," he explained.
Threets is now working with Congress to fight against book bans and secure funding for libraries in California and across the country. Recently, he and other library leaders met with Rep. Barbara Lee and Sen. Laphonza Butler, both Democrats from California, to discuss the importance of supporting libraries. He believes that book bans are a problem for everyone and could happen anywhere.
It's not just reading that is at risk when libraries lose funding, but also the valuable online services and community building that they provide. "Libraries are one of the last free institutions, and when you walk through those doors, there are no expectations," Threets stated. "In order to maintain that, we need help with funding." Despite the challenges, Threets remains dedicated to promoting the joy of libraries and combating the idea that the world needs fewer books. He hopes to inspire others to recognize the value that libraries and books bring to a community.
Threets continues to share his love for books through his online content, while also fighting against the negative ideologies that threaten them. His ultimate goal is to see more support and funding for local and community libraries, as he believes the results in literacy will be even greater. In line with this mission, Philadelphia recently launched The Little Free Library as part of their celebration of Black History Month. Threets' passion for books and libraries is a reminder of the important role they play in our communities.
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