Library Joy and Inclusivity: Mychal Threets on the Transformative Power of Libraries

Key Discussion Points:

1. Journey to Becoming a Librarian: Mychal shared his inspiring journey from a young library enthusiast to becoming a Supervising Librarian. He talked about how libraries provided refuge during challenging times, including his struggles with anxiety and depression. Mychal's story highlights the transformative power of libraries in offering not just books but a safe haven for personal growth and community building.

2. Libraries as Safe Havens: Libraries serve as crucial community centers, offering refuge and support to those in need. Mychal discussed the role of libraries in providing essential services to people experiencing homelessness and other challenges. He emphasized that libraries are for everyone and should be welcoming spaces that offer more than just books.

3. Combating Book Bans: A significant portion of the conversation focused on the issue of book bans. Mychal highlighted the negative impact of these bans on marginalized communities, particularly people of color and LGBTQIA+ individuals. He stressed the importance of ensuring access to diverse books that allow all readers to see themselves reflected in literature.

4. Collaboration with Authors: Mychal discussed how libraries and authors can work together to promote literacy and inclusivity. He suggested that authors support libraries by participating in events, promoting library cards, and engaging with library users through social media. This collaboration can help highlight the diverse resources libraries offer, from books to social services.

5. Engaging Young Audiences: Mychal also touched on the impact of young, dynamic librarians who use social media to engage communities and transform library services. He shared stories of how libraries have adapted to meet the needs of younger audiences, making libraries cool and relevant in the digital age.

6. Popular Book Recommendations: Mychal provided several book recommendations for various age groups, emphasizing the importance of inclusive and diverse literature. Notable mentions included works by Raina Telgemeier, Kelly Yang, and Jerry Craft, which resonate with young readers and provide much-needed representation.

Mychal Threets shares his journey and the critical role libraries play in fostering community, inclusivity, and literacy. From addressing the challenges of book bans to highlighting the importance of collaboration between libraries and authors, Mychal’s insights underscore the transformative power of libraries.