Mychal Threets, a prominent figure in library advocacy and joy-spreading through social media platforms, has made a significant announcement regarding his departure from his role as a librarian at the Solano County Public Library in California.
In an Instagram video posted on Friday, Threets expressed gratitude to the library that he described as a safe haven throughout his life, thanking them for nurturing him as a home-schooled library enthusiast.
The 33-year-old librarian gained widespread recognition for his viral TikTok videos, where he passionately promotes what he terms as “library joy.” His efforts in fostering a sense of belonging within library spaces have earned him accolades, notably the I Love My Librarian Award for Outstanding Library Service bestowed by the American Library Association.
“Library joy in its simplest form is just the joy of the library. What that means is just what I try to do and what I hope all library workers embody. It is [fostering that sense of] belonging,” Threets shared in an interview with HuffPost.
“I keep on saying that the library is for everybody: library kids, library grown-ups, mentally ill, unhoused. I love telling people that they don’t have to leave their anxiety, depression, or PTSD outside the library. There’s no sign that says you can’t bring your anxiety in.”
Threets announced in his resignation video that his tenure at the Solano County Public Library will conclude on March 1. However, he expressed his intention to continue advocating for literacy and lobbying for library funding in Congress.
His decision comes at a critical time when numerous schools and libraries across the nation are facing challenges related to banned books and censorship, making the fight for the right to read more imperative than ever.
Mychal Threets Shared A Video Expressing His Feelings
Notably, Threets had previously shared a TikTok video addressing his mental health struggles, revealing that he experienced a mental health breakdown and was grappling with panic attacks.
This revelation came approximately a week after he disclosed on social media that PBS had offered him the role of resident librarian for a social media series. In this capacity, he would provide book recommendations, discuss literacy, and spread library joy, aligning with his passion and expertise.
In response to inquiries from HuffPost, PBS confirmed that Threets would indeed be retaining his new position with the company. The development underscores the recognition of Threets’ influence and the importance of his advocacy efforts in promoting literacy and mental health awareness through accessible and engaging platforms.
Threets’ decision to prioritize his mental health and transition from his role as a librarian signifies a poignant moment in his journey, marking a transition from one chapter to another.
Despite bidding farewell to his current position, he remains steadfast in his commitment to advancing the cause of literacy and advocating for the importance of libraries in communities nationwide.
As Threets embarks on this new phase of his career, his impact on the promotion of library joy and the championing of mental health awareness continues to resonate with audiences, reinforcing the enduring significance of his contributions to both the library profession and societal well-being.
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