Lower School Curriculum

I was lucky enough to attend a presentation by Mychal Threets!

He spoke about spreading library joy. He also spoke about helping patrons and his staff with mental health issues. Poignantly, he noted that he has had about 8 juvenile patrons (some as young as 8 years old) talk to him about suicidal ideation. He told us that he will ask them to give it one more library day, and then a day after that, etc. He mentioned that he uses the disclaimer that he's not a mental health professional, but that in public libraries you wear so many hats, including that of a social worker. I definitely noticed this when I worked at SFPL and it makes me feel even more fortunate to be at Burke's instead! Something that Mychal said also struck me--that he does work at his library on DEIB and that the MOST important part of the acronym is "belonging."

Another thing he said that I want to try with Burke's library goers: he uses the word "anxious" to name the feeling for kids who are experiencing anxiety, even if it's just about what book to choose. I definitely have some students that seem anxious occasionally, so I am going to try to name this for them when I notice it and see if it helps them relax and enjoy class more.

Mychal is also pioneering a library Afro revolution at his library and will get free copies of books such as "Don't Touch my Hair" and "Hair Love" to give away to patrons.

It was so inspiring to hear Mychal speak extemporaneously and to hear him answer people's questions!