Blake's response to Mychal's announcement earlier this year.
I’ve been writing on the theme of the new year this month in this blog. Then I encountered a poignant end-of-the-year post taking stock of a person’s 2024 "failures" that stopped me in my tracks. This is a post from someone I’ve been following for a few years and whom I adore.
It’s not your typical post about failing to get in shape, eat well, or quit smoking. The failures in this list hit you in the gut: ones about being overcome with
depression and anxiety, and even failing to want to be alive.
So, let’s talk a little about our perspective on failure as it relates to the start of a new year. What are New Year’s resolutions perhaps but rephrased failures from our past? This year, I’m going to quit getting drunk. This year, I’m going to get out of debt. This year, I’m going to be a better spouse.
What if, instead, we think of failure as preparing us for joy? Particularly our mental health “failures.”
What if our failures help generate support for others?
Let me first tell you a little bit about Mychal. He is an enthusiastically joyful librarian at the Solano County Library in California. Well, was a librarian there. He started out as a library kid, got a job there, and eventually became a librarian.
During the pandemic, he took to TikTok to share his love of libraries and the people he encounters there, particularly the library kids. I began following him because he has an infectious smile and a gentle manner that make everyone feel welcome and as if they belong – even if that sense of belonging is a virtual gathering place. He’s like the Mr. Rogers of TikTok.
His stories of kids’ encounters with him, books, and the library are delightful. Blakeoftoday describes
Mychal’s channel as: “a place where library adults can go to hear the things that they wish adults would have told them when they were just library kids.”
Mychal has done so much good – highlighting the value of libraries, making people want to hang out there; advocating for free access to all books; and championing an adult Scholastic book fair where adults can be a kid again – this time buying all the books they wish they could have as a kid – to support teachers and kids who can’t afford to get books at the fairs.
But, he also struggles with his mental health. This message image is Mychal’s recent post.
This isn’t the first time Mychal has shared vulnerably about his mental health. In February of 2024, he let his followers know that he was taking a break because he had an episode where he wanted to unalive himself. Even when sharing with great vulnerability, his messages were full of care and reassurance for his followers and library kids. Yes, he was leaving his library job, but he’d still be meeting with them on his channels when able. He has kept that promise, sharing his journey.
One of the most beautiful posts I’ve ever seen on the internet was created by Blake Kasemeier as a response to Mychal’s announcement in early 2024 about leaving the library. Blake is such a master of words, I can’t possibly do his post justice by summarizing it, so here it is in full for you.
“Mychal the Librarian is having a rough bout with his mental health, and he is doing the most Mychal the Librarian thing in response. He is teaching us. He is reaching out of the storm with an arm covered in tattoos from children's books to offer us a safe place to sit while he tries to remember where it was he once filed his happiness.
“Confessing that he is very much not okay with his signature smile on his face to let you know that just like the Solano Library, he is safe. And even though he might not feel welcome in his own head, you should always feel welcome where there are books to put yours in. Despite what he is going through, he is still showing up to his section of the internet, a place where library adults can go to hear the things that they wish adults would have told them when they were just library kids.
“Mychal: Check yourself out for as long as you need - so long as you return without any damage I promise there will be no late fees.”
~ Blake Kasemeier
Mychal did a heartwarming reel in response; I encourage you to watch it to see the joy of someone who is supported in their mental health as well as to hear the beauty of Blake’s words spoken, as they should be heard.
Whatever your failures this past year, remember Mychal’s words: “Failure prepares us for jubilant joy.” I’m still here. Mychal’s still here. You’re still here. Those are reasons for joy.
Check out Mychal on IG.
Check out Blake on IG.
Golden Connection Challenge:
In honor of Mychal, physically visit your library this week. Tell them you are glad they are here.
Share this blog with others to increase social value in the new year.
I’d love to hear about your experiences with a comment here or email me using the contact form.
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