By Riley Fontana
Hometown Weekly Reporter
The Westwood, Medfield, and Dover libraries were only a few of the over 50 libraries that hosted TikTok star Mercury Stardust. The Rowley Public Library was the main host of this event and invited other libraries to join and bring their patrons. Stardust is a beloved member of the LGBTQ+ community online and a significant figure in the home improvement side of TikTok.
Titled “An Evening with Mercury Stardust,” this Zoom event invited library patrons to ask questions and get to know Stardust on a more personal level. Questions ranged from life advice to what Stardust looks forward to fixing most in her new home.
The main question on people’s minds was why Stardust started her TikTok, which is based on teaching people how to do any form of home improvement. She walks people through the steps of fixing whatever problem they find themselves in within an easy and understandable format: “It started as me just trying to help one person at a time,” said Stardust on her internet start.
Another patron asked for Stardust’s advice for younger LGBTQ+ folks looking to get started in media, especially online media. “Allow yourself to experience the world before you pursue media,” said Stardust. “It’s hard to share yourself with the world if you haven’t shared enough with yourself.” Stardust shared her own experiences with attempting to create media on YouTube when she was younger and feeling like she had nothing to say or share with the world.
In part, this event was to celebrate Stardust's book release. The book, titled "Safe & Sound: A Renter Friendly Guide to Home Repair," brought forward a lot of questions about her future plans as an author: “I plan on being an author and educator online,” she said. “The next book will be called ‘Our Turn: The First Year of Homeownership’. The third book will be an emergency book.”
One of the most pressing issues facing the LGBTQ+ community is discriminatory laws, and on that front Stardust has this to say: “If trans kids live there we have to go there.” She spoke about the importance of community and showing that LGBTQ+ people will show up for each other no matter what state they are in. Stardust wrapped the night with some life advice for those facing hardships in their life currently. “This is a moment in time you won’t remember. It will stay with you but not end you.”
“An Evening with Mercury Stardust” was a great event during Pride Month. Countless libraries came together to show their support and give their patrons a platform to speak with one of the most influential TikTokers currently. Stardust can be found on every online platform and her book is available through the library systems.
