The iconic, Emmy-winning children’s literacy series, Reading Rainbow, is soaring back into production. It will be carried on the infectious enthusiasm of its new host: Mychal Threets, the viral social media sensation known affectionately as “Mychal the Librarian.”
After nearly two decades off the air, this digital revival honors the enduring legacy established by original host LeVar Burton, while introducing the show’s core message—that “you belong in books, you belong everywhere”—to a new generation through a distinctly modern lens.
Reading Rainbow, which ran from 1983 to 2006, was a beloved staple in classrooms and homes, blending book reviews, celebrity readings, and field trip segments to spark a lifelong love of reading.
Threets, who has openly cited Burton as a hero and an inspiration for his own career, steps into a role that perfectly aligns with his personal mission.
His digital-first approach brings an authentic voice to the reboot. It will premiere on the YouTube channel KidZuko, with new episodes releasing weekly.
The Joy of the Library, Amplified
Threets, a former supervising librarian from Fairfield, California, cultivated a massive following across platforms like TikTok and Instagram by sharing what he calls “unhinged library joy.”
His viral videos are characterized by his warm, affirming catchphrases—most notably, “I’m so happy you are here!” and “You belong”—and his candid discussions about mental health, including his own struggles with anxiety and depression.
This blend of literary advocacy and heartfelt, personal connection is precisely what makes him the ideal choice for Reading Rainbow‘s revival.
The new format is designed for the digital age. It includes companion vertical videos, ensuring the message reaches kids where they consume content.
The reboot also promises a constellation of celebrity guest stars. It will include John Legend, Chrissy Teigen, Gabrielle Union, and Adam DeVine, who will lend their voices as storytime narrators.
Continuing a Legacy of Inclusivity at Reading Rainbow
Threets’ work has long centered on making the library a radically inclusive space. His philosophy—that the library is a place where every person, regardless of background or struggle, can find acceptance and community—resonates deeply with Reading Rainbow‘s original spirit.
Furthermore, he often advocates for diverse representation in literature, a key element in connecting young readers with stories where they can see themselves reflected.
In a challenging cultural climate where public funding for educational programs is under pressure, and libraries face continuous battles over censorship, the return of Reading Rainbow is a welcome ray of hope.
With Threets at the helm, the show is altogether poised to be more than just a nostalgic reboot; it’s an active movement, championing literacy and self-acceptance in a time when both are desperately needed.
Moreover, the show’s return is a testament to the enduring power of literature, and a victory for the “library kids” everywhere. Threets, now serving as PBS’s resident librarian, embodies the notion that the world of books is an exciting, welcoming, and essential place for all. His earnest, compassionate energy ensures that the famous refrain will continue to ring true for a new generation: “But don’t take my word for it…”
You can watch an interview with the new host in Librarian: Mychal Threets’ Journey from Shelving Books to Social Media Stardom. This video is relevant as it provides a look into Mychal Threets’ background and viral content, which led to him being chosen as the new host of Reading Rainbow.