Viral librarian Mychal Threets is reviving Reading Rainbow! Get ready for new books, big energy, and a fresh take on a beloved classic.
Imagine you’re scrolling through TikTok, Instagram, or wherever, and a librarian shows up with electric energy, raving about books, libraries, and reading like it’s the coolest thing in the world. That’s basically how Mychal Threets (aka Mychal the Librarian) went from librarian to viral internet darling, and now, he’s about to bring back one of the most beloved children’s literacy shows ever: Reading Rainbow.
Who Is Mychal Threets?
Originally, Mychal worked at the Solano County Library in the San Francisco Bay Area. While there, he started making videos. Just a few motivational snippets, advocating for reading, libraries, curiosity, and how books open doors. Those clips caught fire online, and before long, he had almost 2 million followers on his platforms.
He’s the kind of person who actually lives what he preaches. In interviews, he has said he feels strongly about how powerful a library card is. He talks about it being a symbol of access, of possibility. But it doesn’t stop there. Mychal even has a tattoo of a library card to show how much it means to him!
Last year, he stepped away from his formal role at Solano County Library to focus more on his mental health and broaden his advocacy work. But he didn’t disappear. Instead, he’s been “PBS’ resident librarian,” making children’s videos, pushing for literacy, and maintaining his online presence around books and libraries.
The Legacy of Reading Rainbow
To understand why this news is so exciting, you’ve got to revisit what Reading Rainbow meant to earlier generations. The show first launched in 1983, hosted by the unforgettable LeVar Burton. It ran for over two decades, until 2006, and in that time became one of the most beloved children’s programs in PBS history.
The premise was simple but powerful: introduce kids to books, let them hear stories read aloud, and encourage them to see reading as an adventure.
The show mixed celebrity guest narrators, book reviews by actual kids, and field trips that extended the stories into the real world. Its catchy theme song and Burton’s warmth made it unforgettable.
For many kids, Reading Rainbow was more than a show. It was like a lifeline to imagination.
It encouraged children to visit their local libraries, discover new authors, and, importantly, see themselves in the stories being told. It left such an impact that when it went off the air, fans kept clamoring for a reboot. And now, nearly two decades later, it’s finally happening.
What’s Happening With Reading Rainbow?
Just the words Reading Rainbow are full of nostalgia. It holds a special place in the hearts of all who loved it. For many, it shaped their lives, it encouraged them to read, explore stories, and visit libraries. In today’s world of short-form content and dwindling attention spans, it’s definitely something we need now!
Clearly, PBS agrees, because after years of wishing it back on the air, old fans of Reading Rainbow have won. It’s coming back! And the showrunners have signed on Mychal Threets as the new host. In an Instagram post shared by him and Reading Rainbow, he teased what’s ahead: “new friends, new projects, and, of course, new books.”
With Mychal at the helm, you can bet the show won’t live only on PBS. Expect clips, challenges, and tie-ins across social media platforms, meeting kids where they already spend their time. If you’re scrolling through TikTok and stumble across Mychal hyping up a new book, it’s basically Reading Rainbow in your feed.
So the vibe is the same, and it’s the same mission as before: get kids hooked on reading. But now it comes with fresh energy, modern voices, and a whole new team behind the project.
Why Mychal Is the Ideal Host for Reading Rainbow
Choosing a person like Mychal, a genuine advocate who has truly lived and breathed libraries and reading advocacy, is 100% the right step. His passion shines through, and it shows. Just watch one video by him, and you’ll see that he connects authentically.
This is how Mychal has already built trust in the book world. His videos feel genuine and heartfelt. His choice to prioritize his mental health, even as he moved on from his library job, reflects a deep sense of vulnerability and humanity that many people connect with. He’s honest, real, and that’s what this new edition of Reading Rainbow needs. To get kids engaged, we need his enthusiasm, his passion, his quirks—they’re all part of his appeal.
Then there’s the fact that Mychal is a viral star. He bridges the classic educational mission with the language of today’s online world. He knows how to use short-form video, social media, and audience engagement in ways that build on the foundation of the original era. That’s a vital part of making the reboot meaningful for kids and families today.
What Lies Ahead
Rebooting a classic comes with both excitement and big opportunities. Nostalgia guarantees attention, and with it comes high expectations. Fans of the original will be eager to see how every segment, guest, and theme song lyric honors the version they grew up with while bringing something fresh.
Also, kids are growing up on YouTube Shorts, Roblox, and TikTok, which gives the reboot the opportunity to be smart, creative, and maybe even a little experimental to stand out while still holding space for books and thoughtful reflection.
And let’s remember the unique strengths of public broadcasting. Sustaining the program long-term will draw on creativity but also community support, partnerships, and perhaps some good old-fashioned fundraising—all of which can give the program a lasting foundation.
Still, the heart of Reading Rainbow has always been simple and powerful: make reading feel like an adventure. That core mission is timeless.
Join our community of 1.5M readers
Like this story? You'll love our free weekly magazine.
Millie Ramm
Millie has been writing since she was a child, and has spent more time with her nose in books than anywhere else. She has been ghostwriting novels and editing for the past few years, and when not working she is curled up with her cats, looking for her next read.
