Fans Celebrate New 'Reading Rainbow' Host at Wichita Library Visit

Mychal 'the Librarian' Threets signs copies of his children's book during a visit to the Advanced Learning Library.

Published on Feb. 11, 2026

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Fans of the beloved children's educational TV show 'Reading Rainbow' lined up on Tuesday to meet the program's newest host, Mychal 'the Librarian' Threets, during his visit to the Advanced Learning Library in Wichita, Kansas. Threets was on hand to sign copies of his children's book 'I'm So Happy You're Here: A Celebration of Library Joy' as the iconic show prepares to return with him as the new host.

Why it matters

The return of 'Reading Rainbow' with a new host is an exciting development for fans of the long-running and influential educational series. Threets' library advocacy work and enthusiasm have made him a popular choice to carry on the show's legacy of promoting literacy and a love of reading among children.

The details

Dozens of fans showed up to the library event to meet Threets and get their books signed. The community services librarian at the Wichita Public Library praised Threets' new role as the national host of 'Reading Rainbow,' which originally aired from 1983 to 2006 and became one of the most-watched PBS shows in classrooms.

  • The 'Reading Rainbow' event took place on Tuesday, February 11, 2026.
  • The first new episode of 'Reading Rainbow' with Threets as host is expected to be available later this year.

The players

Mychal 'the Librarian' Threets

The new host of the revived 'Reading Rainbow' TV show and author of the children's book 'I'm So Happy You're Here: A Celebration of Library Joy'.

Parker Daniel

The community services librarian at the Wichita Public Library.

Riley

A fan of 'Reading Rainbow' who attended the event to meet Threets.

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What they’re saying

“Mychal's enthusiasm … The second you see a video he puts out, within the first second of it, it just grabs your attention.”

— Riley, Fan (ksn.com)

“We're really glad to have Mychal Threets here. He has taken a role on the national stage as the host of 'Reading Rainbow.' He continues his library advocacy work. We're proud to see him do that.”

— Parker Daniel, Community Services Librarian (ksn.com)

What’s next

The first new episode of 'Reading Rainbow' with Mychal Threets as the host is expected to be available later this year.

The takeaway

The return of the beloved 'Reading Rainbow' series with an enthusiastic new host in Mychal Threets is an exciting development that will continue the show's legacy of promoting literacy and a love of reading among children.