After its original cancellation in 2006, “Reading Rainbow” is back after nearly 20 years! This revival is paving the way for new generations to have access to books and free education, helping “motivate…and encourage kids to become avid readers.”
Having released four entirely new episodes Oct. 4, Reading Rainbow also introduced a new host. Librarian Mychal Threets has amassed over 900,000 followers on Instagram and has gotten over 19 million likes on TikTok for his library content. Via a post on Instagram, Threets stated that he is “a librarian because LeVar Burton and ‘Reading Rainbow' so powerfully made us believe we belong in books, we belong everywhere.”
Threets has long been known for spreading kindness and encouragement, not just to children in the library but also to strangers online. He encourages the use of the library, using a quote from the children’s show, “Arthur,” in his Instagram bio.
“Having fun isn’t hard, when you’ve got a library card,” Threets wrote.
This revival of the show isn’t just nostalgic, but also brings back accessibility and education. Every episode of the show will be available through PBS’s website or through their PBS KIDS Video app.
“Reading Rainbow” is returning with a new approach to education. Because of the rise of digital media, the company is working on a better approach to best educate children in this new age.
In May of 2024, LeVar Burton, the original host of the show, spoke out about the recent book bans. He was especially focused on the impact the show had on children and how it supported education and reading.
“I’m proud, genuinely proud, to be a part of your lives in this way,” Burton said. In relation to the "Reading Rainbow" documentary, “Butterfly in the Sky,” Burton said, “I’m glad that the "Reading Rainbow” documentary has a different thing to say about books.”
Although PBS and many public broadcasters have recently experienced funding cuts, PBS is still working to make sure it continues to educate the community. This accessibility is important, now more than ever.
In recent years, education has become less and less accessible. One effect of this is that literacy rates are not fixed quickly. Although literacy rates are on the rise, there are still things to be done about these statistics. For example, in Athens County, over 19% of adults “lack basic literacy skills.” More than 30 million adults are unable to read anything above a third-grade level across the United States.
One thing that could help this is introducing reading and the skills for comprehension early on in life. Although the show has never taught children how to read specifically, it’s helpful with the learning process of retaining information. PBS has been around since 1970 and has always broadcast children’s media that promotes empathy and education for all.
The show will not only help education. It may also help libraries. After losing federal funding, libraries have been struggling with not only money but also discourse. Not only because of Threets’ career and passion for libraries but also because reading is being presented as something interesting, “Reading Rainbow” may help kids want to branch out on their own.
Reading is also beneficial for the mental health and well-being of individuals. Reading just six minutes a day can reduce stress levels by 68%. Alzheimer’s research has also proven that reading can help combat and even lessen Alzheimer’s symptoms and the disease itself.
“Reading Rainbow” not only gives education, but also health benefits and resources for families.
“I’ll be doing all I can to make him and all the library kids proud,” Threets posted.
