Library Joy and the Power of Belonging with Mychal the Librarian

In this episode, host Regina Reed, director of the Leon Valley Public Library, welcomes Mychal Threets, known to many as “Mychal the Librarian,” a TIME100 Creator, and the new host of Reading Rainbow, for a conversation about library joy, belonging, and the power of kindness. Mychal shares how his love for libraries inspired his debut picture book, I’m So Happy You’re Here: A Celebration of Library Joy, and why creating spaces where everyone feels they belong is at the heart of his mission. He reflects on the collaborative process with illustrator Lorraine Nam, discusses how he uses social media to promote mental health, neurodivergent advocacy, and hope, and explains why he strives to remind people that the world is better with them in it. The conversation also explores what it means to be recognized as a TIME100 Creator, the honor of carrying forward the legacy of Reading Rainbow, and his ongoing commitment to literacy, libraries, and helping others find joy. This episode is sponsored by Cherry Lake Publishing Group. Libraries Transform Texas is produced by Association Briefings.