Mychal Threets Biography: Parents, Net Worth, Age, Height, Ethnicity, Books, Awards, Instagram

Mychal Threets is an American librarian, media personality, and literacy advocate who rose to prominence through his uplifting viral videos celebrating “library joy.”

His journey began during the COVID-19 pandemic when he started sharing heartfelt stories from his daily work in Solano County, California, quickly building a large online following drawn to his warmth, inclusivity, and mental health advocacy.

Recognized for his signature afro, library card tattoos, and affirming catchphrases such as “I’m so happy you’re here,” he transformed everyday library interactions into a digital movement.

His growing influence led to his appointment as the host of the digital reboot of Reading Rainbow, where he continues a tradition of inspiring curiosity and a lifelong love of reading among new generations.

Quick Facts

• Full Name: Mychal Threets
• Nickname: Mychal the Librarian
• Date of Birth: February 13, 1990
• Age: 36 years old
• Gender: Male
• Place of Birth: Fairfield, California, United States
• Nationality: American
• Profession: Librarian and Media Personality
• Eye Color: Brown
• Hair Color: Black
• Parents: Arnold Threets (father) and Tessa Banuelos-Threets (mother)
• Siblings: Two siblings
• Spouse: N/A
• Children: N/A
• Relationship Status: Single
• Religion: Christianity
• Ethnicity: African American and Mexican
• Net Worth: $500,000

Early Life and Education

Mychal Threets is now at the age of 36 and was born on February 13, 1990.

He was raised in Fairfield, California, by his parents, Arnold and Tessa Banuelos-Threets, alongside two siblings.

His mother, who is of Mexican and white descent, homeschooled him for twelve years until his senior year of high school, frequently utilizing the Solano County Library as a central educational resource.

His father, an African American man who worked full-time during his childhood, instilled in him a deep appreciation for Black history and cultural identity.

Mychal Threets grew up in a household where books and libraries were foundational to daily life, receiving his first library card at the age of five.

He later attended the University of Phoenix, where he earned a Bachelor of Science in Communications.

He subsequently obtained a Master’s degree in Library and Information Science from San Jose State University, solidifying his professional path in librarianship.

Personal Life

Mychal Threets lives in Fairfield, California, and remains single, with no record of marriage or children.

He is notably open about his experiences with anxiety, depression, and panic attacks, frequently discussing mental health to normalize these conversations within his online community.

Mychal Threets has also shared that he is on the autism spectrum, often explaining how this shapes his sensory experiences and deep connection to library spaces.

He frequently mentions his cats, Machine Gun Kitty and Kissin’ Kat Barlow, as cherished parts of his domestic life.

Career

Mychal Threets began his professional journey at the Fairfield Civic Center Library, the same library he frequented as a child.

He started as a shelver and, over the course of eleven years, advanced to the position of Supervising Librarian within the Solano County Library system.

Mychal Threets expanded his reach in 2020 by posting videos on TikTok and Instagram that highlighted positive patron interactions and the diverse resources available in public libraries.

His uplifting content resonated widely, earning him recognition as PBS’s resident librarian and eventually the host of the 2025 digital reboot of Reading Rainbow.

Mychal Threets stepped down from his supervisory role in early 2024 to prioritize his mental health but continued his advocacy through national library tours, speaking engagements, and literary ambassadorships.

In 2026, he officially released his first book, centering on themes of belonging, affirmation, and community that define his public identity.

Awards

• Year: 2023
• Award: I Love My Librarian Award
• Organization: American Library Association

• Year: 2024
• Award: Webby Award
• Category: Social Impact

• Year: 2024
• Award: TIME Magazine Next Generation Leader

• Year: 2025
• Award: TIME100 Most Influential Creators

• Year: 2024
• Award: School Library Journal Mover and Shaker

Net Worth

Mychal Threets has an estimated net worth of $500,000.

His earnings initially stemmed from his public sector salary as a supervising librarian.

Social Media

• Instagram: @mychal3ts
• X: @mychal3ts
• TikTok: @mychal3ts
• YouTube: @mychal3ts

Filmography

• Reading Rainbow (2025)

Books

• I’m So Happy You’re Here: A Celebration of Library Joy (2026)