I'm So Happy You're Here: A Celebration of Library Joy

by Mychal Threets

Dubbed "the Internet's librarian"— and now host of the relaunched Reading Rainbow — Mychal Threets invites all to take a look and find themselves at the library! Perfect for little readers who are regular visitors and those who might be stepping into the stacks for the first time.

Welcome to the library!

It’s a place just for you! There are activities, movies, games, and SO. MANY. STORIES. Best of all, it’s a place where you will always belong.

Take a tour of the library with the internet’s favorite librarian, Mychal Threets! This heartwarming debut picture book from Mychal extends an invitation to anyone who could use a little library joy and a reminder that libraries are for everyone.

Genres: Picture Books, Childrens, Storytime, Books About Books, Nonfiction, Contemporary, Juvenile

Kindle Edition

Published February 3, 2026

Reviews

[Veronika]

I've been following Mychal Threet's librarian journey online for a while and I am excited to read this upcoming picture book! Anyone who is passionate about libraries and spreading library joy is ok with me!

[Melo · Rating 5 out of 5]

This debut book celebrating book joy, belonging, and community! If only when some of us were young, we had a librarian like Mychal who spoke out to us kids directly and made sure we knew we belong, we matter. This title is simple with a huge message. Thank you Mychal for welcoming us all and seeing us!

[Meg]

This may be my first time wishing a picture book was longer rather than shorter!

[Alex · Rating 5 out of 5]

"I'm So Happy You're Here" is a wonderful book. A friend of mine at the bookstore mentioned it (and I like spoiling my nephew with books, so this works out nicely) :). The book is so joyful and is a great celebration of library joy. It's also inclusive and welcoming. The illustrations are great and so is the book's theme. Altogether, it is a superb book.

[Shannon · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’m So Happy You’re Here: A Celebration of Library Joy

I Picked Up This Book Because: A whim.

Media Type: eBook
Source: CC Public Library
Dates Read: 3/9/26
Rating: 5 Stars


The Story:

This was excellent as expected. Mychal is never shy about sharing Library joy and you can feel it in his words. The illustrations were so good at showing a variety of different people and supporting the message that everyone belongs at the library.

[Anita Weber · Rating 5 out of 5]

I smiled while I read this book! So inclusive and positive, this story embodies the safety and happiness that I have always found to be integral to libraries and their staff.

[LJ · Rating 5 out of 5]

I follow Mychal Threets on social media, and I just love the joy he shares about libraries and reading. This book was absolutely adorable and such a sweet celebration of everything that makes libraries special.

It’s warm, welcoming, and full of charm — and honestly, it made me wish I had little kids to read it with. A really joyful read.

[Caitlin · Rating 5 out of 5]

a wonderful and joyous introduction to the library and all it offers for kiddos! the illustrations were great and very inclusive.

[Lisa Pineo · Rating 4 out of 5]

I came across Mychal Threets on Instagram years ago and loved how excited and entertaining he was about being a librarian and having all his "library kids." I was sad when he said he quit being a librarian because of how he was being treated, especially with how open he is about his mental health. Seeing him back with Reading Rainbow and now writing a book is wonderful since even more people will get to see how engaging he is. While I really like the idea behind this book I was a little disappointed with the feel of it. I didn't get the joy I was expecting. I didn't really get much of a mental health angle either. I get that this is for little kids who want to know what it's like to go to the library, but because it's from him, I thought there would be more focus on those things. I liked the art but wasn't blown away by it. I still think this is a great book for kids to learn about the amazing things you can do there aside from taking out books and the happiness librarians have from helping fellow book lovers.

[Haylee Perry · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was so cute! Mychal is a wonderful narrator. Highly recommend this book for any parents or teachers of young children to help inspire a love of books and libraries. Thanks Libro.fm for the ALC!

[mlact · Rating 5 out of 5]

I attended the NCTE National African American Read-in event in which Mychal did a storytime of this book. I CRIED! I love libraries, I love being a librarian, and I love seeing librarians of color lead us into the future of communitybuilding and memorywork. And to see all the kids on the Zoom call get so excited... I'M CRYING AGAIN! LIBRARY JOY 💛💛💛

[Alicia Birdie and the books · Rating 5 out of 5]

As someone with a physical disability, you don't see many physical disabilities celebrated in children's books. This is the first children's book that I've read in a while. that actually made me cry

[Elizabeth · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm So Happy You're Here is such a perfect celebration of library joy. I'm a big fan of Mychal Threets's videos and posts online, I love Reading Rainbow, and I love books and libraries, so I was thrilled to hear this book would exist. As someone who often felt more at home in the library than any other place in my life, who really relied on the existence of libraries, this book really hit the sweet spot for me. It celebrates libraries as a place everyone is welcome, everyone is safe, and we can all find passionate joy in the things we love to do. The art is really cute too. I read this at home, but I felt library joy while reading it. Highly recommended!

[Bonnie Thrasher · Rating 5 out of 5]

A beautifully illustrated book which shows that libraries are welcoming to everyone. Libraries are safe havens, no matter your position on life’s path.

[Sammy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely positively perfect in every way. This book screams "Library Joy" and I am here for every bit of it.

[Cheyenne · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a wonderful little book! It reminded me of when I was a little library kid! I loved going to the library with my mom, and I remember how exciting it was to get my own library card. I remember climbing up on the kid's step in front of the big librarian's desk to check out my books. I remember going to get the kids' summer reading lists, and I still love a good reading challenge--I'm doing 4 this year! lol. I'm so delighted that Mychal Threets from my little phone videos wrote a children's book and is now hosting Reading Rainbow! What an inspiration! :D

[Tamara Evans · Rating 5 out of 5]

"I'm So Glad You're Here: A Celebration of Library Joy" is a charming children's picture book focused on showing the reader how the library is a safe and welcoming place for everyone as well as various ways to experience "library joy" whether it is by reading a book, listening to a story being reading, attending a library event, or checking out items from the library.

The title page is designed to look like a library book that is ready to be checked out by showing the book title, author’s name, a place to write a due date and borrower’s name.

The story begins with librarian Mychal happily greeting a group of people as they walk up to enter the library building. As the story progresses, the reader learns that the library is a place where they'll always belong regardless of family type, home status, or a person with a disablilty.

In addition to highlighting that the library has books, Threets also shows that readers other way to enjoy the library such as playing musical instruments, playing board games, gardening, or making cookies by following a recipe.

After showing a story time with Mychal reading to person of various ages while a co-worker plays a banjo, he asks the reader if they have a library card then says if not, it's easy to get a card and will be the most special card they'll ever have.

Following an active day at the library, Mychal exclaims
feelings of library joy, waves good-bye to the library visitors, thanks them for coming and says he's happy they came to the library that day.

The book ends with a note from Mychal in which he talks to the reader and encourages them to visit the library, get a library card, and share their favorite thing about the library with library staff and those that the know.

As I finished this book and read about Mychal's experience with going to the library as a child and being a "library kid," it reminded me of my childhood of looking for to weekend visits to the library with my mom and siblings. Whenever I visited the library as a child and teenager, I appreciated how the library staff patiently assisted a variety of people daily while the library building served to provided a space for people from various backgrounds to come and learn something new, refresh past knowledge, or find a safe place to relax.

Due to numerous friendly library staff who assisted me during my various visits to the library as a child and teenager, this eventially led to me becoming a librarian as an adult so I could become that friendly librarian for someone else. Overall, this book is a great reminder of the importance of the library building as a place that is open and welcome to all as well as encouraging curiousity to visit one's local library, explore old and new library resources, and see that the library longer a place that only houses books but is also a community gathering place.

[YSBR · Rating 4 out of 5]

Anyone familiar with Mychal Threets will love this book, as it truly is a celebration of library joy.  The book starts with the famous librarian himself welcoming patrons of all identities to the public library.  We then follow each two-page spread through a day at the library as Threets reminds everyone that they belong at the library: “You belong here with your dads.  You belong here with your abuela.”  Threets also showcases for readers what makes the library so special, from books to games, to gardening, to singing.  In the end, Threets shares that “library joy” really means having the best day at the library–whatever that may look like for you.  Readers will be delighted from the moment they open the cover–and see a traditional library checkout slip–until they reach Threets’s heartwarming message at the end.  The book may not have a plot, but its message is excellent.  

Nam’s illustrations are just as charming.  While there is no indication in the book of how they were created, they appear to be digital, reminiscent of paper collage.  Full of bright colors in springtime shades of shamrock, sky blue, and pink, the images are brimming with as much library joy as the text.  The sharp black lines and two-dimensional blocks give the book a playful, childlike feeling.  Nam also reflects Threets’s message through her illustrations, showcasing children looking for animal books, cutting out cookie dough, and obtaining their very own library card.  All the while, Threet’s infectious smile never leaves the page.  Overall, this truly is a book of “library joy”. Link to complete review: https://ysbookreviews.wordpress.com/2...

[Melissa · Rating 5 out of 5]

I don't know who needs to hear this, but You Belong. You have value. You are a unique light in this world that no other human can give. The world is better from having you here.

I had the pleasure of hearing Mychal the Librarian tonight share about his book, 𝑰'𝑴 𝑺𝑶 𝑯𝑨𝑷𝑷𝒀 𝒀𝑶𝑼'𝑹𝑬 𝑯𝑬𝑹𝑬, his path of becoming a librarian, his deep struggles with mental health, and his favorite food. (Sweet potato pie, if you were wondering, and we know because of a question from one of the kids!) His passion to provide a place where all feel welcome and all have the opportunity to learn and grow and escape into stories is so beautifully evident. He understands the darkness and fights it with spreading joy, specifically library joy, and he cannot help but be inspiring to me.

This book, by @randomhousekids is one that will invite many who may not feel seen into a place of belonging and community, not just for reading! The lovely illustrations show families of all colors, as I expected, but the front cover with a girl reading braille & a boy in a wheelchair join the kids inside where we learn some may not live in a house, or have different kinds of families. All are welcome.

Imagine a place where all are welcome. ❤️

Thank you to @wichitalibrary & @watermarkbooksandcafe for a lovely event. I hope we convinced Mr. Threets that he is definitely welcome here.

[Elizabeth]

As heard on Wait Wait... Don't Tell Me! (Librarian Mychal Threets talks rebooting Reading Rainbow and our panel eats goo)

This week, we're joined by Mychal Threets, the world's most popular librarian, who talks about Library Joy and rebooting Reading Rainbow. Plus, panelists Tom Bodett, Josh Gondelman, and Tig Notaro prepare for the big game by eating goo

Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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[Barbara · Rating 3 out of 5]

Just as warm and welcoming at its author, a librarian who hosts Reading Rainbow, this colorful picture book introduces young readers to the community library where they can find books, of course, but also, plenty of other activities. And while they're at it, they just might realize that this is one place where they may feel safe and as though they belong and are accepted just as they are and no matter their circumstances. The text and artwork are inviting, embracing anyone who opens the book's pages. Not only am I grateful for libraries and the joy they bring me, but I'm grateful for Mychal Threets' enthusiasm and tireless passion for promoting library joy, especially through this love letter to libraries.

[Melissa Rochelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm so happy Mychal is on this planet at the same time as me. Mychal and I started following each other on Instagram in 2020 (I really thought it was earlier!); he was a baby Librarian spreading library joy to a much smaller group of followers. We shared messages about our cats, and I've written then deleted so many messages to him over the years (I often feel like I'm bothering people so I only regularly message two people: my husband and one of my sisters).

Watching Mychal's star rise has been pretty incredible and he's handled it with transparency and grace. So, of course, I bought this beautiful picture book.

The illustrations are vibrant and show library joy on every page — books and board games and a clear message of belonging — because the library IS for everyone.

[Kelly {SpaceOnTheBookcase] · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mychal Threets' I'm So Happy You're Here highlights how special the library is and the things you can do at the library beyond just read books. I love the push for little ones to explore their local library and get a library card. In the back of the book Threets' includes a longer message about sharing parts of the book with their grown-ups and I really appreciate a message that says, talk to your grown up, share with your grown up, explore with your grown up. The book is brightly illustrated from start to finish by the talented Lorraine Nam. This is a perfect book for every shelf!

Thank you Random House Kids for the gifted copy.

[Holly · Rating 5 out of 5]

2026 is a good year for books, my goodness. It's been a real treat watching Mychal go from being #LibraryFamous on the Solano County Library Instagram page in like 2021/22 to meeting him & taking a selfie on the exhibit floor at the IL Library Conference in 2024 to.....him becoming Actually Famous: the new host of Reading Rainbow, publishing a book, being interviewed by Michael Kosta on The Daily Show.

Anyways this is a book review so: you can tell the dude is an experienced storytimer, this is an excellent read aloud and the illustrations show all the different types of library kids and their grown ups.

[Heather Cain · Rating 5 out of 5]

Big thanks to Libro.fm for letting me listen to this as an audiobook! I can't wait to see the final version at my closest library.

This was a really cute and sweet book read by Mychal Threets himself. It talked about how everyone is welcome at the library, and how excited librarians like himself are about having people visit and experience library joy. Highly recommend this for kids of all ages!!

[Alisha Hernandez]

I really enjoyed how this book talks about the MANY things you can do at a library! I loved how diverse it was with seeing all sorts of people. The library is for everyone! I do believe if people knew more about what the library has/offers they would utilize it more. This book really goes over all the fun to be had in a library. I would love to read this to my class so they can see for themselves how fun the library is and hopefully they can ask their adult to visit.

[Nicole · Rating 5 out of 5]

I adore Mychal Threets, and my almost 3 year old daughter loves the new Reading Rainbow, so it was a given that I'd buy this book. As a fellow millennial and library kid (still am) who also struggled with my mental health, I love everything about this book and feel so seen! I can't wait to share it with my daughter and embrace the library kid that she is, too! Oh, and the illustrations are absolutely gorgeous!

[Ccaywood · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very nice, inclusive welcome to the public library for children and their families, this is simple and factual. The children are diversely adorable and Threets is recognizable. The colorful Illustrations have lots of white space and just enough detail. I would use this book on visits to child care centers and other places where children might not be familiar with the library. It would also make a good gift to a family that hadn't discovered the library.

[Danielle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautifully inclusive and showcases all we love about our libraries! Everyone is welcome here at the library, thank you Mychal Threets for the warm words of welcome that we can share to everyone who walks through our doors! "We're so happy you're here!" & Lorraine Nam for the wonderfully joyful illustrations!

[Alicia · Rating 4 out of 5]

Mychat Threets is known for his library joy. It started on social media and then he became a personality and now it's fitting that as the host of the updated Reading Rainbow and as a public figure, he has a book showcasing exactly what he's known for, welcoming ALL to the library.

It's perfectly celebratory at every angle.