“Reading Rainbow returns as Birmingham librarians give opinions on how to watch”

new generation of viewers in the making, fans of the original series may still find value in the updated version.

Many local librarians in Birmingham, including Judith Wright from Homewood Public Library and Justin Banger from Hoover Public Library, share a deep connection to Reading Rainbow. The show not only ignited a love for reading within them but also influenced their career choices.

Judith Wright fondly remembers how each episode of Reading Rainbow opened up new worlds and introduced her to countless stories and characters, sparking her passion for reading. Her first experience borrowing a book from the library was directly inspired by an episode of the show. For Justin Banger, the tales told on Reading Rainbow, such as the stories of Paul Bunyan, influenced his love for folk tales and pancakes. His passion for these stories even led to the creation of special programming at Hoover Public Library, like the Pancake Palooza events, which bring these tales to life for a new generation of children.

The original host of Reading Rainbow, LeVar Burton, left behind big shoes to fill when he passed the torch to Mychal Threets, the show’s new host, known as Mychal the Librarian. Local librarians such as Justin Banger believe that Mychal embodies the welcoming spirit of libraries and can inspire children to explore the world of books waiting for them. Ashley Enoch, Children’s Librarian at Pelham Public Library, expresses her excitement about Mychal’s positive energy and its potential to inspire a new generation of readers.

Even in adulthood, the impact of Reading Rainbow continues to be felt, as seen through Shannon Haddock, Program Specialist at Hoover Public Library. Although she was in college when the show originally aired, the energy and passion of LeVar Burton were undeniable and left a lasting impression on her.

As Reading Rainbow returns to captivate a new audience, the magic of the show, combined with the enthusiasm of local librarians like Judith Wright, Justin Banger, and Ashley Enoch, ensures that the love for reading will continue to be sparked in children and adults alike in Birmingham. So, grab your library card, get ready to explore new worlds, and immerse yourself in the joy of reading with the reboot of Reading Rainbow.