Reading Rainbow Host Mychal Threets Checks Into Hospital After Mental Health Disclosure
Mychal Threets, the host of the Reading Rainbow reboot, stirred concern among fans on social media by announcing that he was not okay and planned to check himself into a hospital for mental health treatment.
The 36-year-old librarian shared a candid message on Threads, writing, “I am not okay. Maybe I’ll never be okay. I’m seeking help. Going to the hospital tomorrow. In this moment I am safe. By God’s grace.” Threets has built an online following by championing literature, emotional transparency, and what he terms “unhinged library joy.”
A Public Journey of Joy Intersecting With Private Struggle
Threets rose to viral fame in 2023 through his videos detailing his work at the Fairfield Civic Center Library in Solano County, California. He has hundreds of thousands of followers on TikTok and Instagram, where he frequently used catchphrases like “you belong.” In October 2025, he took on a role as the host of the reboot of Reading Rainbow, a children’s literacy program originally hosted by LeVar Burton on PBS from 1983 to 2006.
Despite his outward-facing joy and advocacy for literacy, Threets has been transparent with his community about the toll that burnout has taken on his well-being. In 2024, he resigned from his position at the Fairfield library after 11 years following a mental health breakdown that included panic attacks.
Threets opened up to NBC Bay Area about the darkest moments of that period, revealing that he had planned to take his own life in March 2024. He also co-hosts a mental health podcast titled Thoughts about Feelings alongside Blair Imani Ali.
Overwhelming Support From the Online Community
Following his hospital announcement on Monday, the comments sections of Threets’ social media accounts were flooded with messages of love, solidarity, and prayers from fans.
“Please get the help that you need because this world is a better place because you’re in it,” one user wrote on his Threads post, according to HuffPost coverage. Another supporter added, “We will be waiting in the library for you to return from your battle.”
Threets concluded his announcement by expressing gratitude for the people standing by him. “No matter what happens to me I will always be thankful for the extraordinary people in my life who worry, who help me,” he wrote. “Thank you for your care. I will always love you.”
As the media personality steps away to receive professional care, his team has not released any further updates regarding his hospital stay. For those navigating similar crises, confidential help is available. In the United States, individuals can reach out to the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline by calling or texting 988, or by visiting 988lifeline.org for free assistance available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
