Reading Rainbow star checks himself into hospital, says he’s ‘safe’ but ‘not okay’
Reading Rainbow reboot host Mychal Threets announced on social media that he is checking himself into a hospital to focus on his mental health.
Mychal Threets, the host of the Reading Rainbow reboot, is checking himself into a hospital after he admitted online that he is struggling with his mental health.
According to primary reporting, the children's performer and literacy advocate announced his plans in a post on the platform Threads. In his message, he addressed his followers directly about his current well-being.
Media additions
"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."
Mychal Threets, via Independent
He continued, "No matter what happens to me I will always be thankful for the extraordinary people in my life who worry, who help me. Thank you for your care. I will always love you."
Actress Yvette Nicole Brown commented, "If you need the help, maybe go tonight, friend. ❤️"
He began posting videos during the Covid-19 pandemic in 2020, but rose to viral fame in 2023 with his posts about working as a children's librarian at the Fairfield Civic Center Library in Solano County, California. Known for his positive attitude and passion for reading, — as well as his catchphrases “you belong” and “unhinged library joy” — Threets has also been open about his mental health journey on his TikTok platform, where he has more than 922,000 followers, and his Instagram, which has more than 987,000 followers. In 2024, he resigned from the Fairfield library after 11 years to focus on his wellbeing after previously telling his followers that he had been experiencing a “mental health breakdown” that brought on panic attacks. The social media star has been the face of iconic children’s program Reading Rainbow since it relaunched on YouTube in 2025. The show was previously hosted by LeVar Burton during its run on PBS from 1983 to 2006.
Threets, who penned the children's book I'm So Glad You're Here: A Celebration of Library Joy, still isn't fond of the spotlight, but said his message is what carries him forward. He also co-hosts a podcast about mental health called Thoughts about Feelings with Blair Imani Ali, although a new episode has not been released since February.
Context and Public Response
Following his announcement regarding hospital care, representatives for the performer were reached by media outlets for comment, though no formal updates have been issued by his team.
- 2020: Began publishing library and reading videos during the Covid-19 pandemic.
- 2023: Achieved viral online prominence through videos recorded at the Fairfield Civic Center Library.
- 2024: Resigned from his position at the Fairfield library to prioritize personal mental health and recovery.
- 2025: Launched as the host of the relaunched Reading Rainbow series on YouTube.
If you are based in the USA, and you or someone you know needs mental health assistance right now, call or text 988, or visit 988lifeline.org to access online chat from the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline. This is a free, confidential crisis hotline that is available to everyone 24 hours a day, seven days a week. If you are experiencing feelings of distress, or are struggling to cope, you can speak to the Samaritans, in confidence, on 116 123 (UK and ROI) or visit the Samaritans website to find details of your nearest branch. If you are in another country, you can go to www.befrienders.org to find a helpline near you
