Mychal Threets announces hospital admission for mental health

Mychal Threets, the host of the 'Reading Rainbow' relaunch, announced on social media that he is checking himself into a hospital to seek help for his mental health. In a post shared on Threads, the 36-year-old librarian stated, “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.”

Threets gained widespread popularity on TikTok and Instagram for his videos about his work as a librarian, often sharing messages of belonging and joy. He has been open about his mental health struggles in the past, previously noting that he left his position at the Fairfield Civic Center Library in California to focus on his wellbeing following a mental health breakdown.

The 'Reading Rainbow' program, originally hosted by LeVar Burton on PBS, returned via YouTube in late 2025 with Threets as the new face of the series.