‘Reading Rainbow’ star Mychal Threets says he plans to check in into hospital

Mychal Threets, the librarian, author and host of the Reading Rainbow reboot, has said he plans to check himself into hospital after revealing that he is struggling with his mental health.

Threets shared the update on Threads on Monday, telling followers, “I am not okay. Maybe I’ll never be okay. I’m seeking help.” He added, “Going to the hospital tomorrow. In this moment I am safe. By God’s grace.”

He continue, “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.”

The post received widespread support from followers.

Actress Yvette Nicole Brown encouraged him to seek help immediately, writing: “If you need the help, maybe go tonight, friend.”

By Tuesday afternoon, Threets’ post had received more than 70,000 likes. The social media personality, known online as Mychal the Librarian, has more than 987,000 Instagram followers and has frequently spoken publicly about mental health.

In an April interview with NBC Bay Area, Threets said he had struggled with burnout and his mental health before leaving a library job.

He also revealed that he had planned to take his own life in March 2024, adding: “I’m still struggling today.”

His openness eventually led to PBS contacting him. The Reading Rainbow reboot launched in 2025, with Threets serving as its host.

The original PBS series, hosted by LeVar Burton, ran from 1983 to 2006. Threets is also the author of I’m So Happy You’re Here: A Celebration of Library Joy.