Reading Rainbow Host Mychal Threets Shares Hopeful Health Update
If you've ever come across Mychal Threets online, chances are he was talking about books, libraries, or seeking out a little bit of joy in the world.
Now, the beloved Reading Rainbow host is sharing something far more personal.
After spending five days in the hospital receiving psychiatric care, Mychal posted a mental health update on Aug. 22 to let everyone know that he's home, he's safe, and, although he isn't feeling okay yet, he has hope that he will be.
Mychal Says Doctors Saved His Life
Earlier in the week, Mychal told his followers that he wasn't doing well and planned to go to the hospital for help.
On Saturday, he returned with an update. Mychal said he spent five days in the hospital on a psychiatric hold and thanked the doctors, nurses, and mental health workers who cared for him.
"You saved my life," he told them. He also thanked his family, friends, and the people who had worried about him. Perhaps the most hopeful part of his message was also one of the simplest. Mychal acknowledged that getting better may take time, but he believes he can get there. “I haven’t been okay for what feels like a very, very long time,” he explained. “I am not okay, but I have hope I will get to okay. I’m on the struggle bookmobile. It’s gonna take a long time for me to be okay.”
He's Been Open About His Mental Health Before
Fans know Mychal the Librarian for his enormous smile, colorful shirts, and infectious enthusiasm for just about everything that involves books. But he’s never pretended that joy means feeling joyful every minute.
Mychal has spoken openly about his depression and anxiety in the past. In 2024, he stepped away from his job at the Solano County Library to focus on his mental health before eventually becoming PBS's first resident librarian.
But his love of libraries never went anywhere. After his cheerful library videos went viral, Mychal became the new host of Reading Rainbow when the beloved children's series returned in 2025. The original show, hosted by LeVar Burton, ran from 1983 until 2006.
For Now, He's Taking Care of Himself
Mychal was scheduled to appear at a TEDxSanDiego event on Aug. 27, but organizers announced that he won’t be able to participate as he takes time to focus on his health and well-being. They said they fully support his decision to step away and get the care he needs.
And that's probably where this story is best left for now. The man who has spent years reminding us about library joy doesn't need to come bouncing back with another cheerful video right away. He’s already done something important by recognizing that he needed help and getting it.
For now, Mychal Threets is safe, surrounded by people who care about him, and hopeful that better days are ahead. The library will still be there whenever he's ready to come back.
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