Fans Rally Around ‘Reading Rainbow’ Host After Urgent ‘I Am Not Okay’ Post
Prayers are going up for Mychal Threets, host of the “Reading Rainbow” reboot, after a recent social media post has fans hoping for the best. In an August 17 post on Threads, Threets, known as “Mychal the Librarian,” shared his plans to check himself into the hospital, 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.”
He continued, thanking those who have supported him through his journey.
“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 
,” he wrote.
Before becoming an internet favorite, Mychal Threets was a librarian at the Fairfield Civic Center Library in California who captured hearts during the COVID-19 pandemic by sharing his love for books and reading. In 2025, he was tapped to host a new YouTube version of “Reading Rainbow,” the educational series originally hosted by LeVar Burton, created to bring books to life for young readers. The original show ran on PBS from 1983 to 2006.
Related: Books By Black Authors We Can’t Wait to Read This Fall
The 36-year-old Threets has been open about his struggles with mental health issues on his social media platforms. He told PEOPLE in a January 2026 interview that he has always been “painfully shy,” which makes being in the spotlight difficult.
@mychal3ts Thank you for being a friend
Video Description: Mychal says, “Thank you for helping me on my journey to survive depression.” He holds a copy of Jenny Lawson’s book, HOW TO BE OKAY WHEN NOTHING IS OKAY. He ends with, “I love you”
“I still have hard days, and I’d much rather be behind the scenes,” he said. “But for a chance to amplify libraries, amplify people’s stories — essentially, I serve almost as a narrator of library joy, and I’m honored to do it,” he said.
In addition to encouraging followers to read, Threets also used his platform to speak out on social justice issues, including messages against war and a show of support for Nolan Wells’ family after his death.
@mychal3ts Nolan Wells
Video Description: Mychal holds up the book YOU DESERVE FLOWERS by @Devon. He says that Nolan Wells is deserving of flowers, he should be here to receive them, he should’ve gotten to grow old, he should be alive, he is forever loved. Say his name, Nolan Wells
Friends and fans responded to Threet’s Threads post with words of encouragement.
“If you need the help, maybe go tonight, friend,” wrote actresss Yvette Nicole Brown.
“Please take care of yourself. You are loved by so many people. Most of us who haven’t even met you, but admire all that you stand for. Please keep on living. We need you so much!” wrote someone else in the comments.
If you or someone you know is struggling or in crisis, help is available. You are not alone. Call or Text 988 to reach the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. It is free, confidential, and available 24/7.
