Viral librarian Mychal Threets to host ‘Reading Rainbow’
Viral librarian Mychal Threets is attracting book lovers as the new host of the revamped ‘Reading Rainbow.’
Mychal Threets, host of the new “Reading Rainbow,” says he is seeking help after sharing a candid update about his emotional well-being.
Threets, the librarian and literacy advocate known online as Mychal the Librarian, told followers in an Aug. 17 Threads post that he planned to check himself into a hospital.
“I am not okay. Maybe I’ll never be okay. I’m seeking help,” Threets, 36, wrote. “Going to the hospital tomorrow. In this moment I am safe. By God’s grace.”
Threets also thanked those who have supported him, writing, “No matter what happens to me I will always be thankful for the extraordinary people in my life who worry, who help me.”
USA TODAY has reached out to Threets for comment.
Many of his followers flooded the comment section with messages of support, including actress Yvette Nicole Brown, who wrote, “If you need the help, maybe go tonight, friend.”
Threets has previously spoken openly about his mental health. In an interview with NBC Bay Area, Threets shared that in 2024 he stepped away from his job at the Solano County Library in California to prioritize his well-being.
“I was just really struggling in life, struggling at work for the first time, just started feeling burnt out,” he said. “And I think my plan was, honestly, to leave the world at that time. I planned to take my own life in March 2024, and I’m still struggling today.”
The librarian rose to prominence on social media with videos celebrating books and libraries. He later became the resident librarian for PBS and PBS Kids and, in 2025, was named host of the digital revival of “Reading Rainbow,” the beloved children’s series previously hosted by LeVar Burton.
A TikTok video posted on his account on Aug. 8 sparked concerns from many of his followers.
“If today is my last day in the land of the living, I just wanted to say I love you and I’m proud of you,” he said in the video. “The world, the library is best with you in it. Thank you for staying.”