A Public Message of Concern

Mychal Threets, the internet-famous librarian and current host of Reading Rainbow, recently shared a candid and concerning update with his followers. Known widely on platforms like TikTok as "Mychal the Librarian," he took to the social media platform Threads on Monday, August 17, to announce that he is struggling and seeking professional medical assistance.

In his post, Threets wrote:

"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 expressed profound gratitude toward the individuals in his life who provide him with support and care, emphasizing that he values those connections deeply.


Career and Advocacy

Threets gained significant prominence last September when he was announced as a host for the revival of Reading Rainbow. Expressing his admiration for the legacy of the program, he previously shared, "There have been two hosts in the history of Reading Rainbow. The Legend of Literacy, LeVar Burton! And… me, Mychal Threets, a librarian."

He frequently speaks about how the original show shaped his professional path, noting that he became a reader and a librarian because of the impact the program had on his sense of belonging.


Opening Up About Mental Health Struggles

This is not the first time Threets has been transparent about his personal challenges. In an interview with NBC Bay Area conducted this past April, he revealed that he left his previous librarian position due to mental health complications.

During the interview, he shared a deeply personal account of his journey, stating:

"I was just really struggling in life, struggling at work for the first time, just started feeling burnt out. 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."

Despite these immense difficulties, he explained that this challenging period paradoxically led to a new chapter in his life, involving travel across the United States and his current role with PBS and Reading Rainbow.

If you or someone you know is in crisis, support is available. You can call or text 988 or visit 988lifeline.org to connect with resources.