“Reading Rainbow” Host Mychal Threets Says Doctors “Saved My Life” After Five-Day Psychiatric Hospital Stay

CALIFORNIA — Beloved librarian and Reading Rainbow host Mychal Threets has shared an emotional update after returning home from a five-day psychiatric hospital stay, telling fans that although he is still struggling, he finally has hope.

The 36-year-old literacy advocate posted a heartfelt video on social media, apologizing for worrying supporters after revealing earlier this week that he planned to seek emergency mental health treatment.

“I just got back from a five-day stay at the hospital, a five-day psychiatric hold,” Threets said. “I’m not okay, but I have hope that I will get to okay.”

“You Saved My Life”

In the video, Threets thanked the doctors, nurses and mental health professionals who cared for him during his hospitalization.

He credited the medical team with saving his life and said their compassion made it possible for him to begin healing after what he described as a very long period of emotional pain.

Rather than pretending everything is better, Threets told followers that recovery will take time.

“It’s gonna take a long time for me to be okay,” he said, adding that he remains hopeful about the future.

He ended the message with a reassuring note to fans: “I am safe.”

A Voice for Books and Mental Health

Known online as “Mychal the Librarian,” Threets became a viral sensation in 2023 for his joyful videos celebrating libraries, reading and kindness.

His warmth and enthusiasm eventually led to a major opportunity: becoming the new host of the rebooted Reading Rainbow, following in the footsteps of longtime host LeVar Burton.

Throughout his rise to fame, Threets has also spoken openly about living with depression and anxiety, encouraging others to seek help without shame.

Earlier this week, he wrote that he was “not okay” and planned to admit himself to the hospital, prompting an outpouring of support from readers, educators and fellow creators.

Choosing Help Over Silence

Threets has previously explained that stepping away from his library career in 2024 was necessary to prioritize his mental health.

Despite becoming one of social media’s most recognizable literacy advocates, he has often described himself as naturally introverted and uncomfortable with the spotlight.

He says his mission has never been fame—it has been helping people discover the joy of books and reminding them that libraries are places where everyone belongs.

Now, his latest message is carrying another important reminder.

By publicly discussing his hospitalization, Threets hopes others understand that seeking professional mental health care is a sign of strength rather than weakness.

For the millions of families who know him as the smiling face of Reading Rainbow, his update was both heartbreaking and hopeful: he isn’t okay yet—but he’s safe, and he’s determined to keep healing.