Beloved Fairfield native Mychal Threets says he believes he is “running out of time” as he continues to struggle with his mental health, sharing a deeply personal message with his followers on Instagram for World Mental Health Day.
“I don’t know what time I have left, but I’m gonna keep on trying to find joy each and every day no matter what happens,” Threets said in the video posted on Oct. 10.
The former Fairfield librarian and nationally known “Reading Rainbow” host acknowledged that while followers may see him as doing well, that is not how he feels.
“People keep on saying, ‘Mychal, I’m glad to see you’re doing well. I’m glad to see you’re OK,’” he said. “But I’m not doing well. I’m not OK. But I believe that’s OK because I’m trying my best.”
Threets, who has built a large following through his enthusiasm for books, libraries, and what he calls “library joy,” spoke candidly about the intensity of his emotions and the effort it takes to keep moving forward.
Mychal Threets high-fives students at an assembly at Cleo Gordon Elementary School in Fairfield during a visit in May 2026. (COURTESY)
“My brain is very loud. My feelings are very big,” he said.
Despite his uncertainty about the future, he emphasized his determination to keep looking for happiness and holding on to hope.
“I don’t know what tomorrow has in store. I haven’t met tomorrow yet, but I have hope,” he said.
Threets also made clear that he wants to remain connected to the world around him.
“I want to see you at the library, at the bookstore, in the world where all belong,” he told his followers. “I want to stay. I’m trying to stay. I am asking for help. I am asking for joy. I am seizing hope.”
He described himself as being on a continuing journey toward feeling OK, taking each day as it comes.
“I’m on a journey to OK, to keep on to tomorrow each and every day,” he said. “I’m trying to stay, and I’m thankful for you.”
The video prompted an outpouring of support from followers, many of whom echoed Threets’ familiar message of gratitude for people who keep going through difficult times.
Commenters expressed their love and appreciation for Threets, thanked him for speaking openly about his struggles, and shared their own experiences with mental health challenges. Many said his honesty helped them feel less alone.
Threets has spoken publicly about his mental health before. In August, he posted on Threads, Meta’s text-based social media platform, that he was not OK and was seeking help.
“Maybe I’ll never be okay,” he wrote. “I’m seeking help. Going to the (hospital) tomorrow.”
The posts have drawn attention to the importance of seeking support and recognizing that outward appearances do not necessarily reflect what someone is experiencing privately.
Threets worked for 11 years at Solano County’s Fairfield Civic Center Library before leaving in 2024, saying he wanted to prioritize his mental health. His work as a librarian and literary advocate earned him a devoted following, and he has continued connecting with audiences through social media and his role hosting an online revival of “Reading Rainbow.”
In May, Threets returned to Fairfield for a surprise visit to Cleo Gordon Elementary School, where excited students greeted him with high-fives.
His message in the Oct. 10 video returned to a theme that has long defined his public presence: the importance of joy, connection, and helping people feel that they belong.
“I’m going to pursue joy relentlessly with all the time I have left,” he said.
He closed by thanking followers for continuing to try, continuing to stay, and supporting one another.
“We’re still here! Yes!”