States and districts would plan for effective school libraries

State agencies would report on library access and tell listed groups about their right-to-read policy. The student groups named are low-income students, minority students, students with disabilities, and English learners. The State plan must explain how the agency will work to prevent the listed student groups from being disproportionately enrolled in schools without an effective library and how it will measure and publicly report progress. The plan must state that the agency has a policy regarding the right to read and explain how it will notify local agencies, tribes, schools, educators, parents, and the public.

Local school districts would describe how they will support effective school libraries in their plans. The requirements apply to local educational agency plans. Districts would describe how they will support certified school librarians to ensure students have fair access to effective libraries. Plans would also explain how districts will help schools build effective libraries that support digital and information skills and academic achievement.

The text authorizes federal grant funding for literacy programs and school library activities. The authorization includes $500 million a year for comprehensive literacy grants and $100 million a year for innovative literacy grants. Congress must provide the authorized money before it is available. Eligible activities include supporting libraries, recruiting and training certified librarians and other library staff, and increasing librarians in high-need schools. The authorizations cover fiscal year 2026 and the next four fiscal years.

Federal officials would collect and report school library data, and funded agencies would provide assurances about library rights. The data covers elementary and secondary school libraries. The assurances apply to states and local educational agencies receiving funds under the Act; the liability protection covers teachers, librarians, school leaders, paraprofessionals, and other staff. The data would cover library facilities, staff, collections, devices, and librarians’ work with teachers and students. States and local agencies receiving funds under the Act would assure that they protect students’ First Amendment rights and further their right to receive information, including access to varied reading materials. They must also assure equal protection under the Fourteenth Amendment and nondiscrimination laws. The assurance says school boards may choose library materials, but may not use that role in a partisan or political way or to promote particular views. Covered staff would not be liable for harm caused by actions taken in line with state or local right-to-read policies. The first report to Congress would be due within one year after enactment, with a new report every two years after that.