Congress·In Committee·H.R. 6440

Congress Proposes $600 Million to Boost School Libraries and Protect Students' Right to Read

Right to Read Act of 2025

Part of: Congress Proposes $600M Right to Read Act to Protect School Libraries

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Stalled

No legislative action in over 90 days.

↔Companion bill: Congress Proposes $600 Million Yearly to Support School Libraries and Protect Student Access to Diverse Books

Legislative Progress

House

Senate

President

Law

Key Points

This bill aims to make sure every student has access to a high-quality school library and a certified librarian. It defines a "right to read" as having access to diverse books, proper reading lessons, and the freedom to choose what to read.
Congress would set aside $500 million for literacy programs and $100 million to help schools hire more librarians, especially in high-need areas. It also requires states to track whether low-income and minority students have the same access to libraries as others.
The policy includes new protections for teachers and librarians. They would be protected from being sued as long as they are following their school's "right to read" policies when helping students find books.
Schools would have to promise to protect students' First Amendment rights. This means school boards cannot remove books from libraries just because they do not like the ideas or opinions in them.
The government would start collecting data every two years on school libraries. This includes counting how many librarians are on staff, what kind of books are available, and how much time librarians spend teaching students.

EducationCivil Rights

Impact Analysis

Personal Impact

Who is affectedScoreImpactCertaintyScopeDurationSentiment

Scores: 1 = low, 5 = highSentiment: -5 to +5 (net benefit)

Broader Impacts

DomainScoreShort-termLong-termReversibilityConfidence

Score

Scores: -5 (harmful) to +5 (beneficial)Short-term: 0-2 yearsLong-term: 10-30 years

Milestones

2 milestones2 actions

Dec 4, 2025House

Referred to the House Committee on Education and Workforce.

Dec 4, 2025

Introduced in House

Related News

3 articles

School Library Journal·3 months ago

Reintroduction of Federal Right to Read Act Aims to Bolster Literacy, School Libraries

U.S. Senator Jack Reed and Representative Adelita Grijalva reintroduced the Right to Read Act, authorizing $500 million for literacy grants and $100 million for library programs. The bill aims to protect librarians from censorship-related lawsuits and ensure access to diverse books.

Publishing Perspectives·3 months ago

U.S. Congress Members Reintroduce Federal 'Right to Read' Act

Sen. Jack Reed and Rep. Adelita Grijalva have introduced legislation to surge federal investment in literacy and combat school censorship. The bill reauthorizes the Comprehensive Literacy State Development program and provides liability protections for educators following 'right to read' policies.

The Hill·4 months ago

As Book Bans Rise, Federal Lawmakers Push for 'Right to Read' Protections

Senator Jack Reed (D-R.I.) and Rep. Adelita Grijalva (D-Ariz.) are leading a bicameral effort to protect school libraries. The Right to Read Act would provide federal funding to ensure every student has access to a certified librarian and shield staff from politically motivated litigation.