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Congress·In Committee

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

Right to Read Act of 2025

3 months ago·View on Congress.gov

Legislative Progress

✓ Filed
Review
Senate
House
President

Key Points

  • This bill aims to guarantee that all students have a 'right to read.' This includes access to high-quality reading instruction, a school library staffed by a certified librarian, and a wide variety of books that reflect different cultures and viewpoints.
  • Congress would authorize $600 million in annual funding through 2030 to support literacy. Most of this money ($500 million) would go toward state grants for literacy programs, while $100 million would be used to help high-need schools hire more certified librarians and update their book collections.
  • The policy requires states to monitor and report on whether low-income students, minority students, and students with disabilities have fair access to effective school libraries. The government would also collect data every two years on library facilities, staffing levels, and the types of books and digital tools available to kids.
  • To address recent debates over book access, the bill requires schools to protect students' First Amendment rights. It states that school boards cannot remove library materials for political or partisan reasons or to try to limit students' exposure to certain ideas or opinions.
  • The bill provides legal protection for teachers and librarians. It ensures they cannot be held personally liable or sued for providing books or materials to students as long as they are following their school's 'right to read' policies.
EducationCivil Rights

Impact Analysis

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

Milestones

2 milestones2 actions
Dec 4, 2025Senate

Read twice and referred to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions. (Sponsor introductory remarks on measure: CR S8513-8514)

Dec 4, 2025

Introduced in Senate

Related News

3 articles
Publishers Weekly·3 days ago

'Same Ingredients, Different Recipe' in Proposed U.S. Book Ban

The article highlights the Right to Read Act of 2025 as a legislative alternative to restrictive book-banning bills. It notes the bill was introduced on Dec. 4, 2025, by Sen. Jack Reed and Rep. Adelita Grijalva to promote 'culturally diverse and inclusive materials' and protect library rights.

C+
Publishing Perspectives·3 months ago

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

This report covers the reintroduction of the Right to Read Act in the 119th Congress. It details the proposed $600 million federal investment, including $500 million for state literacy grants and $100 million for the Innovative Approaches to Literacy program to support school librarians.

C=
Education Week·about 3 years ago

How School Libraries Buy Books, Struggle for Funds, and Confront Book Bans: An Explainer

This explainer discusses the challenges facing school libraries and identifies the federal Right to Read Act as a key piece of legislation aimed at investing $600 million to address funding disparities and protect access to diverse reading materials in underserved communities.

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Source Information

Document Type

Congressional Bill

Official Title

Right to Read Act of 2025

Bill NumberS 3365
Congress119th Congress
ChamberSenate
Latest ActionRead twice and referred to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions. (Sponsor introductory remarks on measure: CR S8513-8514)

Sponsor

Cosponsors

(7)
D: 6I: 1

Analysis generated by AI. While we strive for accuracy, this should not be considered legal or professional advice. Always verify information with official government sources.