As Book Bans Spread, Reed & Grijalva Introduce Right to Read Act to Boost Literacy & Strengthen School Libraries

WASHINGTON, DC - Literacy opens the door for lifelong opportunity and economic success. To make sure this door is open to every child, U.S. Senator Jack Reed (D-RI) and U.S. Representative Adelita Grijalva (D-AZ-07) introduced the Right to Read Act, which will close gaps in access to school library resources and surge federal investment in support of increasing student literacy across America.

In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, reading scores for American nine-year-olds have dropped to their lowest point since 1990.

Research consistently shows that access to school libraries makes a big difference in giving kids the skills and inspiration they need to become proficient and enthusiastic readers. Students who utilize their school libraries have 73 percent higher literacy rates than their peers who do not. However, not every student has access to a school library or school librarian.

The Department of Education's National Center for Education Statistics reports that about 8,830 public schools across America do not have a school library. For schools that do, nearly 17,000 do not have a full- or part-time librarian. Vulnerable students face even greater disadvantages in accessing strong school library programs, with students experiencing the highest levels of poverty being 30 percent more likely to not have a school library at all.

School libraries are most effective when they offer resources that resonate, engage, and empower students. Yet, during the 2024-2025 school year, PEN America recorded 6,870 instances of book bans across 23 states and 87 public school districts. Since 2021, the organization has tracked nearly 23,000 book bans in public schools.

The Right to Read Act will help close these gaps, ensuring that students have evidence-based reading instruction, well stocked and staffed school libraries, family literacy programs, a wide range of reading materials, and the freedom to choose what to read. It also addresses the information digital literacy needs of today's students. The bill goes further to strengthen effective school libraries by investing in recruiting and retaining state-certified school librarians and supporting staff working to broaden access to library collections.

"Our students deserve to have an education that prepares them for future success. Decades of research tells us that strong school library programs help our students improve test scores, deepen their understanding of key topics, and achieve higher graduation rates," said Senator Reed, the leading champion for libraries in Congress. "The Right to Read Act makes sure that every student across America has access to the opportunities that literacy provides them through high-quality, appropriately staffed school libraries and a wide range of books and reading material to choose from."

"As a former school board member, I've seen how libraries can spark confidence, curiosity, and opportunity for our children," said Congresswoman Grijalva. "But today, thousands of students - especially those in our highest-poverty schools - don't have access to a library or a certified librarian. At the same time, politically-motivated book bans are limiting the stories and ideas students can explore. Books open doors; censorship closes them. The Right to Read Act tackles these inequities head-on by investing in evidence-based literacy, rebuilding and staffing school libraries, and defending every child's right to read."

The Right to Read Act would reauthorize the Comprehensive Literacy State Development grant program at $500 million and the Innovative Approaches to Literacy program at $100 million.

This legislation reaffirms that first amendment rights apply to school libraries in response to the alarming trend of book banning, and it protects school librarians and other educators in carrying out their duty to protect students' right to read.

In addition to Senator Jack Reed and Congresswoman Adelita Grijalva, the legislation is cosponsored by U.S. Senators Brian Schatz (D-HI), Mazie Hirono (D-HI), Dick Durbin (D-IL), Angus King (I-ME), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI), and Ron Wyden (D-OR) in the Senate and U.S. Representatives Joyce Beatty (D-OH-03), Suzanne Bonamici (D-OR-01), and Summer Lee (D-PA-12) in the House.

The legislation is supported by the American Library Association (ALA) and its division, the American Association of School Librarians (AASL), as well as the American Federation of Teachers, PEN America, Reach Out and Read, the National Education Association, and the National Council of Teachers of English (NCTE).

"School librarians and media specialists uplift students every school day across our nation" said American Library Association President Sam Helmick." Librarians help students learn to read and inspire them to read to learn. The Right to Read Act strengthens the resources they depend on, ensuring every student has early, equitable access to up-to-date books, technology, and expert guidance. We applaud Sen. Jack Reed and Rep. Adelita Grijalva for championing this essential legislation."

"The evidence is clear: well-resourced school libraries and certified school librarians are not optional, they are foundational to student success," said American Association of School Librarians President Amanda Kordeliski. "More than fifty years of research across over sixty studies show that students with access to full-time, state-certified librarians and robust collections consistently perform better academically. When we invest in school librarians, we are investing in equity, literacy, and the future of our communities."

"As educators, we know that reading opens the world for kids. Literacy is fundamental to student success, empowerment and a strong democracy. The Right to Read Act ensures students have access to evidence-based reading instruction and a well-stocked school library. The legislation shares our goal of encouraging a love of reading and ensuring teachers, paraprofessionals and librarians have the resources they need. Sen. Reed is a champion for literacy and libraries because he knows that literacy is foundational to our kids' success in school and in life," said Randi Weingarten, president of the American Federation of Teachers.

"PEN America applauds U.S. Sen. Jack Reed and Rep. Adelita Grialva for reintroducing the Right to Read Act. Public school libraries are gateways for young readers to learn about themselves and others through the stories, experiences, and histories shared in books. Efforts to ensure access to libraries and books for students are essential in upholding our rights to read and learn," said Kasey Meehan, Freedom to Read program director at PEN America.

"Reach Out and Read applauds Senator Reed and Representative Grijalva for reintroducing the Right to Read Act, which calls for increasing the authorization for the Innovative Approaches to Literacy (IAL) program to $100 million. The IAL program serves an important role creating a comprehensive approach to early childhood literacy and development, including pediatric literacy programs used by trained medical providers during well-child visits. Reach Out and Read looks forward to working with Congress to continue bringing attention to early literacy and child development," said Dr. Lynette Fraga, Ph.D., chief executive officer of Reach Out and Read.

"The National Council of Teachers of English (NCTE) is proud to once again endorse the Right to Read Act. This legislation will ensure that reading materials are thoughtfully infused throughout every school, enabling the readers and critical thinkers of tomorrow to flourish," NCTE Executive Director Emily Kirkpatrick said. "NCTE thanks Senator Reed for his unwavering commitment to promoting literacy education."

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