The Right to Read Act: In Support of School Libraries
School libraries have proven to be critical to student literacy. A new bill seeks to shore up these beloved institutions with significant funding and support. We will be watching for ALA’s updates and action alerts, which will explain ways that we can all support this important bill! Please stay tuned. On October 6, 2022, Senator Jack Reed (D-RI) and U.S. Representative Raul Grijalva (D-AZ-03) introduced the Right to Read Act. The Act recognizes how school libraries have a profound impact on students’ ability to become avid, skilled readers. The Act seeks to address disparities that exist in school library access and resources. It also will actively respond to the book bans affecting school libraries across the country.
The Right to Read Act will:
- Reauthorize funding up to $500 million for the Comprehensive Literacy State Development Grants, which focus specifically on aiding literacy in children living in poverty, English language learners, and children with disabilities;
- Increase authorization to $100 million for the Innovative Approaches to Literacy Program, which focuses on supporting the development of literacy skills in low-income communities;
- Respond to book banning trends, by reaffirming that First Amendment rights apply to school libraries
According to Senator Reed:
“The Right to Read Act will help address… disparities, 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.”
American Library Association (ALA) and American Association of School Libraries (AASL) strongly endorse this bill, which aims to ensure each student has access to a fully resourced school library, staffed by a certified school librarian. Please stay tuned for ways that you can help advocate for the Right to Read Act!
Remember to follow ALA United for news for library supporters, trustees, and friends. Follow ALA Office of Intellectual Freedom for news from the frontlines of battles against censorship.
