Right to Read Act

Summary#

This Act is named the Right to Read Act of 2025. It adds new definitions and requirements to the Elementary and Secondary Education Act. Key definitions include an "effective school library," "information literacy," and a broad "right to read" that lists items such as evidence-based reading instruction, effective school libraries, family literacy support, culturally diverse materials, reading materials at home, and freedom to choose reading materials. The Act also says the term "teacher" includes school librarians.

The Act changes several parts of federal education law so States and local school districts must plan for and report on access to effective school libraries. It adds training, hiring, and retention supports for State-certified school librarians. The Act authorizes specific grant funding for literacy programs, adds digital and information literacy activities to allowed uses of funds, and requires the National Center for Education Statistics to collect data on school libraries every two years. It creates liability protection for school staff who act in conformity with State or local rules regarding the right to read. It also requires States and local educational agencies that receive funds to assure the Secretary of Education they will protect students' First Amendment and equal protection rights in school libraries.

What it means for you#

  • Students: The Act aims to expand access to reading instruction, school libraries, diverse reading materials, and opportunities to build digital and information literacy skills. It also affirms students' access to a variety of reading materials in school libraries.
  • School librarians and library staff: The Act recognizes school librarians as teachers, supports hiring and retaining State-certified librarians, and funds training and collaboration with classroom teachers.
  • Teachers and school leaders: The Act adds training opportunities and encourages planning time with librarians. Local plans must describe how schools will protect the right to read.
  • State and local education agencies: States must include effective school libraries in plans, report progress publicly, collect and share library data with the Secretary of Education, and give assurances about protecting First Amendment and nondiscrimination rights.

Expenses#

  • The Act authorizes $500,000,000 for each of fiscal year 2026 and each of the succeeding 4 fiscal years for grants under section 2222. It also authorizes $100,000,000 for each of fiscal year 2026 and each of the succeeding 4 fiscal years for grants under section 2226.
  • The Act authorizes "such sums as may be necessary" for the National Center for Education Statistics to collect and report library data biennially.
  • No publicly available information on the total federal budget impact or official cost estimates (for example, from the Congressional Budget Office) is included in the text provided.

Proponents' View#

Based on the text, supporters aim to make sure all students have access to high-quality reading instruction and libraries. They seek to strengthen school libraries by defining what an effective library is, supporting State-certified librarians, funding training and library resources, collecting data to track access, and protecting students' access to a variety of materials and their First Amendment rights in school libraries.

Opponents' View#

No publicly available information.