Hi Jenny,

As you may have heard, libraries have been celebrating the reinstatement of all previously canceled federal grants from the Institute of Museum and Library Services. We know how important this funding is for libraries and their communities. And that’s why we’re not stopping. 

New legislation introduced in Congress has the potential to provide more resources to school libraries in every state. We need our elected officials to show up for school libraries. 

Introduced by Representative Adelita Grijalva (AZ-07) in the House and Senator Jack Reed (RI) in the Senate, the Right to Read Act would provide resources to local school districts so that every child has access to an effective school library staffed by a certified school librarian and up-to-date materials. The bill would codify protections for librarians and educators who are doing the vital work of showing students how to read, access, and assess information.  

The Right to Read Act would increase student access to fully staffed and resourced school libraries across the nation by reauthorizing and expanding existing federal programs that provide critical literacy resources in high-need communities. This is the moment for more investment in school libraries and school librarians, not less. 

We’re incredibly proud of the work our community has done this year – and we celebrate the achievements we’ve marked along the way. Thank you for showing up for our libraries, now and always. 

Kevin Maher 
Deputy Director, Public Policy & Advocacy