Right to Read Act of 2025

Access to Quality Libraries: The bill defines an "effective school library" to include at least one full-time State-certified school librarian and adequate staffing to remain open before, during, and after the school day (Section 2).

Development of Essential Skills: By emphasizing "information literacy" and "digital literacy," the bill aims to help students learn to find, evaluate, and use information effectively (Section 2).

Equitable Access for Vulnerous Groups: The bill requires states to work toward ensuring that low-income students, minority students, students with disabilities, and English learners are not disproportionately enrolled in schools lacking effective libraries (Section 3).

Improved Student Achievement: The bill promotes the use of libraries to enhance student achievement and foster lifelong reading and learning through motivational initiatives (Section 2).

Protection of Student Rights: The legislation requires agencies to protect the First Amendment rights of students, ensuring access to a variety of reading materials (Section 8).

Increased Administrative Requirements: The bill mandates that the Secretary of Education direct the collection of detailed biennial data on school library facilities, staffing, and collections (Section 6).

New State and Local Obligations: State and local educational agencies must create and notify the public of specific policies regarding the "right to read" (Section 3).