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119-s-4028119th CongressWALLET

Open Books, Open Doors Act

Sponsored By: Senator Kim, Andy [D-NJ]

Introduced

Summary

Expands access to developmentally-appropriate books in underserved "book deserts." This bill would create the Open Books, Open Doors Grant Program and a Federal Clearinghouse to boost book access, family reading, and literacy supports across communities.

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  • Families and children would get more books and reading programs through grants for book banks, distribution, family literacy classes, direct mail, and waived library fees. At least 70% of funding would go to grants serving book deserts and community anchors.
  • Children with suspected learning disabilities and their teachers would see more screening, referrals, and training funding. Fifteen percent of funds would support early screening, intervention, and educator training.
  • States, libraries, schools, tribal entities, and community groups could apply for grants and get technical help, research-backed guidance, and pilot funding. The bill sets an 8% innovation pool with at least 25% of that for small community groups and requires a 25% non-Federal match that the Secretary may waive.

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

5 provisions identified: 4 benefits, 0 costs, 1 mixed.

Annual $100 million program funding

If enacted, the bill would authorize $100,000,000 for each fiscal year 2026 through 2031 to carry out the program. The Secretary would be able to request supplemental appropriations if demand for literacy services is higher.

New child literacy grant program

If enacted, the bill would create competitive grants for states, libraries, schools, tribes, and nonprofits to expand child literacy. Grantees would normally provide a 25% non‑Federal match and meet a maintenance‑of‑effort test. Grant funds would buy and distribute free books, run literacy programs, screen for learning disabilities, train educators, and support families. Grantees would generally be limited to 25% of funds for operating costs unless the Secretary approves a waiver. The bill would set funding priorities, including at least 70% for book‑desert grants, 15% for early screening, and 8% for pilots.

Federal clearinghouse for book access

If enacted, the Secretary would set up a Federal Clearinghouse on Book Access. The Clearinghouse would collect and rate evidence, list who is served, describe costs, and publish toolkits and training. Materials must follow civil rights rules and be developed with researchers and local partners. State and local agencies would not be required to adopt Clearinghouse strategies.

Grantee reports to Congress annually

If enacted, the Secretary would submit reports to Congress starting not later than two years after enactment and annually after. Reports would list students served, demographics, assessment or validated literacy scale data, teacher and parent survey responses, books per child before and after, and caregiver participation.

Interagency literacy working group

If enacted, the bill would require an interagency working group within 180 days. The group would meet at least twice a year and report to Congress every two years. It would develop a national literacy strategy for birth through young adulthood and coordinate federal programs and messaging.

Sponsors & CoSponsors

Sponsor

Kim, Andy [D-NJ]

NJ • D

Cosponsors

There are no cosponsors for this bill.

Roll Call Votes

No roll call votes available for this bill.

View on Congress.gov
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