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119-s-4320119th Congress

Prison Libraries Act of 2026

Sponsored By: Senator Schiff, Adam B. [D-CA]

Introduced

Summary

Expands access to library services for incarcerated people by creating a federal grant program to fund prison libraries, digital access, education, and reentry programming. The program aims to advance reintegration, reduce recidivism, and increase educational and job-readiness opportunities.

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  • Incarcerated people would get free access to physical books, eBooks, audiobooks, computers, internet in library spaces, plus classes in literacy, digital skills, career readiness, and restorative justice programming.
  • State and territorial correctional systems could apply for grants with a plan and data showing need, and awards would be 1-year grants renewable up to 6 years to build or expand library services and infrastructure.
  • Library staff, post-secondary partners, and local public libraries can be funded to hire qualified librarians, run programs, share resources, and host family literacy and cultural activities.

*Authorizes $10.0 million per year for fiscal years 2026 through 2031 for these grants.*

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

3 provisions identified: 3 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.

Federal grants for prison libraries

If enacted, the Attorney General would set up a new grant program within one year. The program would get $10 million each year for fiscal years 2026 through 2031. States and territories could apply for one-year grants, renewable annually but limited to six years total per grantee. Applications would need a project plan, proof of a physical prison library or intent to create one, and data showing need. The Attorney General would consult with the Institute of Museum and Library Services in running the program.

Prison library services and programs

If enacted, grant money would pay for many prison library services and staff. Funds would cover books, eBooks, audiobooks, multimedia, accessible formats, computers, and internet access inside the library. Grantees could hire qualified librarians and offer digital literacy, job training, post-secondary classes, family literacy, civic and arts programming. The Attorney General would favor applicants that follow library standards, prioritize college-level programming, show measurable outcomes, and ensure geographic diversity. Grantees would have to submit annual performance and expenditure reports and make library space available to post-secondary programs.

Protections and no-fee prison libraries

If enacted, grant funds would be limited to library services and could not be used for unrelated needs such as food, clothing, hygiene items, medical care, transportation, general prison operations, unrelated staff pay, or unrelated facility maintenance. The bill would bar using grant money to satisfy other legal obligations of a facility, including maintaining a law library. Grantees would also be prohibited from charging incarcerated individuals fees for library access, eBooks, audiobooks, computers or internet in the library, art and school supplies, or printing. These rules would protect people in prison and their families from new out-of-pocket charges for library services.

Sponsors & CoSponsors

Sponsor

Schiff, Adam B. [D-CA]

CA • D

Cosponsors

  • Sen. Durbin, Richard J. [D-IL]

    IL • D

    Sponsored 4/16/2026

  • Sen. Hirono, Mazie K. [D-HI]

    HI • D

    Sponsored 4/16/2026

  • Sen. Padilla, Alex [D-CA]

    CA • D

    Sponsored 4/16/2026

  • Sen. Booker, Cory A. [D-NJ]

    NJ • D

    Sponsored 4/16/2026

Roll Call Votes

No roll call votes available for this bill.

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