Empowering Young Readers Act of 2026
Sponsored By: Representative Foushee, Valerie P. [D-NC-4]
Introduced
Summary
Expanding children's access to books is the main goal. This bill would create a Department of Education pilot to award competitive grants to nonprofits and nongovernmental organizations to buy and distribute books and run local literacy activities.
Show full summary
- Children and families would get more books and local literacy programming such as book fairs, reading hours, story times, and delivery of books.
- Nonprofits and nongovernmental groups could apply for competitive grants up to $200,000 each for two years and must submit past-work information, a strategic plan, and a community leader's letter.
- Public libraries may receive donated books funded by the grants but would retain the right to accept or reject donations.
- The Secretary of Education would report to Congress within six months after the final grant expires with qualitative data on activities, the number of books provided, and any available changes in child literacy in served communities.
*Would authorize $10.0 million for FY2026, available through FY2027, representing new federal spending to fund the pilot.*
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Bill Overview
Analyzed Economic Effects
2 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.
Pilot grants to boost kids' books
If enacted, the Education Secretary would set up a competitive pilot grant program within 180 days. Nonprofit or nongovernmental groups could get grants up to $200,000 each for two years to buy or acquire books, distribute books (including delivery or events), donate books to public libraries, or run family literacy programs. Applicants would need to show past work on book access, submit a strategic plan explaining community needs, and include a supporting letter from a community leader. Grants would be awarded using viewpoint-neutral criteria. The bill would authorize $10 million for fiscal year 2026, available through fiscal year 2027. The Secretary would report to Congress within six months after the final grant period ends with data on activities, number of books provided, and, if available, changes in child literacy rates. The program defines a "child" as an individual under 19 years of age.
Libraries can refuse book donations
If enacted, the bill would say that nothing in the pilot program section may be read to limit a public library's or other entity's ability to reject all or part of a book donation. This would preserve libraries' discretion over what they add to their collections.
Sponsors & CoSponsors
Sponsor
Foushee, Valerie P. [D-NC-4]
NC • D
Cosponsors
Adams
NC • D
Sponsored 2/3/2026
Rep. Doggett, Lloyd [D-TX-37]
TX • D
Sponsored 2/10/2026
Rep. Ross, Deborah K. [D-NC-2]
NC • D
Sponsored 3/12/2026
Roll Call Votes
No roll call votes available for this bill.
View on Congress.gov