State Library Agency - Family Literacy Pilot Program - Establishment

Free reading program for incarcerated families

The law creates Maryland’s Family Literacy Pilot Program from October 1, 2025, through December 31, 2028. Participating incarcerated people get help choosing age-appropriate books and recording themselves reading aloud. Each child receives a copy of the book and recording. Participation is free for the incarcerated person, child, and custodial parent or guardian. Eligible children include biological or adopted children, stepchildren, grandchildren, and legal wards. The child’s custodial parent or guardian must give written permission. The Maryland State Library Agency runs the pilot with advice from state corrections officials and the Correctional Education Council. It must select four state correctional facility libraries or prerelease centers representing Maryland’s western, central, and eastern regions. At least one selected facility must serve women and at least one must serve men. Book selections must include languages other than English. The agency must report results to the General Assembly by December 1, 2028. The law expires at the end of December 31, 2028, unless the General Assembly renews it.