What does Preamble of Open Books, Open Doors Act do?

This bill, formally titled 'To expand equitable access to developmentally-appropriate literacy materials, programs, and family engagement in reading, especially in underserved communities, and strengthen the connection between literacy and long-term academic and economic success,' aims to expand access to literacy resources. The bill specifically targets underserved communities. It seeks to strengthen the link between literacy and both academic and economic success.

What does SHORT TITLE. of Open Books, Open Doors Act do?

This bill is formally titled the Open Books, Open Doors Act.

What does FINDINGS. of Open Books, Open Doors Act do?

This section identifies a decline in reading scores among fourth and eighth-grade students, as indicated by the 2024 National Assessment of Educational Progress. The text highlights a correlation between reading proficiency in third grade and high school graduation rates, noting that 1 in 6 non-proficient readers do not graduate on time. Significant disparities exist in access to books based on income, with higher-income families possessing nearly twice as many books as lower-income families. A substantial portion of children in the U.S. live in areas lacking access to libraries or bookstores, or in homes without books. The text notes a high percentage of juveniles interacting with the juvenile court system are functionally low literate. A limited percentage of young adults meet the eligibility requirements for military service, with a significant portion requiring standards waivers. Daily reading for pleasure has declined significantly over the past two decades, potentially impacting literacy development. Low literacy skills in parents are linked to low literacy skills in their children, contributing to socioeconomic challenges. A significant number of adults in the U.S. lack basic literacy skills needed for employment. Investment in early childhood literacy programs is projected to yield substantial long-term economic benefits. Low literacy levels are associated with significant economic costs to the U.S., including lost earnings and increased government assistance.

What does DEFINITIONS. of Open Books, Open Doors Act do?

This section defines key terms used throughout the Act. “Book desert” is defined as an area with limited access to books, based on criteria like low book availability, lack of nearby libraries or bookstores, high poverty, or limited home reading materials. An “evidence-based literacy program” must be grounded in the science of reading, demonstrate measurable literacy improvements, and have been evaluated through rigorous research. “Family literacy” refers to programs that provide intensive services to families, integrating interactive activities, parent training, literacy training for parents, and developmentally appropriate education for children. A “qualified applicant” for grants or programs is a government entity, educational agency, library, or community organization with a demonstrated record of promoting literacy. “Qualified literacy materials” include a wide range of developmentally appropriate and culturally relevant print and digital content, available in multiple languages and formats. The term “Secretary” refers to the Secretary of Education.

What does OPEN BOOKS, OPEN DOORS GRANT PROGRAM. of Open Books, Open Doors Act do?

This section establishes the Open Books, Open Doors Grant Program to promote child literacy. The Secretary will award grants on a competitive basis to qualified applicants. Funding allocations are specified, with at least 70% going to communities within book deserts collaborating with various entities like barbershops, houses of worship, and childcare centers. Fifteen percent of funds are allocated for early screening, intervention, and educator training related to children with learning disabilities, complementing the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act. Eight percent of funds are designated for strategies to expand access to books and enhance literacy instruction, prioritizing small entities and family literacy programs. Up to 5% of funds can be used for technical assistance and capacity building. Up to 3% can be used for public engagement and awareness campaigns. Up to 3% can be used to support disaster-impacted areas. Applicants must describe the community's need, partnership strategies, outreach to underserved communities, and a sustainability plan. Grant funds can be used for activities such as purchasing literacy materials, establishing literacy centers, and implementing evidence-based literacy programs. Non-public entities can use up to 25% of grant funds for operating expenses, with potential waivers from the Secretary. Applicants must maintain or increase literacy expenditures from the previous year to receive grant funds. Each applicant must provide a 25% match from non-Federal sources, though the Secretary may waive this requirement.

What does REPORTING REQUIREMENTS. of Open Books, Open Doors Act do?

This section establishes reporting requirements for grant recipients. The Secretary must submit an annual report to specified Senate and House committees. The report must include a breakdown of the number of students served, including demographics like socioeconomic status, race, age, and disability status. Data on literacy engagement scales must be provided biannually. Survey responses from teachers and parents regarding the impact of increased book access on children's reading enthusiasm and confidence are required. The report must also detail the number of books per child before and after the program, and the number of caregiver participants.

What does INTERAGENCY COLLABORATION. of Open Books, Open Doors Act do?

This section mandates interagency collaboration to implement and maximize the impact of a grant program established under the Act. The Secretary must coordinate with specified federal agencies, including the Corporation for National and Community Services, the Food and Nutrition Service, and the Department of Health and Human Services. Coordination activities include aligning literacy efforts, sharing data and best practices, ensuring consistent messaging, encouraging joint applications, and identifying opportunities for service integration. An interagency working group must be established within 180 days of enactment to support the Act's implementation. The working group must meet at least twice annually and submit a coordination report to Congress every two years. The working group is also tasked with creating a national strategy to promote literacy among young children, school-aged children, and young adults.

What does RULE OF CONSTRUCTION. of Open Books, Open Doors Act do?

This section establishes a rule of construction for the Act. The Act prohibits the Secretary from banning or censoring materials. The Act prevents the Secretary from influencing local curricular or content decisions based on political or viewpoint grounds.

What does FEDERAL CLEARINGHOUSE ON BOOK ACCESS. of Open Books, Open Doors Act do?

This section establishes a Federal Clearinghouse on Book Access, to be coordinated by the Secretary and Federal agencies listed in section 6(a). The Clearinghouse will identify, collect, and evaluate strategies to improve children's access to literacy materials and literacy outcomes, particularly in 'book deserts'. It will provide guidance, toolkits, and technical resources to States, local agencies, health professionals, libraries, and nonprofits. The resources provided will include information on the strength of evidence, populations served, implementation models, cost considerations, and literacy outcomes. The Clearinghouse must ensure its guidance is consistent with Federal civil rights laws. The Secretary is required to consult with literacy researchers, state and local educational agencies, and other relevant groups. The Secretary will assign personnel and resources to administer the Clearinghouse and may detail personnel from other Federal agencies. The Secretary may produce and publish materials to assist agencies in implementing evidence-based strategies. The Secretary will collect data, user feedback, and evaluations to continuously improve the Clearinghouse. This section clarifies that state and local educational agencies are not required to adopt the strategies identified by the Clearinghouse.

What does AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS. of Open Books, Open Doors Act do?

This section authorizes appropriations to carry out the Act. A total of $100,000,000 is authorized for each fiscal year from 2026 through 2031. The Secretary may request supplemental appropriations based on demand for literacy services.

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Open Books, Open Doors Act

Last updated: 3/9/2026 · Introduced: 3/9/2026

Author: Andy Kim (D-NJ)

TL;DR (AI)

This bill establishes the Open Books, Open Doors Grant Program to provide funding to qualified applicants for initiatives promoting child literacy, prioritizing underserved communities and those within 'book deserts'.
The program allocates funds for early screening, educator training related to learning disabilities, expanding access to books, and supporting family literacy programs.
The bill mandates interagency collaboration among federal agencies to align literacy efforts, share best practices, and develop a national strategy for literacy promotion.
It establishes a Federal Clearinghouse on Book Access to identify and evaluate strategies for improving children's access to literacy materials, providing guidance and resources to various stakeholders.
The Act authorizes $100 million in annual appropriations from 2026 through 2031 to support these literacy initiatives and related activities.

119th Congressin committeeOfficial page

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Includes provisions on preamble, short title., and 8 more.

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