Support the Right to Read Act!

I am writing to demand your full support for the Right to Read Act (H.R. 6440 / S. 3365), introduced by Rep. Jack Reed and Rep. Adelita Grijalva. This landmark legislation is urgently needed to strengthen literacy, invest in school libraries, and defend students’ fundamental freedom to read. At a time when reading scores for nine-year-olds have fallen to their lowest levels since 1990, the United States should be expanding access to books and literacy support—not restricting it. Yet across the country we are witnessing an unprecedented surge in book bans and attacks on school libraries. These efforts undermine education, weaken critical thinking, and violate the core values of a free society. The Right to Read Act meets this moment with practical, evidence-based solutions. This legislation would: • Invest $600 million annually in literacy and school libraries • Ensure more students have access to certified school librarians • Expand access to diverse, engaging reading materials that reflect the full breadth of American experiences • Defend First Amendment rights in school libraries • Counter the nationwide surge in book bans and censorship School libraries are not luxuries. They are essential educational infrastructure. Librarians help students develop research skills, evaluate information, and build lifelong reading habits. Without them, literacy gaps widen and educational inequality grows. The Right to Read Act would strengthen library staffing and collections, expand federal investment in literacy programs, support family literacy initiatives, and protect students’ freedom to access diverse materials in their schools. These investments are critical if we are serious about improving educational outcomes and preparing the next generation to participate in a democratic society. The freedom to read is inseparable from the freedom to think. If we allow censorship and underfunding to hollow out school libraries, we are abandoning our responsibility to educate and empower young Americans. I urge you to publicly support and actively advance the Right to Read Act (H.R. 6440 / S. 3365). Invest in literacy. Protect school libraries. Defend students’ First Amendment rights. Our children deserve nothing less.