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Federal Library Legislation

Updated February, 2024

Please take a few moments to encourage Senators Casey and Fetterman, as well as your local Representative, to co-sponsor the federal Right to Read legislation.

This is a perfect opportunity to flex our advocacy muscle and rally behind a bill at the federal level!

In April, Senator Jack Reed (D-RI) and Representative Raúl Grijalva (D-AZ-07) re-introduced the Right to Read Act to protect our school libraries from censorship and disinvestment. Since then, 35 members of Congress have co-sponsored this critical legislation. School librarians need more support in their fight for their students’ right to read.  Only one Representative – Mary Gay Scanlon, Philadelphia – from Pennsylvania has co-sponsored. 

Take these steps:

  1. Click below to tell your members of Congress to support school libraries, then share this action with your community. Post the link on Facebook, Twitter/X, and beyond.

 Tell Your Members: Co-Sponsor the Right to Read Act!

  1. Please take the time to add this text as the 3rd paragraph in the form: 

    In Pennsylvania, 52 school districts have zero school librarians, widening the gap between those schools that have instructional school librarians and well-stocked school libraries reflecting the diversity of our cultures and races. All PA students need equal opportunities to learn and study, not just those who live in more wealthy communities.

  2. Share this Call to Action with your colleagues and friends so that they can take action as well. Some key talking points:

    • The Right to Read Act (S. 5064 and H.R. 9056) would be a great step towards fighting for equal access to inclusive reading materials for all kids in schools and communities across the US.

    • Further, it fights against censorship efforts and advocates for all kids’ right to access diverse and responsive books and resources.

    • It increases literacy development grants, invests in certified school librarians, and reaffirms student First Amendment Rights to access school library materials, with increased protection for schools, teachers and school librarians.

  3. Visit this Google doc for suggested wording and more tips on contacting your Senators and Representative.