Federal Legislation Impacting the Right to Read in K-12 School Libraries
EveryLibrary is actively engaged in federal legislation that will shape the future of school libraries, student access to information, and the professional autonomy of educators and librarians. While most decisions about school library collections are made at the state and local level, federal policy can influence those decisions through funding, program design, and civil rights protections.
Right now, several bills before Congress are of particular concern to school library stakeholders, starting with H.R. 7661, a very dangerous bill that would use federal education funding as leverage to pressure schools to remove or restrict access to certain books and materials. This approach raises serious concerns about federal overreach into local education decisions and the potential chilling effect on access to diverse ideas and viewpoints.
EveryLibrary strongly opposes H.R. 7661 and is working with partners and advocates nationwide to oppose this legislation and ensure that decisions about school library collections remain grounded in professional standards and local community processes.
Take action: Oppose H.R. 7661 at https://action.everylibrary.org/hr7661
On the support side, we know that H.R. 7691, the Fight Book Bans Act, would establish federal grants to help school districts maintain access to educational materials and respond to challenges in ways that uphold students’ rights and educational goals.
This bill recognizes that schools and libraries need resources—not restrictions—to serve their communities effectively.
Take action: Support the Fight Book Bans Act (H.R. 7691) at https://action.everylibrary.org/fightbookbansact2026
Another positive bill, H.R. 5527, addresses the removals in Department of Defense Education Activity (DoDEA) schools serving military families in the United States and abroad. These students deserve the same access to a broad range of educational materials as their peers in civilian schools.
This legislation would help ensure that DoDEA policies align with longstanding principles of intellectual freedom and educational equity.
Take action: Support H.R. 5527 to protect DoDEA school libraries at https://action.everylibrary.org/rtrdodea
H.R. 6640 / S. 3365 represents a comprehensive federal investment in school libraries. These bills would strengthen literacy initiatives, support the development of school library programs, and reinforce the role of libraries as essential components of student success.
Importantly, this legislation also affirms the value of access to diverse and developmentally appropriate materials as part of a well-rounded education.
Take action: Support H.R. 6640 / S. 3365 at https://action.everylibrary.org/hr6640s3365
Federal Engagement Matters
School libraries are part of the nation’s educational infrastructure. Federal policy decisions, especially those tied to funding, can either extend or undermine the ability of school libraries to serve students effectively.
EveryLibrary encourages school library advocates, educators, and community members to stay informed and take action on these issues as they move through Congress.