Open Books, Open Doors Act

The Open Books, Open Doors Act would establish a federal grant program through the Department of Education to provide $100 million in annual competitive grants to states and local communities. These grants would aim to increase children's access to books and address what are known as book deserts, which are areas without reliable access to reading materials. The bill would support efforts to get books directly into children's hands through schools, libraries, and other community institutions that families already use. If enacted, this legislation could help address literacy challenges, as data shows approximately one-third of fourth graders are unable to read above a basic level. Research indicates that children who have books at home from an early age are more likely to develop strong reading skills and graduate high school. The bill is currently in committee and has not yet been voted on by the full Senate.