Senator Kim Introduces Legislation to Combat Book Deserts and Illiteracy

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Senator Andy Kim (D-NJ) introduced the Open Books, Open Doors Act to tackle book deserts, and break down barriers to the opportunity and promise of reading for millions of children in the United States. This comprehensive legislation would work to expand equitable access to books in every corner of the country, and close literacy gaps – so every child is positioned for long-term success in school, the workforce, and life.

“There’s nothing like watching my sons’ faces as they turn through the pages of a book they love. Reading is a powerful tool that every child in America should have,” said Senator Kim. “We know literacy and reading unlocks life-long success in school and out, but right now millions of kids across our country are living in book deserts. Let’s celebrate the power of reading by taking steps toward tackling illiteracy and gaps in book access to open doors for millions more children."

Nearly half of children in the United States live in “book deserts” -- communities without reliable access to public libraries, bookstores, or adequate reading materials. These gaps disproportionately affect low-income families, rural communities, and households facing language or housing instability. Access to books is one of the strongest predictors of a child’s academic success, with data showing children who are not reading proficiently by third grade are far more likely to struggle academically and drop out of high school, limiting long-term economic mobility and workforce readiness.

The Open Books, Open Doors Act tackles literacy gaps by establishing a federal grant program within the Department of Education to support state and local efforts in communities with the greatest need. The bill requires at least 70 percent of grant funding support programs serving book deserts, and would help expand access to diverse, high-quality and accessible reading materials in multiple languages, support family literacy efforts, increase coordination on tackling literacy across federal agencies, and more. Read a full description of what the bill does here.

The legislation is endorsed by over 20 organizations, including: the American Academy of Pediatrics, American Federation of Teachers, American Library Association, Association of Bookmobile & Outreach Services, Book Fairies, Book Harvest, BookSmiles, Book Trust, COABE, Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library, Ed Trust, First Book, Levar Burton, Little Free Libraries, National Book Access Association, National Book Foundation, National Center for Families Learning, National Center for Learning Disabilities, National Education Association, New Jersey Council for the Humanities, New Jersey Principals and Supervisors Association, Pen America, Reach Out and Read, Reading is Fundamental, Teach Plus, and Urban Libraries Council.

“As a lifelong literacy advocate, I believe every child deserves early and equitable access to books. That is why I’m proud to support Senator Andy Kim and the Open Books, Open Doors Act. We must ensure that books are easy to find and free to borrow in every neighborhood — because when a child can read, they possess the power to write their own future,” said LeVar Burton.

“I often tell folks that book-access programs like ours at BookSmiles provide physical tools to break the cycle of intergenerational poverty, providing children a chance to read their way to a better life. I’ve seen it become true for kids all across New Jersey and it can be replicated millions of times over when Senator Kim’s Open Books, Open Doors Act becomes law,” said Larry Abrams, Founder/Executive Director of BookSmiles

“On behalf of the New Jersey Principals and Supervisors Association, I commend Senator Kim for his proactive approach in advancing thoughtful, strategic action to confront book deserts and strengthen literacy outcomes for all students. Recognizing that literacy development extends beyond the classroom, Senator Kim’s Open Books, Open Doors Act takes a comprehensive, evidence-driven approach to getting books into the hands of children and families who need them most, by investing in trusted community spaces, supporting early screening and intervention, and fostering innovation in underserved and rural communities,” said Karen Bingert, Executive Director of the New Jersey Principals and Supervisors Association.

"Laying a strong foundation for literacy, book access, and family connection in the early years is vital for every child to thrive," said Kim Byam, Executive Director of Reach Out and Read New Jersey. "We are grateful to Senator Kim for his leadership in introducing the Open Doors, Open Books Act. By investing in evidence-based solutions and incentivizing partnerships with primary care clinicians and other community groups, this legislation will bring the benefits of books and reading to children all across the country who live in under-resourced 'book deserts.'"

“The National Book Access Association strongly supports the Open Books, Open Doors Act because access to books is the foundation of literacy, opportunity, and long-term economic mobility. Across the country, our members see firsthand how book deserts limit children’s potential. This legislation smartly focuses on underserved communities, strengthens family literacy, supports evidence-based programs, and encourages innovative, community-driven solutions. Expanding equitable access to books is not just an education issue—it is an economic and civic imperative. Open books truly open doors,” said Emily Ball Cicchini PhD, President, National Book Access Association.