Sen. Andy Kim Introduces Bill to Boost Literacy Nationwide

The 'Open Books, Open Doors Act' aims to combat 'book deserts' and improve reading skills for all children.

Published on Mar. 9, 2026

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Senator Andy Kim, D-N.J., is introducing the 'Open Books, Open Doors Act' to tackle the nation's literacy crisis. The bill would authorize $100 million in annual grants to states and local communities to increase children's access to books and combat 'book deserts' - areas without reliable access to books. Kim says reading is a 'powerful tool' that should be available to all children to unlock lifelong success.

Why it matters

Literacy is a critical skill that impacts a child's long-term educational and economic outcomes. However, data shows about a third of fourth graders are unable to read above a basic level, with access to books and decreased recreational reading cited as major factors. Kim's bill aims to address these disparities and ensure all children have the resources they need to develop strong reading skills.

The details

The legislation would establish a federal grant program through the Department of Education to support state and local efforts to combat illiteracy. It would prioritize funding for areas identified as 'book deserts' lacking reliable access to high-quality reading materials. The bill also calls for supporting science-based reading programs and early screening and intervention for reading disabilities.

  • Senator Kim plans to introduce the 'Open Books, Open Doors Act' on Monday, March 11, 2026.
  • The bill comes on the heels of Read Across America week, an annual celebration of reading.

The players

Senator Andy Kim

A Democratic senator from New Jersey who is spearheading the 'Open Books, Open Doors Act' to combat illiteracy nationwide.

LeVar Burton

An actor and literacy advocate who hosted the long-running PBS series 'Reading Rainbow', endorsing Kim's push for equitable book access.

Linda McMahon

The current U.S. Secretary of Education, who has been critical of increased federal spending on literacy efforts without measurable results.

Lynette Fraga

The CEO of Reach Out and Read, a nonprofit that provides books to families and promotes early childhood literacy.

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What they’re saying

“Reading is a powerful tool that every child in America should have. 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.”

— Senator Andy Kim (ABC News)

“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.”

— LeVar Burton, Literacy Advocate (ABC News)

“If we think about early childhood we think about return on investment. We know that if we invest in the earliest years through things like access, through things like meaningful programs and child centered practices and systems, the return on investment is huge.”

— Lynette Fraga, CEO, Reach Out and Read (ABC News)

What’s next

The future of Senator Kim's 'Open Books, Open Doors Act' will likely depend on the stance of Education Secretary Linda McMahon, who has been critical of increased federal spending on literacy efforts without measurable results. The bill currently has no co-sponsors, but Kim is optimistic about bipartisan support for improving literacy nationwide.

The takeaway

Improving literacy and ensuring all children have access to books is a critical investment in the future of our society. Senator Kim's bill aims to tackle the 'book desert' crisis and give every child the tools they need to unlock lifelong success through reading.