The proposed bill, titled "The School Libraries Act," aims to enhance the role and accessibility of school libraries in public schools across Rhode Island. It mandates that every public school must have a dedicated school library space and a certified school librarian to manage and maintain the library, as well as provide essential resources to students and staff. The act emphasizes the importance of well-funded school library programs, asserting that they are crucial for improving students' reading skills, fostering a love for learning, and equipping students with information and media literacy skills necessary for the 21st century.

The bill outlines specific requirements for school libraries, including an adequate collection of reading materials that meets the needs of the student population, appropriate spaces for reading and study, and access to technology. It stipulates that public schools with 250 or more students must have at least one full-time certified school librarian, while schools with fewer than 250 students are required to have at least a half-time librarian. The implementation of these requirements will be phased in as follows: by the 2026-27 school year, all high schools must have at least one full-time certified school librarian; by the 2028-29 school year, all high schools and middle schools must have at least one full-time certified school librarian; and by the 2030-31 school year, all K-12 schools must have at least one full-time certified school librarian. The act will take effect upon passage.