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 it. The act emphasizes the importance of well-funded school library programs, asserting that they are essential for fostering reading skills, information literacy, and overall academic success among students.

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, necessary technology for accessing information resources, an automated system for library management, and a budget for maintaining library resources.

Additionally, the act stipulates that students must have daily access to school libraries for reading and research activities, with secondary schools required to offer extended hours beyond the school day. The implementation of these provisions 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 bill is set to take effect upon passage.