The Prison Libraries Act of 2026

The American Library Association praised the Prison Libraries Act, introduced January 27, 2026 by Rep. Emanuel Cleaver II (D-MO-5), along with co-leads Rep. Shontel Brown (D-OH-11), and Rep. Valerie Foushee (D-NC-4). The bill would establish a grant program within the Department of Justice to provide library services to incarcerated individuals to advance reintegration efforts, reduce recidivism and increase educational opportunities.   The Prison Libraries Act is here: Investing in prison library programming would reduce the economic impact of recidivism by enabling incarcerated individuals to begin the process of reintegrating into the workforce. Research shows a strong correlation between participation in correctional education programs and greater success in rehabilitation and reentry for formerly incarcerated individuals. For more information on why further investments in prison libraries are essential to reducing the social and economic impact of incarceration, view ALA’s report, Investing in Prison Libraries: A Cost-Effective Path to Safer Communities and Second Chances. Standards for Library Services for the Incarcerated or DetainedLibraries and Incarceration-This resource guide provides information on providing library services within correctional institutions, including ALA policies and standards, a select bibliography, directories of organizations that support library services and intellectual freedom for justice-involved individuals, along with resources for libraries to provide justice-involved individuals upon reentry into their communities.