H.R. 7327 — Empowering Young Readers Act of 2026

This section establishes a pilot program to be implemented by the Secretary of Education not later than 180 days after enactment under which the Secretary awards competitive, viewpoint-neutral grants of up to $200,000 for two years to eligible organizations (i.e., nonprofits or nongovernmental organizations) to carry out activities increasing book access for children under 19 years of age. Authorized activities include (1) purchasing or acquiring new or used books for distribution to children, (2) distributing books to children, (3) donating books to public libraries, (4) hosting literacy programming such as book fairs, reading hours, book drives, and story times, and (5) other Secretary-determined book access activities. The section authorizes $10 million for FY2026, available through FY2027; requires the Secretary to submit a report to Congress not later than six months after the final grant period ends that includes data on books provided and any available changes in child literacy rates; and specifies that the program does not restrict public libraries' or other entities' ability to reject book donations.