In books, furniture and supplies, providing for school library collections.
Summary
HB1589 would amend Pennsylvania’s Public School Code to require every public school, beginning with the 2026-2027 school year, to maintain a library collection that includes a broad mix of print, nonprint, and electronic resources, along with the technology and equipment needed to support student learning. The bill sets a minimum collection standard of 5,000 items per school or at least 10 books per student, plus access to state-funded electronic resources, including the POWER Library.
The bill also requires that a certified school librarian direct the development and implementation of each school library, instruct students and staff in use of the collection and library curriculum standards, and assess the library and its instructional programs. It directs the Department of Education to issue regulations to implement the new requirements and defines key terms such as “library,” “library collection,” “certified school librarian,” and “public school.”
Impact
The bill would create a new statutory section in the Public School Code of 1949 governing school library collections and staffing standards. It would impose a statewide minimum library collection requirement on public schools operated by school districts, intermediate units, and charter schools, and it would effectively establish a baseline expectation for library access, staffing, and resource availability across Pennsylvania public schools. The Department of Education would be responsible for promulgating implementing regulations, and schools would need to ensure compliance by the 2026-2027 school year.
Sentiment
The available record shows no committee transcript, vote tally, or recorded floor debate, so there is no documented formal sentiment from legislative discussion. Based on the bill’s sponsors and its subject matter, the measure appears to be framed as a support-for-students and school-resources bill, with an emphasis on strengthening library access and ensuring professional library staffing in public schools.
Contention
No specific points of contention are documented in the provided materials. Potential areas of debate, if the bill advances, could include the cost of meeting the minimum collection threshold, staffing requirements for certified school librarians, differences in capacity between larger and smaller districts or charter schools, and the administrative burden of complying with new Department of Education regulations. However, none of these concerns are attributed to any named legislator or stakeholder in the available record.
In grounds and buildings, providing for physical space for school library or information center; and, in books, furniture and supplies, providing for school library collections.
In books, furniture and supplies, providing for School Supplies for Educators Grant Program; and establishing the School Supplies for Educators Grant Program.
Prohibits libraries and library systems, including school libraries and school library systems from banning books or other materials based on partisan or doctrinal disapproval.
Requires every public school in Rhode Island to have a school library or library media center in a permanent and dedicated space available to students in grades K-12 with a librarian available.