Rhode Island Library Association - 2026 Legislative Agenda

2026 Legislative Agenda

FUNDING AND SUPPORT

RILA urges Governor McKee and the General Assembly to pass the FY27 budget with full funding for libraries and AskRI at the 25% state level prescribed by the RI General Laws.

This funding is critical for our public libraries, and was achieved in the FY23, FY24, FY25, and FY26 state budgets.

A Full-Time Certified and Degreed Librarian in Every Public School

RILA advocates for the state of Rhode Island and all 39 municipalities to recognize the importance of school librarians and school libraries to student achievement.

RILA calls for well funded school libraries, staffed by a certified and degreed, full-time school librarian, in every public school in Rhode Island.

eBooks

RILA advocates for fair access and pricing for digital content to libraries and opposes anti-competitive and unfair practices by publishers and digital content companies.

Broadband and Digital Equity

Rhode Island libraries (especially public libraries) provide free broadband access across our state to all Rhode Islanders, especially those who do not have access at home.

Libraries across the state continue to provide not only broadband access, but digital literacy instruction, technology help, and lending of devices including mobile internet hotspots.

Access to broadband internet for education, information, and civic engagement is a human right and a necessity to participate fully in our interconnected world.

RILA also monitors any state legislation that may have an impact on libraries, library funding, and library workers.

"Rhode Island Library Association" is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. Rhode Island Library Association, P.O. Box 6765, Providence, RI 02940