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Build America's Libraries Act

Introduced: December 19, 2020 Introduced by: Reed, Jack Democratic · Rhode Island See on congress.gov
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This bill died when the 116th Congress ended
It never became law before the 116th Congress (2019–2020) adjourned, and bills don't carry over to the next Congress. It would have to be reintroduced. You can still save it for reference, but it won't receive updates.
 Everywhere this bill has been 2 steps
Introduced
In committee
Reported out
Passed House
Passed Senate
To President
Became law
Dec 19, 2020
Read twice and referred to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions.
Dec 19, 2020
Introduced in Senate
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 Plain-English summary Congressional Research Service

Build America's Libraries Act

This bill establishes and provides funds through FY2023 for the Build America's Libraries Fund, from which the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) must allocate funding to states and, through them, need-based grants to libraries to make long-term improvements to library facilities. The IMLS must also award grants to Indian tribes and organizations that primarily serve and represent Native Hawaiians.

Specifically, the bill requires each state that receives an allocation, and each library that receives a grant, to carry out certain activities to improve library facilities. These activities include constructing and renovating library facilities, investing in infrastructure projects to improve internet access and connectivity, improving indoor air quality, and making facilities accessible to individuals with disabilities.

The bill also outlines administrative and oversight provisions, including by requiring library projects to use iron and steel products that are produced in the United States.

What's happening now December 19, 2020

Read twice and referred to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions.

 Bill text 1 version

Source documents hosted by congress.gov.

 Committees of jurisdiction 1
Cite this page click to expand
APA
U.S. Congress. (2026). S. 5071: Build America's Libraries Act. 116th Congress. Open America. https://openamerica.io/bill/116-S-5071/
MLA
"S. 5071: Build America's Libraries Act." 116th Congress, 2026, Open America, https://openamerica.io/bill/116-S-5071/.
Bluebook (legal)
S. 5071, 116th Cong. (2026), https://openamerica.io/bill/116-S-5071/.
Markdown link
[S. 5071: Build America's Libraries Act](https://openamerica.io/bill/116-S-5071/)
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