Thomas Kean (R-NJ)
Library Construction and Modernization Act of 2026
A Republican bill with no cosponsors
Last activity — Referred to the House Committee on Education and Workforce.
In committee
Introduced and handed to a committee in the chamber it started in.
The committee holds it, and most bills are never heard from again. A hearing or a committee vote would be news; silence is the usual outcome, and it kills the bill without anyone voting against it.
Its path through Congress
- Introduced
- In Committee
What this bill would do
This bill is known as the Library Construction and Modernization Act of 2026. It requires the Director of the Institute of Museum and Library Services to award competitive grants to eligible entities. These entities include States, local governments, or their agencies and instrumentalities. The grant funds are specifically designated for public library construction and related projects. The Federal share of the project cost cannot be greater than 50 percent.
Yes· 3 of 27
- Scored +4
Would students be better off under this?
Modernized libraries provide students of all ages with better study spaces, updated technology, and improved internet access.
- Scored +3
Would households on low incomes be better off under this?
Low-income individuals often rely heavily on public libraries for free internet access, educational resources, and community programs.
- Scored +3
Is this likely to create jobs?
The bill provides competitive grants for public library construction and renovation projects, which will create short-term jobs in construction and related fields.
The opposite
- Scored -2
Does this reduce what the federal government spends?
The bill establishes a new federal grant program that increases federal spending for public library construction and modernization.
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
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Section 2(c)(1) allows grant funds to be used for constructing or acquiring a building for use as a public library, including acquiring land or building an addition. This is positive because it can expand public access to library spaces in communities.
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Section 2(c)(2) allows funds to be used for rehabilitating or renovating a library building, which includes increasing energy efficiency, creating collaborative activity spaces, and upgrading for Federal health and safety standards. This is beneficial for providing safer, more modern, and environmentally friendly spaces for the public.
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Section 2(c)(3) permits the repair and renovation of deteriorated or broken library buildings and mechanical systems, such as roofing, flooring, lighting, plumbing, and heating or cooling systems. This helps keep local libraries in efficient operating condition for the people who use them.
Potential Negative Impacts for People
- Section 2(d) sets the Federal share of the cost at not greater than 50 percent, which means that eligible entities like local governments or States must find at least half of the funding from other sources to complete these projects. This could place a financial burden on local governments and taxpayers.
Groups and Interests Ranking
Every group the model scored this bill for, from -10 to +10. Tap or hover a score for the reason it gave.
- Demographic And Interest Groups
- Would students be better off under this? — Modernized libraries provide students of all ages with better study spaces, updated technology, and improved internet access. Would households on low incomes be better off under this? — Low-income individuals often rely heavily on public libraries for free internet access, educational resources, and community programs. Would business owners be better off under this? — Local contractors and business owners may benefit from bidding on library construction and renovation projects. Would children be better off under this? — Improved and modernized library facilities provide better spaces, resources, and collaborative activity areas for children. Would people in middle age be better off under this? — Renovated libraries improve community access to public resources, programs, and modern facilities for adults. Would middle-income households be better off under this? — Middle-class families benefit from well-maintained, modern public library facilities and community spaces. Would people in rural areas be better off under this? — Rural local governments are eligible entities that can use grant funds to repair and modernize rural libraries. Would people over 65 be better off under this? — Upgraded facilities with modern health and safety standards benefit older adults who frequently use public libraries. Would people in cities be better off under this? — Urban local governments can utilize grants to upgrade heavily used public library facilities. Would people in their twenties and thirties be better off under this? — Upgraded public libraries offer enhanced community spaces, technology, and internet access beneficial to young adults. Would Black Americans be better off under this? — Improved public library infrastructure enhances access to vital community resources in diverse neighborhoods. Would Asian Americans be better off under this? — Better-equipped public libraries offer improved educational and technological resources for local residents. Would Hispanic Americans be better off under this? — Enhanced library facilities provide better public resources and educational programming for Hispanic communities. Would men be better off under this? — General community enhancements benefit all local residents who use public facilities. Would Native Americans be better off under this? — Eligible state and local governments including tribal regions can potentially improve community library access. Would white Americans be better off under this? — General improvements to public infrastructure benefit all community members who utilize local libraries. Would women be better off under this? — Improved community library spaces provide safe and resourceful environments often utilized by women and caregivers.
- Environment Energy And Infrastructure
- Does this invest in rural communities? — State and local governments in rural areas are eligible entities and can use grant funds to construct or repair local libraries. Does this cut the pollution that drives climate change? — The bill allows grant funds to be used for increasing the energy efficiency of public library buildings. Does this put more money into wind, solar and other renewable power? — Upgrades to library buildings may include energy-efficient improvements that align with renewable energy and sustainability practices.
- Economy And Finance
- Is this likely to create jobs? — The bill provides competitive grants for public library construction and renovation projects, which will create short-term jobs in construction and related fields. Does this make it easier to run a small business? — Local construction and renovation contracts funded by the grants may provide opportunities for small businesses in the building trades. Is this likely to grow the economy? — Investing in infrastructure projects like public libraries provides a minor stimulus to local economic activity. Does this reduce what the federal government spends? — The bill establishes a new federal grant program that increases federal spending for public library construction and modernization.
- Governance And Ideology
- Does this make what the government does easier for the public to see? — Competitive grant programs require structured reporting and application processes overseen by a federal institute. Does this leave more decisions to the states? — State and local governments have the discretion to apply for and direct grant funds toward their specific library infrastructure needs. Does this give the federal government more power? — The bill establishes a new federally funded grant program administered by the Institute of Museum and Library Services.
- Education And Technology
- Does this get reliable internet to more people? — Modernizing and constructing public libraries often expands community access to reliable internet and technology resources.
- 10/29/2026
- Referred to the House Committee on Education and Workforce.
- Introduced in House