# Education (GED)

## Title 23. Libraries

### Subtitle 1. State Library Agencies

#### Section 23-111

(a)

  (1) In this section the following words have the meanings indicated.

  (2) "Affiliated service" means a book-gifting service performed by a nonprofit organization that is tax exempt under Sec. 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code or a unit of State, county, or municipal government that forms an affiliated partnership with an early reader organization.

  (3) "Early reader organization" means a nonprofit organization:

    (i) That is tax exempt under Sec. 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code; and

    (ii) Whose mission is to distribute to children free, high-quality books designed to aid the development of reading skills.

  (4) "Program" means the Young Readers Grant Program.

(b) There is a Young Readers Grant Program in the State Library Agency.

(c) The purpose of the Program is to provide grants to public libraries and affiliated services to:

  (1) Support the establishment and operation of affiliated services; and

  (2) Contribute to the operation of an affiliated service.

(d) The State Librarian shall administer the Program.

(e)

  (1) A public library or an affiliated service may submit an application for a program grant on the form that the State Librarian requires.

  (2) An application for a program grant shall include a plan to ensure that the public library or the affiliated service is able to gift books to eligible children, including specific measures for serving children in low-income zip codes within its area of service.

  (3) A program grant shall be disbursed to a public library or an affiliated service that qualifies for the Program.

(f) The State Library Board shall:

  (1) On or before December 1, 2024, and every other year thereafter, report to the General Assembly on the effectiveness of the Program in accordance with Sec. 2-1257 of the State Government Article; and

  (2) Collect statistics and other information necessary for this purpose.

(g) For each fiscal year, the Governor shall include in the annual budget bill an appropriation of $450,000 to the Program.

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Md. Code Ann., Educ. (as displayed at mgaleg.maryland.gov, October 16, 2026)