The "Prison Libraries Act of 2026" mandates the Attorney General to establish a grant program within one year of enactment, aimed at providing library services to incarcerated individuals. The program's core objectives are to advance reintegration efforts , reduce recidivism, and increase educational opportunities. Eligible applicants include States and territories that submit a comprehensive plan, demonstrate the existence or intent to create a physical library, and provide demographic data illustrating a compelling need for funding. Grant funds are designated for a broad spectrum of library services, encompassing education and job training , acquisition of modern materials and equipment, and expansion of library infrastructure to create more welcoming spaces. Permitted uses also include hiring qualified librarians, offering digital and financial literacy training, career readiness programming, civic engagement, restorative justice, and various cultural and artistic activities. Funds can also facilitate access to computers, the internet, eBooks, and family literacy programs, but are explicitly prohibited for general prison operations, staff salaries unrelated to libraries, or personal items like food or clothing. The Attorney General will prioritize applicants who adhere to local or national library management standards, incorporate post-secondary education curriculum into their programming, and present plans for tangible, measurable positive impacts on literacy rates, educational enrollment, and post-release employment opportunities. Grants are awarded for a one-year term, renewable annually for up to six years, and grantees are prohibited from charging incarcerated individuals for any library services or materials, while also being required to make library space available for post-secondary educational programming. The Act authorizes $10,000,000 for each fiscal year from 2026 through 2031 to carry out its provisions.