State Library: media literacy.

Existing law creates the California State Library under the control of the State Librarian. Existing law requires the State Librarian to establish and administer the Reading Initiative Program to, among other things, develop a list of recommended books in consultation with various groups, including, but not limited to, teachers, librarians, parents, writers, publishers, and employees of the State Department of Education. Existing law requires the State Librarian to develop a method of involving pupils enrolled in kindergarten and grades 1 to 12, inclusive, in the program and to develop an appropriate form of recognition for pupils who succeed in the program. This bill would, contingent upon an appropriation in the annual Budget Act or another statute for its purpose or the receipt of funds from private sources, establish the Media Literacy Through Critical Thinking Program in the California State Library, to be administered by the State Librarian, for purposes of supporting media literacy across multiple languages for individuals and developing media literacy skills for individuals to help navigate issues of public health and representation, as provided. The bill would require the State Librarian to develop a list of recommended books, articles, digital multimedia resources, and any other materials for specified purposes to be made available to county and municipal libraries across the state. The bill would create the Media Literacy Through Critical Thinking Program Fund in the State Treasury and require state or private funds to be deposited in the fund, as provided.