This paper delineates some major federal efforts concerning reading, namely, the activities of the National Institute of Education (NIE), the role of the U.S. Office of Education (USOE), and implications of Title VII of the Education Amendments of 1974. The impact of these agencies and legislation on the community is also examined. NIE is designated to conduct basic research in reading and disseminate the results to educators and parents; USOE's Right to Read program focuses on the community; and the new Education Amentments of 1974 create a National Reading Improvement Program which will provide some federal money directly to state and local education agencies within the community. (TO)