Prison library

Prison libraries are provided in many prisons. Reading materials and information are provided in almost all federal and state correctional facilities in the United States. Libraries in federal prisons are controlled by the Federal Bureau of Prisons, U.S. Department of Justice, while State prison libraries are controlled by each state’s own department of corrections Many local jails also provide library services through partnerships with local public libraries and community organizations.

Prison Libraries serve both prisoners and the public by helping to educate prisoners, reduce recidivism, and improve family bonds through reading.

"The United States incarcerates more people than any other nation in the developed world.". These individuals are cut off from the world and meaningful access to information is vital (Marshall, 2011, p. 24). Research shows a correlation between education and reduced recidivism, and libraries play an important role in supporting education. In fact, in some states, “prisoners are sentenced to a literature discussion group in lieu of prison time. In 1991 the first CLTL group in Massachusetts saw a 19 percent recidivism rate as compared to 42 percent in a control group.” Education allows inmates to obtain the skills they need to transition back into society once they are released and libraries can play in an important role in helping inmates learn these skills. Some programs prison libraries offer include, GED instruction, literacy classes, life skills classes, typing instruction, and classes on how to use a library.

In addition to educational opportunities, prison libraries can help prisoners have positive and meaningful contact with family. For example, the Jessup Correctional Institute in Maryland started a program that provided books for prisoners to read to their children or grandchildren on visiting days. Other prison libraries have programs in which prisoners are recorded reading stories, and the tapes and books, along with a coloring book and crayons, are sent to their child. Some inmates try to read the same materials their children are reading, so they have something to talk about with them.

Finally, prison libraries act as positive influences in inmates' lives. It is a safe place within prison and is seen as a valuable place by many inmates. It provides a place of escape from the harsh realities of prison, a place to reflect on one’s life, grow, and find peace, and a place to productively spend free time. Some prison libraries also seek to alter behavior by having book discussion groups.

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