How Prison Libraries Save Lives

When we think of a prison, we might think of criminality, of grim grey walls, of locked doors, and braces of keys. But these are sophisticated facilities, designed to manage a large population of individuals – many of whom may pose a threat to themselves and others.

The prison library is a vital component of the prison system. Without prison libraries – often an afterthought when we consider the realities of incarceration and justice – the broader system simply cannot function as it should. Here’s why.

The Role of the Prison Library – Supporting Society

What is the function of a prison? For many, it is simply a place of exclusion – where criminals are kept separate from broader society. But in fact, the function is more complex than this. These institutions should be places of rehabilitation and managed reintegration. Locking people up and throwing away the key doesn’t really help anyone – instead, prisons need to actively serve society.

This is where the prison library comes in. Libraries offer hope. They offer recreation, learning, and the chance for self-improvement. They are forums for learning, for betterment, and for education programs. And we need these education programs.

Studies suggest that inmates who take part in education programs are 28% less likely to commit another serious offense upon release. In the United States, it is estimated that education programs and prison workforce programs reduce recidivism rates by 14.8%. While these figures can still be improved, they do prove that prison libraries make a significant difference in society.

The Role of the Prison Library – Supporting Inmates

Improving the lives of prison inmates is a sometimes controversial topic. Many believe that prison should be made as unpleasant as possible, removing all rights and comforts from those who are incarcerated. However, this is both socially dangerous and inhumane.

At a social level, dehumanizing inmates in this way does not help achieve rehabilitation and may cause more societal dangers once prisoners are released.

At a human level, it’s simply unethical to subject people to this kind of treatment, regardless of whether you think they deserve it or not.

This is another reason why prison libraries are so important. They offer a chance to break up the monotony of life behind bars and break out of the dangerous cycles prisoners often find themselves in. Giving prisoners an outlet for creativity, learning, and even enjoyment is not forgiving or excusing the crime. Instead, it simply treats the inmate like a human being.

Prison Librarians at Work

While inmates might work in prison libraries, the institution will be overseen by a civilian employee. These are people who work for the state, just like prison wardens and other employees, but are specifically trained as library custodians.

A prison library custodian will perform duties similar to those of custodians in public libraries. They will take care of indexing books and maintaining the space, and they will help visitors borrow and return books.

However, due to the nature of working in a prison, the day-to-day schedule is a little different. Prison librarians need to check that the books they stock are permitted under institutional rules. This includes making sure none of the items have staples, which could be used as weapons. They may also need to make sure book deliveries are not being used to smuggle contraband. Other differences that prison librarians have reported include checking books for blood stains and getting trained in self-defense.

Despite this, prison librarians often describe their work as rewarding and meaningful, thanks to the response they receive from inmates.

“I’d get to work about 30 minutes before the library opened,” one former prison librarian said. “If it was the morning, there would already be inmates waiting outside the door.”

Prison Libraries Make a Huge Difference

If we want our prisons to serve our societies, and if we want to avoid dehumanizing and degrading inmates further, then prison libraries make a huge difference. The prison system cannot function without them.

And yet, these institutions are under threat. As governments across the world seek to balance budgets and win re-election, cutting funding for prison facilities represents an easy and uncontroversial way to balance the books.

But, as we have seen, removing funding for prison libraries can make the world a more dangerous place, and removes a small ray of hope many inmates find when they are incarcerated. Consider donating to your local prison library, and help these institutions keep on providing a sterling service to the community.