First Advisor

Maya Hobscheid

Abstract

In the United States, prison libraries serve a vital role in the rehabilitation of prisoners. Despite this, there are ongoing measures to withhold entire genres of literature from the hands of prisoners, restricting the abilities of prison libraries to provide educational lessons using sensitive topics. These book bans can occur between the local to state levels and are difficult for prisoners to appeal. The issues that this can cause are often out of view of the public, and can only be addressed by encouraging public engagement for change. This editorial attempts to engage with a general audience by providing an introduction into the importance of prison libraries and their roles in prisons. By informing the audience, the goal is to provide a foundation for further knowledge and overcome a barrier that hinders the ability of the layman to engage with the subject.

Keywords

Corrections, Prison Library, Rehabilitation, Censorship, Book Bans, Education

Disciplines

Criminology and Criminal Justice

Share

COinS