In New York, educating incarcerated individuals is becoming more common, and as a result, there is a growing need for books. Freedom Reads is a program that aims to help individuals behind bars prepare for their next chapters. Founded by a formerly incarcerated individual, the program now educates people in six New York prisons and correctional facilities across the country. The program provides 24/7 access to culturally diverse books meant to provide hope and positivity.
One individual benefiting from the program is Erik Holman, who has been in prison for 21 years. He expresses his desire to give back to his community and reads about individuals who have overcome odds and achieved success. For him, this wouldn’t be possible without Freedom Reads.
Corinne Leone, director of Correctional Library Services for the New York State Department of Corrections and Community Supervision, highlighted the importance of the program’s culturally diverse books. While general and law libraries exist in prisons, Freedom Reads libraries have been a valuable addition, providing incarcerated individuals with access to books around the clock. For Michael Avallone, who has been in prison for seven years, the program is an opportunity to create a mural in the library and find solace in reading.
The program offers an outlet for individuals like Holman and Avallone, allowing them to learn and instilling a sense of positivity as they continue their sentences. Leone is working with the Freedom Reads team to expand the program to more correctional facilities in New York.
The program’s impact goes beyond providing access to books; it gives hope and an opportunity for incarcerated individuals to educate themselves, find happiness, and strive for success despite their circumstances.
Source
Photo credit spectrumlocalnews.com
