Pathway to rehabilitation - prisoners’ use of a public library

Abstract

There has been a long, though often little explored, relationship between prisons and libraries. In the 19th century, in-prison libraries were introduced for evangelical purpose. Now they are seen as a key element in raising literacy levels and supporting prisoner education programmes which are ultimately aimed at rehabilitation and reintegration. Many public libraries have strong links with prison libraries and provide support. However, in Whanganui, New Zealand, the district library has entered an unusual partnership with the local prison where prisoners from the self-care unit regularly visit the library. This case study explores perceptions of both prisoners and district librarians about the project. It reports on prisoners’ perceptions of and use of the library. Librarians give their views on how the system works and what could make it even better.