Formerly Incarcerarted Chris Wilson

Great to see how libraries help incarcerated and formerly incarcerated individuals.  Recently, I attended an event in Baltimore where a panelist of successful individuals shared their stories. One panelists was Chris Wilson who  was incarcerated at age 17, spent 16 years in the Maryland prison system, and shared how he used the prison library constantly.  Now back in the community, he is using the skills learned in prison  to maintain his business, Barclay Investment Corporation.   Second Life details his life story to date.

http://www.baltimoremagazine.net/2015/9/29/chris-wilson-lifts-ex-offenders-into-the-workforce

Plessy v Ferguson

I was not born in the United States, so lack experience regarding many of the historical issues of racism. The prisoners with whom I worked brought Plessy vs Ferguson to my attention.  This morning's Washington Post had a reminder of this landmark case.  Reading it reminded me of the inmates- 5 days into my retirement.

Donations criteria

I have been getting questions about donations since the Washington Post article.  Below are the criteria

http://www.washingtonpost.com/local/glennor-shirley-head-librarian-for-md-prisons-believes-in-books-behind-bars/2011/03/25/AFXcTbYB_story.html

We try to provide up to date information that will assist the inmates to make a successful reentry back to the community.  We have current legal databases and current reference books

What we do not accept:

• Old magazines
• Old law books
• Text books
• Old classics
• Damaged materials, including books that are brown with age.
• Any material that compromises security, for example, materials on how to on building bombs, making weapons, martial arts, attack strategies, pornography, etc.

What we accept if materials are in good condition:

• Reference materials no older than 2 years
• Current Non Fiction (psychology, self help, self improvement, relationships, starting your own business, business plan, career, English language dictionaries, health information
• Anything on the NYT and Washington Post Bestseller Lists
• Popular authors, like Grisham, Ludlum, Patterson, Stephen King, Alice Walker, Patricia Cornwell, Grafton, etc.
• Mysteries, horror, romance, books by African-American writers
• Materials that enhance our occupational programs.  Landscaping, building, roofing, plumbing, etc.

 

Any questions Contact:  Glennor Shirley  email:  glennors66@yahoo.com

Library Snapshot Day



JCI inmates use legal and general databases

Photographs are the property of the Division of Correction.

MCTC inmates browse library shelves

Three of the Maryland Correctional Prison Libraries participated in Library Snapshot Day.  Jessup Correctional Institution (JCI), Maryland Correctional Education Training Center (MCTC), and Eastern Correctional Institution-West(ECIW).  Statistics for that day:

MCTC with 1 full time librarian and 8 inmate clerks, had  162 patrons in the library, processed 75 items for inmates on segregation, checked out 83 magazines,  and 86 books,  answered 78 general and 60 legal reference questions.  8 inmates used the career center, 74 used computer databases.  48 students participated in the 2 education classes on library/reference instruction. 35 viewed CNN.(Total population- approx. 2,500)

ECIW-  1 full time librarian and 8 inmate clerks had 108 visitors, checked out 29 magazines and 101 books, answered 55 general and 71 legal reference questions,18 inmates used the career center, 54 used computer databases, 48 books were repaired.  There was1 book discussion with 11 patricipants and 1 facilitator.( Inmate population approx. 1200)


Shirley Smith MCTC Librarian, assists library users



Grace Schroder, Librarian, at JCI library information desk



  
 

One Maryland One Book

I am really happy that our prisons will be participating in Maryland Humanities Council  One Maryland One Book. This year's selection is Outcast United, by Warren St John.   The author will be visiting JCI prison on September 27.   MHC donated  about 200 books  to enable us to participate, and we will soon receive the readers guides.  If you have a similar program in your state, it is one way to get some books and also community support.

Public Support for Prison Libraries

It is great to have the public support prison libraries, instead of thinking that the service we provide is rewarding criminals. Dan Rodricks of WYPR and the Baltimore Sun published my wish list of materials to help inmates transition back to the community.  His readers responded by sending me checks for $10.00, $50.00 and $200.00 to purchase materials.  Three  readers mailed me books from the list.  One public library contacted me and I got dozens of career, resume,  and trade books from their left over book sales.
Thanks everyone!

Prison Library Programs BIG READ

Big Read PosterGrace Schroeder, Librarian JCI June Brittingham, Librarian, ECIW, Glennor Shirley, Library Coordinaotr

Maryland Correctional Education Libraries was the only prison that received an NEA award of the BIG READ. The kick off event at Eastern Correctional Institution (ECIW) and Maryland Correctional Institution Hagerstown (MCIH was covered in the Cumberland Times and DelMarva Times and the DPSCS web site program that centered around the book Fahrenheit 451, by Ray Bradbury.

Comments from inmates: "I learned that those in ultimate power use their power to control knowledge I truly appreciate the volunteer who gave his time, knowledge, and enthusiasm".

"I learned about the underlying current of the disposing of the process of book reading".

"The book discussion was a very positive experience and allowed intelligent conversation in an otherwise intellectually dampened environment".

"I learned about the importance of history and free thinking".

"I learned the importance of freedom of speech".

"The exchange of ideas was the best part of the group".

Prison Library Programs

Dr. Sims-Wood and JCI Librarian, Grace Schroeder

Many inmates say that the first time they visited a library was in a prison. Librarians try to model public library settings, so inmates will feel less intimidated to visit a library outside the fence. Inmates welcome programs like book discussions and guest speakers on a variety of topics. Most of our libraries participated in the One Maryland One Book promoted by the Maryland Humanities Council (MHC). During Women's history month the MHC provided us with a guest speaker, Dr. Janet Sims-Wood whose topic was: Fighting for Freedom: Black Women's Army Corps during World War ! Dr Simms-Wood stated: "The gentlemen were attentive and asked lots of question".

Programs at MCIW

Herb Malveaux is our new librarian at the Maryland Correctional Institution for Women (MCIW). His public library background enables him to introduce a wide variety of programs in the library. His supervisor's comment on his recent program says it all.
" Last week, Herb Malveaux planned a special program in "origami" for the women here at MCI-W (23 participated). It was exciting to watch the women face challenges using their motor skill and thinking through directions. The women loved the experience and, of course, wanted more! Colorful frogs and birds hopped and flew through the library. Also there was lots of chatter and team work. It was a great choice of program for the women."
"Dr. Fran Tracy-Mumford, Acting Principal. MCI-W
The Baltimore Sun also featured a classical performance by a world class pianist http://www.baltimoresun.com/entertainment/music/bal-ae.jessup24oct24,0,7837074.story

Transition Program at JCI

Constance Parker, Sarah Blusiewicz, Kelton Addison address inmates at Jessup Correctional Institute on Apprenticship, Licensing,Federal Bonding, and Expungement. JCI Librarian Grace Schroeder, is behind the circulation desk

During the past 2 years, Jessup Correctional has transformed from a maximum security prison to being a prison where majority of the inmates are parole violators. This focus of the inmates' information needs has shifted from predominantly legal information to information that will help them when they return to their communities. In addition to collections that help reentry, the library has introduced programs that include outside guests speaking on a variety of topics. Recently, Sara Bluciewicz, Constance Parker and Kelton Addison of the Dept. of Labor Licensing and Regulations, discussed general requirements for apprenticeship, sponsorship requirements, tips on how to present themselves, federal bonding, tax credits, and expungements, and the career one stop centers.

Prison Librarian?

I am constantly amused at the look on people's face when I say I work with prisoners. Comments usually range from, "It must be quite challenging." to " They have all the time to read." Some people actually comment, "You are so good to be doing this." Grrrr... Smile... Grin...say it. "Oh I'm not good at all. It is my profession and the prisoners are like any other community library users- only they are behind the fence. " Shall I go on? "Well they don't have as much free time as you think. Inside the fence they work, go to school, to the health unit, commissary, social meetings like Veterans Groups, band practice, watch TV, play games in their units, exercise in the yard, go to religious services, and a variety of other activities. Like in the outside community, the library is one of their choices. We try to make our libraries inviting and non threatening, focussing on the benefits of getting the correct information.
In time the inmates trust the librarian, they become regular users. See photos of two of our libraries JCI in Jessup and MCIH in Hagerstown . Check out MD. Correctional Education Libraries web site for more information