The gate slowly cranked open as I entered a place I thought I’d never be. Cameras watched silently as I walked down the wide polished hallway. Fortunately, Diane Walden the Regional Librarian was my escort. She graciously offered to take me on a tour of the libraries located within the confines of the Colorado State Penitentiary near Canon City. Diane, in her infinite wisdom, started with the most locked down site – a place where the offenders are delivered materials through a slot in their door. Next we visited the largest library on campus, the sex offenders facility where I saw many offenders busily working in the library. Our next stop was a woman’s correctional facility where I met ladies diligently working away in their business class, and working in the library. Then off to the medium-security drug offenders site. The day flew by as I learned a great deal about prision life, and the librarians who work there. A couple of things really impressed me. First, how much the offenders use and appreciate the library. Secondly, how dedicated and passionate these librarians are. They know that what they do is immeasurably important to the future of these men and woman. Diane, their fearless leader knows it too. Thank you.
The funny thing about prison libraries is how some things are exactly the same as any other library and other things would never happen in any other library.
I’ve assisted with delivery to Administrative Segregation at 3 prisons in the last couple months – those are the guys who get books delivered to them. It’s probably the most difficult environment to provide library service. When library staff arrives in the unit, they announce their arrival with one word, “LI-I-brary.” I wish I could record it for you here, because how they say it is everything. There’s a tone in their voice that conveys 100% dedication to their patrons and nothing but cheer. You hear, “I’m from the library and I can’t wait to bring you this book, this information you asked for, this answer to your question….” This is nothing they were trained to do. Oh, sure, library staff was told to announce their presence so that the offenders had the opportunity to fully clothe themselves (there’s a part that’s UN-like other libraries!). And they were taught that every book delivered through that tray slot is an opportunity to model positive communication and interpersonal skills. But their belief that each offender is an individual, a valued patron, and has information needs deserving of respect is conveyed from the heart. This is true of all of the corrections library staff, from the lowest to the highest security level, from line staff to management. It’s humbling and renewing to be a part of a team with such values and dedication.
Colorado Correctional Libraries’ mission is to provide our patrons the opportunity and resources to explore their every informational, educational, recreational, and cultural need and interest. We encourage offenders to see the library as an empowering venue: the source for lifelong learning and the place where change happens. And oh, how empowering THEIR change is for US.
Judy didn’t tell you that when we were at CWCF, the women’s facility, she never saw a single patron in the library. Sigh. We were there on one of two days when cosmetology provides free services. Well, I guess going to the library just can’t compare to a free cut, color and manicure!